Signature Theatre Company to Feature Athol Fugard as Inaugural Residency Playwright at New Facility

The Signature Theatre Company will launch its previously announced new permanent home, the Signature Center, in February 2012 with Athol Fugard featured as its inaugural Residency One playwright. The company will produce a series of his works throughout the year. Titles, dates, casting and creative team details for the Fugard series will be announced at a later date.

"Signature is honored to host Athol Fugard as our inaugural Residency One playwright and our first international Playwright-in-Residence," Signature's Founding Artistic Director James Houghton said in a statement. "Athol is a writer of astounding courage and humanity, which is evident in his breathtaking body of work that spans over 50 years."

A South African playwright, director and actor, Fugard will receive a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement at this year's June 12 ceremony. Fugold has earned Tony nominations for his plays Blood Knot and A Lesson From Aloes, as well as for writing and directing "Master Harold"...and the Boys, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island. His many other plays include No-Good Friday, Nongogo, People Are Living, There, Boesman and Lena, Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act, The Road to Mecca, A Place With the Pigs, My Children! My Africa!, Playland and Valley Song.

The 74,000 square foot Signature Center facility will be located at 48 West 42nd St. and is designed by Frank Gehry. The space will feature three theaters, two rehearsal spaces as well as a cafe and bookstore.