Signature Theatre Names David Henry Hwang as 2012-2013 Residency One Playwright

The Signature Theatre Company will spotlight Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang as the Residency One Playwright for its 2012-2013 season. Hwang will follow Athol Fugard as the second Residency One Playwright at Signature’s new Pershing Square Signature Center. The company will produce a series of his works throughout the year. Titles, dates, casting and creative team details for the Hwang series will be announced at a later date.

“I have been looking forward to a season of David Henry Hwang’s work for a long time and I am thrilled that he will be Signature’s 2012-2013 Residency One Playwright,” said Signature’s Founding Artistic Director James Houghton in a statement. “For over thirty years, David's plays have tackled critical issues of identity, legacy, and the global community with incredible insight and great humor. We are honored to have David join the company and to produce three of his extraordinary plays.”

Hwang won the 1988 Tony Award for his hit play M. Butterfly, which he also adapted for film. His comedy Chinglish opened earlier this season at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre on October 27, 2011 and closed on January 29. Hwang’s other works include Golden Child (Tony nomination), Yellow Face (Pulitzer Finalist), FOB, Disney’s Tarzan, Aida and the revival of Flower Drum Song. He currently holds the title as America’s most-produced living opera librettist. From 1994-2000, he served by appointment of President Clinton on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

This year, Signature Theatre produced the works of Residency One Playwright Athol Fugard including Blood Knot, My Children! My Africa! and The Train Driver.