Residency One "is Signature's core one-year playwright-in-residence program that produces a series of plays from the body of work of one accomplished writer." Hwang succeeds Athol Fugard, whose My Children! My Africa! and The Train Driver will be presented in the coming months, as Signature's Residency One playwright. Fugard was the first Residency One writer in the company new home on West 42nd Street.
Titles, dates and directors for the David Henry Hwang series will be announced at a later date. Hwang's most recent Broadway play was Chinglish, which won the Chicago Jeff Award as Best Play prior to Broadway. He won the Tony Award for Best Play for M. Butterfly.
Signature founding artistic director James Houghton said in a statement, "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. For over 30 years, David's plays have tackled critical issues of identity, legacy, and the global community with incredible insight and great humor. He is also a fierce supporter of emerging playwrights and a vital leader in the New York theatre community. We are honored to have David join the company and to produce three of his extraordinary plays."
Hwang said in a statement, "It doesn't feel like so much time has passed since Joe Papp gave me my first production more than 30 years ago. I am moved and grateful for this amazing opportunity to revisit some of my early work in the beautiful new Pershing Square Signature Center. Joining the roster of iconic playwrights who have enjoyed Residency One seasons has long been a fantasy of mine. Thanks so much to Jim Houghton and Signature Theatre for making my dreams come true."
Hwang's plays include M. Butterfly (1988 Tony Award, 1989 Pulitzer Finalist), Golden Child (1996 Obie Award, 1998 Tony Nomination), Yellow Face (2008 Obie Award and Pulitzer Finalist) and FOB (1981 Obie Award). His Broadway musicals include the books for Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida (co-author), Flower Drum Song (revival, 2002 Tony nomination) and Disney's Tarzan. For an in-depth look at the theatrical history of Hwang, click here.
