About Face Theatre congratulates Doug Wright, 2004 Pulitzer Prize Winner

Mon. April 5, 2004 12:00 AM

Chicago, IL - About Face Theatre is proud to congratulate playwright Doug Wright on today’s announcement that he is the recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for his play I Am My Own Wife.

Developed in Chicago by About Face Theatre, in cooperation with the Museum of Contempo-rary Art, the one man tour de force I Am My Own Wife featured Obie-Award winning actor Jefferson Mays and the direction of Emmy-Award nominated Moisés Kaufman. This production went on to an acclaimed run at New York's Playwrights' Horizons and transferred to Broadway's Lyceum Theatre in November of 2003.

Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, I Am My Own Wife tells the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German transvestite who managed to survive the Nazi onslaught as well as the following, repressive Communist regime. The one-man play explores over 40 characters, including the controversial figure herself and the American writer who becomes intrigued by her.

Called “The Dramatic Event of the Year! An amazing theatrical experience!” by The New York Post, Doug Wright’s new play I Am My Own Wife garnered some of the strongest reviews of any new play in many seasons when it premiered at Playwrights Horizons. The New York Times praised it as “A spectacular story, fascinatingly and beautifully written by Doug Wright, an extraordinary performance by Jefferson Mays, directed with heartfelt precision by Moisés Kaufman.” New York-1 News called it “A tour de force that must be seen!” with The Journal News praising it as “A play of heart-stopping beauty.” “Astonishing,” proclaimed Newsday, calling the play, “altogether fascinating! One of the smartest collaborations in recent memory. What a gift this is!” And Time Out-New York stated simply, “DON’T MISS I AM MY OWN WIFE!”

The current Broadway production features design by About Face Theatre favorites Janice Pytel (costumes), and Andre J. Pluess & Ben Sussman (sound).
 

MORE CONTENT AFTER THESE SPONSORS