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What is Dramaturgy? Some Answers From Our Members:
“The dramaturg is the bridge-builder. We bridge the gap between scholarship and practice. We bridge the gap between the actor and their understanding of the text. We bridge the gap between the play and the audience. We have memorized the play, and can guide anyone through it blindfolded. We have fallen in love with the play, and will defend it at all costs. At the same time, we constantly question the play. It is our job, as dramaturgs, to become experts on a play, and to make those around us feel like experts, too.”
-- Amanda Beth Giguere, Literary Manager at Colorado Shakespeare Festival
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LMDA Honors Douglas Langworthy with 2012 Elliott Hayes Award
At the 2012 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas awarded the Elliott Hayes Award for Outstanding Dramaturgy in North America to Douglas Langworthy for his work on the Denver Center Theatre Company’s (DCTC) production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize- winning Ruined.
The LMDA Prize in Dramaturgy recognizes exemplary contributions by dramaturgs to the conception, development and production of theatre or to educational projects in dramaturgy. With his work on Ruined, a powerful play highlighting the struggles of Congolese women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the violence and brutality that often marks their lives, Langworthy created a dramaturgical work that was local, global, artistic and activist. Langworthy elevated the multi-award winning play by pursuing a unique institutional partnership between the DCTC and another Denver nonprofit with strong roots in Africa, the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund (WGEF). Through a relationship that brought African women to Denver and took Langworthy to Africa, DCTC and WGEF made the stories of Ruined real, palpable and personal for the creative team and for the audience. That artistic relationship continues.
In a letter of nomination, Karen Sugar, founder of WGEF said:
“Doug became a trusted friend and colleague to the community. Doug's commitment to the 'telling of the story,' whether it's a classic or indigenous women sharing stories of hope and courage, is inspiring. Doug connects theatre, drama and the human spirit with integrity and sensitivity. His support and commitment to the women of northern Uganda and our collaboration has introduced WGEF to a whole new audience. Doug is a dramaturg and an activist, giving voice to women who have been silenced and marginalized but are now celebrated playwrights, actors, and directors.”
LMDA also recognized Ms. Sugar and WGEF with a Special Commendation that celebrated their collaboration and organizational partnership with DCTC.
For more information contact Janine Sobeck, VP Communications.
Photo: Douglas Langworthy holds the Elliott Hayes Award plaque. Photo by Cynthia R. SoRelle
