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David Henry Hwang

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BIO

David Henry Hwang is a Tony Award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and librettist. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1957, Hwang grew up in a Chinese American household and attended Stanford University where he earned a degree in English.


Hwang's breakthrough came in 1988 with his play "M. Butterfly," which won the Tony Award for Best Play and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The play is based on the true story of a French diplomat who carried on a 20-year affair with a Chinese opera singer, only to discover that she was actually a man. "M. Butterfly" explores themes of gender, sexuality, and cultural identity, and has been produced in numerous languages and countries around the world.
In addition to "M. Butterfly," Hwang has written a number of other critically acclaimed plays, including "Golden Child," "Chinglish," and "Yellow Face." His work often explores the complexities of Asian American identity and the intersection of different cultures.
Hwang has also had success in film and television. He wrote the screenplay for the 1993 film "Golden Gate," which starred Matt Dillon and Joan Chen, and he co-wrote the screenplay for the 1998 Disney animated film "Mulan." He has also written for television shows such as "The Affair" and "The Strain."
In addition to his work as a playwright and screenwriter, Hwang has also contributed to the world of opera. He wrote the libretto for the opera "The Silver River," which premiered in 1997, and he wrote the book for the Broadway musical "Aida," which won four Tony Awards in 2000.
Hwang's contributions to the world of theater have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Tony Award for "M. Butterfly," he has received three Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2014.
In recent years, Hwang has continued to be a prominent voice in the theater world. In 2017, he wrote the play "Soft Power," which premiered at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. The play is a satirical look at American politics and culture, and explores the idea of soft power, or the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.
Hwang has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts. In 2016, he was appointed as the Chair of the American Theatre Wing, the organization responsible for the Tony Awards. In this role, he has worked to promote diversity and equity in the theater industry.
Overall, David Henry Hwang is a prolific and influential figure in the world of theater, film, and television. His work has explored important themes and issues related to identity, culture, and politics, and has helped to pave the way for other Asian American artists in the industry.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
[West End]
Original London Production, 2002
Lord Scrumptious
Carousel
[West End]
Royal National Theatre Production, 1992
David Bascombe
Tyger
[West End]
Original London Production, 1971
Performer

Productions

Yellow FaceYellow Face
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Playwright
Flower Drum Song
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Book Revisions
Flower Drum Song
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Bookwriter
The Dance and the Railroad
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Violin

Writing

Yellow Face
Playwright
Face Value
Composer
Lyricist
Rich Relations
Playwright
FOB
Playwright
Face Value
Playwright
Golden Child
Playwright
Kung Fu
Playwright
Chinglish
Playwright
M. Butterfly
Playwright
Golden Child
Playwright
Yellow Face
Playwright
Aida
Bookwriter
Tarzan
Bookwriter

Movies

M. Butterfly
[ 1993 ] writer
Golden Gate
[ 1993 ] writer
Possession
[ 2002 ] writer
White Frog
[ 2012 ] Ptor
Yellow Face
[ 2013 ] producer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

David Henry Hwang, Soft Power


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

David Henry Hwang, Soft Power


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding New Score

David Henry HwangSoft Power

The Pulitzer Prize - 2020 - Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Henry Hwang, Soft Power

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Play

David Henry Hwang, Chinglish


winner
Obie Awards - 2008 - Playwriting

David Henry Hwang, Yellow Face

The Pulitzer Prize - 2008 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Henry Hwang,, Yellow Face

The Pulitzer Prize - 2008 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Henry Hwang, Yellow Face

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Book of a Musical

David Henry Hwang, Flower Drum Song

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Play

David Henry Hwang, Golden Child


winner
Obie Awards - 1997 - Playwriting

David Henry Hwang, Golden Child

Helen Hayes Awards - 1989 - Outstanding New Play

David Henry HwangM. Butterfly

The Pulitzer Prize - 1989 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Henry Hwang, M. Butterfly


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding New Play

David Henry Hwang, M Butterfly

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Play

David Henry Hwang, M. Butterfly


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

David Henry Hwang, M. Butterfly


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Play

David Henry Hwang, M. Butterfly

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Play

David Henry Hwang, The Dance and the Railroad

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Play

David Henry Hwang, Family Devotions


winner
Obie Awards - 1981 - Best New American Play

David Henry Hwang, FOB

Videos

More Video

News


Video: Go Inside Rehearsals & Learn About Signature Theatre's Revised SOFT POWER Photo
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals & Learn About Signature Theatre's Revised SOFT POWER

Go inside rehearsals and learn more about Signature Theatre's DC premiere of Soft Power. Soft Power is a musical fantasia with music by Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo, Fun Home) and book and lyrics by David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Yellow Face).
Photos: Telly Leung Takes the Stage At Birdland Jazz Photo
Photos: Telly Leung Takes the Stage At Birdland Jazz

On Monday, July 22, Birdland presented Broadway leading man Telly Leung with a new concert, “Back to Birdland.” See photos from the show!
Photos: Shaina Taub and More Join The Dramatists Guild's Candela Playwrights Summer F Photo
Photos: Shaina Taub and More Join The Dramatists Guild's Candela Playwrights Summer Fellowship

The Candela Playwrights Summer Fellowship, held at the Dramatists Guild of America in New York City from July 14-19, 2024, graduated eighteen artists who successfully completed this year’s program dedicated to development of playwrights, book writers, and lyricists – all with heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean. See photos from their visit.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 25, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 25, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 25, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Exclusive: 'I'm With Her' from Signature Theatre's Revised SOFT POWER Photo
Exclusive: 'I'm With Her' from Signature Theatre's Revised SOFT POWER

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at the cast of Signature Theatre's DC premiere of Soft Power in rehearsal. Soft Power is a musical fantasia with music by Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo, Fun Home) and book and lyrics by David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Yellow Face).
Signature Theatre Announces Cast And Creative Team Of SOFT POWER Photo
Signature Theatre Announces Cast And Creative Team Of SOFT POWER

Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for SOFT POWER.
Candela Reveals Fellows For Its Second Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship Program Photo
Candela Reveals Fellows For Its Second Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship Program

Candela, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing high-quality theater education for emerging playwrights, book writers, and lyricists of Latin American and Caribbean heritage, has announced the fellows for its second annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship program.
Telly Leung to Present BACK TO BIRDLAND in July Photo
Telly Leung to Present BACK TO BIRDLAND in July

Telly Leung will return to Birdland with his new show 'Back to Birdland.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024-25 Season Now On Sale Photo
Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024-25 Season Now On Sale

Single tickets are now on sale for Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024-2025 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Learn more about the season how to purchase
Video: Watch 'Democracy (Reprise)' from SOFT POWER at Signature Theatre Photo
Video: Watch 'Democracy (Reprise)' from SOFT POWER at Signature Theatre

Watch the cast of Soft Power at Signature theatre perform 'Democracy (Reprise)' in the video here! The production will run August 6 – September 15, 2024.
Review: Lyric Stage Company Of Boston's YELLOW FACE is a Head on Look at Fallout of M Photo
Review: Lyric Stage Company Of Boston's YELLOW FACE is a Head on Look at Fallout of Miscasting

There was considerable excitement surrounding the pre-Broadway world-premiere production of David Henry Hwang’s “Face Value” when it opened at Boston’s Colonial Theatre in early 1993.
Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl Join Dramatists Guild Council Photo
Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl Join Dramatists Guild Council

Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl have joined The Dramatists Guild Council, the leadership team of the Guild.
David Henry Hwang & More Join Entertainment Community Fund Board Photo
David Henry Hwang & More Join Entertainment Community Fund Board

The Entertainment Community Fund welcomed the appointment of four new board members. Learn more about the Fund.
East West Players' ON THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD Cast Recording Available Now Photo
East West Players' ON THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD Cast Recording Available Now

East West Players has released the World Premiere Cast Recording of the soaring new musical, On This Side of the World.   
IN THE HEIGHTS, SOFT POWER & More Set for Signature Theatre 2024-25 Season Photo
IN THE HEIGHTS, SOFT POWER & More Set for Signature Theatre 2024-25 Season

Signature Theatre has unveiled its 2024-2025 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
June Audible Content Includes LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES, WILD WITH HAPPY, & More Photo
June Audible Content Includes LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES, WILD WITH HAPPY, & More

Several theatrical audio projects are due to stream on Audible in June, including a recording of Laura Benanti's solo show Nobody Cares (which is running through June 2 at the Minetta Lane Theater), Colman Domingo's play Wild With Happy, and Alex Newell and the Gospel of a Diva.
Interview: David Henry Hwang Discusses YELLOW FACE Audible Drama Ahead of Play's Broa Photo
Interview: David Henry Hwang Discusses YELLOW FACE Audible Drama Ahead of Play's Broadway Debut

At the beginning of May, a brand new audio version of David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face debuted on Audible, which features a starry cast that includes Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, Ashley Park, and Jane Krakoswki. BroadwayWorld sat down with Hwang to discuss this new way of experiencing his play and how he approached the material 17 years later.
The American Theatre Wing to Relaunch National Theatre Company Grants Program Photo
The American Theatre Wing to Relaunch National Theatre Company Grants Program

The American Theatre Wing will relaunch of ATW’s National Theatre Company Grants program. Learn more about the program and see how to apply.
Rising Phoenix Repertory Announces Lina Patel As The Recipient Of The Cornelia Street Photo
Rising Phoenix Repertory Announces Lina Patel As The Recipient Of The Cornelia Street American Playwriting Award

Lina Patel wins the Cornelia Street Playwriting Award for 2024, recognizing her outstanding contributions to contemporary theater.
David Henry Hwang's YELLOW FACE Announced At Lyric Stage Boston Photo
David Henry Hwang's YELLOW FACE Announced At Lyric Stage Boston

Explore the thought-provoking and humorous play YELLOW FACE at Lyric Stage Boston, delving into themes of identity and cultural perception.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has David Henry Hwang been in?

David Henry Hwang has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has David Henry Hwang been in?

David Henry Hwang has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.

What was David Henry Hwang's first West End show?

David Henry Hwang's first West End show was Tyger which opened in 1971

What awards has David Henry Hwang been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Soft Power, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Soft Power, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Soft Power, Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Soft Power, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Chinglish, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Yellow Face, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Yellow Face, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Yellow Face, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Flower Drum Song, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Golden Child, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Golden Child, Outstanding New Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for M. Butterfly, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for M. Butterfly, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for M Butterfly, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for M. Butterfly, John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for M. Butterfly, Best Play (Tony Awards) for M. Butterfly , Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Dance and the Railroad, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Family Devotions and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for FOB.

What awards has David Henry Hwang won?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Soft Power; Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Soft Power; Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Yellow Face; Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Golden Child; Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for M Butterfly; John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for M. Butterfly; Best Play (Tony Awards) for M. Butterfly; and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for FOB.

How many shows has David Henry Hwang written?

David Henry Hwang has written 17 shows including Alice in Wonderland (Libretto), FOB (Playwright), The Dance and the Railroad (Playwright), Family Devotions (Playwright), Sound and Beauty (Playwright), Rich Relations (Playwright), M. Butterfly (Playwright), Face Value (Composer), Golden Child (Playwright), Golden Child (Playwright), Aida (Bookwriter), Tarzan (Bookwriter), Yellow Face (Playwright), Yellow Face (Playwright), Chinglish (Playwright), Kung Fu (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story).

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