When searching for a list of memorable playwrights who left their mark on the world by way of beautiful theatrical pieces, you often find that they are disappointingly absent of females. This does not mean that there is a lack of talent from women in the world of theatre; their magnificent work is simply under appreciated.
In older days, women were not permitted to flaunt or display their artistic talents. Many great female writers went unnoticed, their works lost beneath a sea of productions written by their male counterparts. Thankfully, modern times have paved the way for women to bring their works to the stage. Though women are now able to live their dreams and become successful playwrights, there are not many who are household names. Here is a list of female playwrights to remember.
1. Tina Howe
Tina Howe is known for her experimental writing. She loved to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in theatre by investigating absurdity in realism. Her most beloved pieces include Coastal Disturbances, Painting Churches and Prides Crossing. Tina Howe has won multiple awards, which include an Obie Award in 1983 and nominations for both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for drama.
2. Lillian Hellman
Lillian Hellman is known for her screenplays and memoirs. Her greatest works include Little Foxes, The Children’s Hour and Toys in the Attic.Little Foxes earned her a nomination for an Academy Award. A person of great moral character, when called to testify for the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s, she refused to mention anyone else’s name but her own.
3. Paula Vogel
Paula Vogel truly pushed the limits with her writing by tackling dark, taboo subjects that were rarely touched. She wrote about AIDS and incest in ways that were tasteful and creative. Bringing attention to factors such as these earned her an Obie Award for her play, The Baltimore Waltz, in 1992. She also received a well-deserved Pulitzer Prize for her work, How I Learned to Drive.
4. Caryl Churchill
Caryl Churchill is an English playwright who is known for her feminist themes and nods towards non-naturalistic features. She also experimented with Dance Theater. Some of her works are quite dark, such as a notable favorite, The Skriker. Other works include magnificent productions like Cloud Nine and Top Girls.
5. Marsha Norman
This Pulitzer Prize winning playwright gained an enormous amount of success through her work, ‘Night, Mother. She was multi-talented, and wrote an adaptation for The Secret Garden that included the book and musical lyrics. She won a Tony Award for this production in the year 1991. Other memorable plays include her work, Loving Daniel Boone.
These female playwrights have earned their place among the stars and should be remembered as some of the greats. For more information about the production of theatrical performances, contact a representative for Lionheart Theatre Company and consider taking one of our many classes.