In a celebration of expertise, innovation and the worth of the humanities within the nation’s capital, Shakespeare Theatre Firm (STC), throughout its annual gala on April 13, honored actor Wendell Pierce for his storied profession that has not solely entertained audiences all over the world, however contributed to the DMV space’s creative panorama.
“It’s a profound honor to obtain the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre throughout Shakespeare Theatre Firm’s landmark fortieth Anniversary 25/26 Season,” mentioned Pierce, recognized for reveals resembling HBO’s “The Wire” (2002-2008) filmed in Baltimore, and “Treme” (2010-2013).
The honour, affectionately referred to as the “Will Award,” was introduced by his highschool buddy and fellow New Orleans native, legendary jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, and supplied inspiration to the actor, forward of his subsequent mission: STC’s “Othello,” working Could 19 to June 28.
“As I put together to imagine the position of Othello with STC this spring,” Pierce mentioned, “this second carries even deeper resonance.”
The upcoming manufacturing of “Othello” furthers STC’s repute for taking daring approaches to Shakespeare’s performs to permit his work to be extra accessible to a spread of audiences.
“As we rejoice 40 years of presenting audacious productions that redefine the thought of classical theatre, it appears becoming to honor such an distinctive and achieved classical actor as Wendell,” mentioned STC Inventive Director Simon Godwin, who will direct Pierce within the upcoming manufacturing. “I’m thrilled that we’re presenting the ‘Will Award’ to Wendell.”
For greater than 30 years, acclaimed artists, resembling: Hugh Bonneville, Indira Varma, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart, Morgan Freeman, Kenneth Branagh, Dame Judi Dench, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Redgrave, and Annette Benning, have acquired the “Will Award” for embracing roles in classical theatre.
Whereas the dignity ties nicely with Pierce’s efficiency in “Othello,” the actor has lengthy been a part of STC’s legacy.
“His stage and movie profession has been extraordinary,” Godwin continued, “and it’s nice to have him again at STC, the place he appeared early in his profession in ‘The Witch of Edmonton’ in 1987.”
For details about “Othello” and different STC productions, go to shakespearetheatre.org
