On Monday, January 13, Lauren Yee and Jackie Sibblies Drury were honored with Steinberg Playwright Awards at the 12th Annual “Mimi” Awards, held at the Lincoln Center Theater.
Following a cocktail hour and red-carpet entry of notable guests, attendees at the Awards Ceremony were treated to brief performances of both playwrights’ work (including a scene from Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band, which opens this February at the Irene Diamond Stage). The performances were introduced by their professional peers, who seemed as proud and thrilled as the honorees did. Interspersed throughout, guests heard touching and humorous remarks from both honorees, each of whom received a standing ovation.
The Steinberg Playwright Awards are held every other year to recognize up-and-coming American playwrights who have powerful and distinctive voices, and whose current bodies of work reflect outstanding talent and an ability to work outside the box. The Awards are granted by the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, which was created in 1986 by Harold Steinberg in his name and the name of his late wife, Miriam. The Trust’s mission has been to support and promote American theater by recognizing young playwrights, encouraging the development of new American plays, and supporting theater companies across the country. Each recipient of this prestigious award receives a cash prize of $50,000.
Prior to the performances, honoree Lauren Yee said, “I think it’s always wonderful to know when the work moves someone and resonates with them, because that’s the best you can hope for really. I’ve heard about the work that the Steinbergs have done for years and in a way I’ve gotten to see and be a part of that through various theaters I’ve had productions with, readings, like there’s so much work that the charitable trust has supported and so to be honored like this is just incredible.”
Her fellow honoree, Jackie Sibblies Drury, remarked, “I try to make work that sort of speaks to the structural inequalities of our society but in a fun and entertaining way. Because it is theater so I guess whenever you’re trying to talk about bold systemic changes people tend to label your work as important. It’s really rare that you have so many people you admire in one room. And it’s also equally rare, as a playwright, to have to stand up in front a group of them and talk to them so emotional and very nervous is how I’m going to feel.”
Both Yee and Drury, though perhaps not used to the spotlight, seemed delighted and touched to be singled out for praise. The audience was equally buoyant, and if unfamiliar with their work prior to the ceremony, are now real fans and anticipating their future work.
