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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

TV Shows

Great Performances
[ 1971-2025 ] executive 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 Videos

News


Samira Wiley and Jin Ha Join the Cast of PROOF on Broadway Photo
Samira Wiley and Jin Ha Join the Cast of PROOF on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025

Emmy Award and SAG Award winner Samira Wiley will make her Broadway debut this spring with Grammy Award nominee Jin Ha, in the first ever Broadway revival of David Auburn’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof.
YELLOW FACE Regional Premiere and More Set for Ground Floor Theatre 2026 Season Photo
YELLOW FACE Regional Premiere and More Set for Ground Floor Theatre 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025

Ground Floor Theatre has unveiled the titles for the 2026 season including two Austin premieres, a regional premiere and a world premiere. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
GRIM World Premiere and More Set for La Jolla Playhouse 2026/2027 Season Photo
GRIM World Premiere and More Set for La Jolla Playhouse 2026/2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025

La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2026/2027 season featuring three world-premiere musicals—The Family Album, GRIM, and Particle Fever—plus West Coast premieres of Purpose and The Monsters, and the world premiere of A Black-billed Cuckoo, ahead of the 2026 WOW Festival in partnership with UC San Diego.
Santino Fontana and Patti Murin to Perform at Columbia University School of the Arts Photo
Santino Fontana and Patti Murin to Perform at Columbia University School of the Arts Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025

Columbia University School of the Arts will host a special gala celebration to commemorate 60 Years of Artmaking and raise support for student scholarships. Learn more about the November gala!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2025- HAMILTON Tops the Grosses and More Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2025- HAMILTON Tops the Grosses and More
by - Oct 22, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
David Henry Hwang’s YELLOW FACE (Broadway Edition) Will Be Published in November Photo
David Henry Hwang’s YELLOW FACE (Broadway Edition) Will Be Published in November
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2025

Theatre Communications Group is set to publish Yellow Face (Broadway Edition) by David Henry Hwang, next month. The edition is available now for pre-order.
Oregon Shakespeare Announces Cast for COME FROM AWAY, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, and More Photo
Oregon Shakespeare Announces Cast for COME FROM AWAY, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, and More
by Gillian Blum - Oct 18, 2025

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival announced select casing and creative teams for its 2026 season's productions, including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, COME FROM AWAY, and more.
San Francisco Opera To Premiere Huang Ruo And David Henry Hwang’s THE MONKEY KING I Photo
San Francisco Opera To Premiere Huang Ruo And David Henry Hwang’s THE MONKEY KING In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2025

San Francisco Opera will present the world premiere of The Monkey King by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang, running November 14–30, 2025, at the War Memorial Opera House.
East West Players Sets New Dates for David Henry Hwang’s Updated FLOWER DRUM SONG Photo
East West Players Sets New Dates for David Henry Hwang’s Updated FLOWER DRUM SONG
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025

East West Players has announced updates to its upcoming production lineup, along with a special celebration highlighting 60 years of artistic achievement. Learn more here!
The National Arts Club to Present Free Arts Programs And Exhibitions This November Photo
The National Arts Club to Present Free Arts Programs And Exhibitions This November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 8, 2025

The National Arts Club to present a month of free public events this November, honoring playwrights David Henry Hwang and Moisés Kaufman and featuring programs in theatre, music, literature, film, fashion, and archaeology, plus two major exhibitions at its historic Gramercy Park home.
Interview: Lou Okell of M. BUTTERFLY at Brookfield Theatre Photo
Interview: Lou Okell of M. BUTTERFLY at Brookfield Theatre
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Oct 6, 2025

When David Henry Hwang’s 1988 play M. Butterfly premiered at the National Theater in Washington D.C. and then produced on Broadway, it was truly visionary, compelling, thought-provoking, and outright shocking. Revised in 2017 to incorporate information that was released after the original play was produced, more people’s acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, and China’s growth as a superpower.
Interview: Director Jeff Liu of PARANORMAL INSIDE at East West Players Photo
Interview: Director Jeff Liu of PARANORMAL INSIDE at East West Players
by Shari Barrett - Oct 5, 2025

I spoke with Jeff Liu about his journey directing Paranormal Inside after The Brothers Paranormal, the difference between the two scripts and the characters’ friendship, his experience working with its original cast members, and any updates on what a spectacular boo-fest the production promises to be.
Review: M. BUTTERFLY at Brookfield Theatre Of The Arts Photo
Review: M. BUTTERFLY at Brookfield Theatre Of The Arts
by Jared Reynolds - Sep 29, 2025

Theater is vulnerability. You might see am actors on the stage think about their talent, their confidence, or their dedication, but all of that stems from vulnerability. You could of be the best actor in the world, but if you can't allow yourself to be vulnerable on the stage, the you'll always hold yourself back. Nothing was held back in Brookfield Theatre of the Arts‘ production of M. Butterfy by David Henry Hwang.
Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Now Accepting Applications For Cycle Four Photo
Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Now Accepting Applications For Cycle Four
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025

Rattlestick Theater, the Terrence McNally Foundation, and Tom Kirdahy Productions have announced the opening of submissions for Cycle 4 of the Terrence McNally New Works Incubator.
A BEAUTIFUL MIND Musical Adaptation in the Works Photo
A BEAUTIFUL MIND Musical Adaptation in the Works
by Stephi Wild - Sep 15, 2025

McCarter Theatre Center has commissioned a new musical based on the film A Beautiful Mind. The musical is from the award-winning team of composer/lyricist Zoe Sarnak and playwright Sarah Treem.  
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre to Launch 49th Season with Staged Reading of EMPRESS MEI Photo
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre to Launch 49th Season with Staged Reading of EMPRESS MEI LI LOTUS BLOSSOM
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2025

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Tisa Chang, will open its 49th milestone season with a staged reading of Empress Mei Li Lotus Blossom, a new play by Christine Toy Johnson directed by Nina Zöe Lam.
Eighth Annual China Now Music Festival In New York Unveils 2025 Season Photo
Eighth Annual China Now Music Festival In New York Unveils 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2025

The US-China Music Institute at Bard College is launching ticket sales for the eighth annual China Now Music Festival, taking place in New York City and at Bard College. Learn more!
Cast Set for PARANORMAL INSIDE at East West Players Photo
Cast Set for PARANORMAL INSIDE at East West Players
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2025

East West Players has revealed the cast and company for the first production of the highly anticipated National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of PARANORMAL INSIDE. Learn more!
Theatre Communications Group to Present 2025 Fall Forum on Governance: Leadership for Photo
Theatre Communications Group to Present 2025 Fall Forum on Governance: Leadership for the Long Arc
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025

Theatre Communications Group's 2025 Fall Forum on Governance will take place in New York City from November 7–9, 2025. Learn more and see how to attend!
Karen Chia-Ling Ho Named 2025 Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Star of the Photo
Karen Chia-Ling Ho Named 2025 Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Star of the Year
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2025

Taiwanese soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho has been named the 2025 Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Star of the Year by San Francisco Opera, honored for her acclaimed portrayal of Mimì in La Bohème.
More News

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?

David Henry Hwang has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Outstanding Book of a Musical and Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Soft Power. He received the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards for both Yellow Face and Golden Child. His play M. Butterfly earned him the Outstanding New Play award at the Drama Desk Awards, the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Best Play award at the Tony Awards. Additionally, he won the Best New American Play at the 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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