Center Stage Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah Named in Queen's Honors

This weekend Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah was named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in his native Great Britain. The Order of the British Empire is an honor given to those whom have shown distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services, and charitable organizations.

“My mother came from a tiny village in a small island in the Caribbean. If she were here today on this announcement, I perceive that it may have validated much of the pain, suffering and self-sacrifice she, my father, and many other family members of the Windrush generation went through to give their children a shot of living what I would of course call the West Indian dream, but what is in fact, the immigrant’s dream,” said Kwame, speaking of the honor. “A dream that although far from complete, has made our country a warmer, more equitable place than it was when they first arrived on its shores. It is with this narrative at the forefront of my mind that I say I am truly humbled to have been given this award.”

Jay Smith, President of the CENTERSTAGE Board of Trustees, said, “This is an exciting honor for Kwame, who in one year has brought significant energy to CENTERSTAGE and to the theater and arts community in Maryland. This is a very prestigious award that recognizes his national standing and reputation in Great Britain and reinforces that we are very lucky to have Kwame as our Artistic Director at CENTERSTAGE."

Established in 1917 by King George V, The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, appointed by the British monarch on the recommendation the government. It is among the highest honors that a Briton can receive from the Sovereign, and can be presented in one of six levels. The Officer (OBE) is given to those who have distinguished themselves in a national role that has had a “contribution felt by a significant number of people or across a broad geographical area,” according to the nomination guidelines.

Kwame will be presented with the honor by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year.

The State Theater of Maryland, CENTERSTAGE just announced its 50th Anniversary Season. The not-for-profit company serves as a local hub and national leader for smart, provocative, and entertaining theater and as a catalyst for conversation with the community. Each year, a consistently broad range of productions in two intimate performing spaces attracts highly diverse audiences of more than 100,000 people—including more than 8,000 fiercely loyal members, many of whom have been with the theater during its entire history. Additionally, CENTERSTAGE offers a variety of dramaturgical, community, and educational programs to broaden access and enhance the theatergoing experience.

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