Eugene Ionesco
Eugene Ionesco is a playwright, source material with credits tracked on BroadwayWorld. Awards include Drama Desk Awards for The Chairs (1998).
Date of Birth: November 26, 1909
Date of Death: March 29, 1994 (84)
Birth Place: Slatina, ROMANIA
Latest News on Eugene Ionesco:
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Revival-Musical
Eugene Ionesco, The Chairs
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Revival-Play
Eugene Ionesco, The Chairs
Videos
Broadway Rewind: EXIT THE KING Makes an Entrance on Broadway in 2009
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-04-12 16:31:00
VIDEO: RHINOCEROS Director Discusses the Future of Yiddish Theatre
by BWW News Desk - 2017-08-31 13:15:04
VIDEO: RHINOCEROS Star Explains Yiddish Theatre's Influence on Eugene Ionesco
by BWW News Desk - 2017-08-28 14:55:28
VIDEO: RHINOCEROS Director Talks Eugene Ionesco's Take on Theatre of the Absurd
by BWW News Desk - 2017-08-17 12:40:40
News
GO TRY PLAYWRITE Monthly Contest Announces October Prompt
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Kumu Kahua Theatre and Bamboo Ridge Press announced the October prompt for GO TRY PLAYWRITE, a free monthly playwriting contest. Winners receive $100 and a press subscription.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Kumu Kahua Theatre and Bamboo Ridge Press announced the October prompt for GO TRY PLAYWRITE, a free monthly playwriting contest. Winners receive $100 and a press subscription.
Previews: A LIFE IN THE THEATRE at Trumbull Library Community Room
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Sep 27, 2026
There's no excuse to miss this reading of David Mamet's ode to the theatre.
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Sep 27, 2026
There's no excuse to miss this reading of David Mamet's ode to the theatre.
Review: RHINOCEROS at THE CATASTROPHIC THEATRE
by Brett Cullum - Sep 22, 2026
This company is at the top of its game, and the performances of George Parker and Kyle Sturdivant are iconic. But please, let’s progress in our politics and not make them do it again!
by Brett Cullum - Sep 22, 2026
This company is at the top of its game, and the performances of George Parker and Kyle Sturdivant are iconic. But please, let’s progress in our politics and not make them do it again!
Interview: Tamarie Cooper And Kyle Sturdivant of RHINOCEROS at CATASTROPHIC THEATRE
by Brett Cullum - Sep 18, 2026
It was something that just shot out of my brain when discussing with Jason Nodler, my co-artistic director, what shows we were considering for this current season, and it just wasn't even something we debated. It just sort of was like, well, we need to do Rhinoceros again.
by Brett Cullum - Sep 18, 2026
It was something that just shot out of my brain when discussing with Jason Nodler, my co-artistic director, what shows we were considering for this current season, and it just wasn't even something we debated. It just sort of was like, well, we need to do Rhinoceros again.
Eugène Ionesco's THE BALD SOPRANO to be Presented Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026
The Resident Acting Company will present The Bald Soprano written by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Bradford Cover. The production will be presented at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026
The Resident Acting Company will present The Bald Soprano written by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Bradford Cover. The production will be presented at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture.
Video: Paul Giamatti and John Turturro Star in RHINOCEROS at A.R.T.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2026
Check out new video of acclaimed actors Paul Giamatti and John Turturro in the A.R.T. production of Eugene Ionesco's landmark play, Rhinoceros.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2026
Check out new video of acclaimed actors Paul Giamatti and John Turturro in the A.R.T. production of Eugene Ionesco's landmark play, Rhinoceros.
EXIT THE KING to Open at Sinclair College Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2026
Sinclair College Theatre will stage Eugene Ionesco's EXIT THE KING in the Black Box Theatre, directed by Gina Neuerer, with free admission and first-come, first-served seating.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2026
Sinclair College Theatre will stage Eugene Ionesco's EXIT THE KING in the Black Box Theatre, directed by Gina Neuerer, with free admission and first-come, first-served seating.
RHINOCEROS and More Set for Catastrophic Theatre 2026-27 Season Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2026
The Catastrophic Theatre has revealed its upcoming season lineup, featuring Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, Murder Murder Kill Kill Kill by by Brian Jucha & the Catastrophic ensemble and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2026
The Catastrophic Theatre has revealed its upcoming season lineup, featuring Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, Murder Murder Kill Kill Kill by by Brian Jucha & the Catastrophic ensemble and more.
HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING Will Come to A Red Orchid Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Aug 12, 2026
A Red Orchid Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, directed by ensemble member dado, as the company opens its 34th season.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 12, 2026
A Red Orchid Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, directed by ensemble member dado, as the company opens its 34th season.
EXIT THE KING, LITTLE WOMEN and More to be Presented at Sinclair Theatre This Fall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 11, 2026
Sinclair Theatre has revealed its 2026–27 season, featuring a lineup of classic stories reimagined for contemporary audiences. The season will include Eugene Ionesco's Exit the King, Kate Hamill's adaptation of Little Women, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 11, 2026
Sinclair Theatre has revealed its 2026–27 season, featuring a lineup of classic stories reimagined for contemporary audiences. The season will include Eugene Ionesco's Exit the King, Kate Hamill's adaptation of Little Women, and more.
ENDGAME to Open at Theatre Exile in September
by Stephi Wild - Aug 5, 2026
The Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium will present Samuel Beckett's ENDGAME at Theatre Exile in Philadelphia as part of the Fringe Arts Festival, directed by Tina Ann Brock.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 5, 2026
The Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium will present Samuel Beckett's ENDGAME at Theatre Exile in Philadelphia as part of the Fringe Arts Festival, directed by Tina Ann Brock.
Trap Door Theatre to Present 33rd Season of Mainstage and Short Run Works
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
Trap Door Theatre in Chicago will present its 33rd season, featuring Mainstage productions, Short Run shows, and Special Performances, including a world premiere musical and several U.S. and Chicago premieres.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026
Trap Door Theatre in Chicago will present its 33rd season, featuring Mainstage productions, Short Run shows, and Special Performances, including a world premiere musical and several U.S. and Chicago premieres.
RHINOCEROS Extends at A.R.T. Through Late September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2026
American Repertory Theater will extend the run of its new production of Rhinoceros. The new production of Eugene Ionesco’s landmark play will now close in late September.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2026
American Repertory Theater will extend the run of its new production of Rhinoceros. The new production of Eugene Ionesco’s landmark play will now close in late September.
Review: RHINOCEROS at Vermont Stage
by Wiley D - May 5, 2026
Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Cristina Alicea for Vermont Stage, is a relevant play about the dangers of conformity and anger in times of change. Originally written as part of the “Theatre of the Absurd” movement in 1959, the play follows Berenger, a kind-hearted drunk who works at a local newspaper, as he navigates his life during an outbreak of people turning into Rhinoceros. The production opened at Main Street Landing on April 30th and runs until May 17th.
by Wiley D - May 5, 2026
Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Cristina Alicea for Vermont Stage, is a relevant play about the dangers of conformity and anger in times of change. Originally written as part of the “Theatre of the Absurd” movement in 1959, the play follows Berenger, a kind-hearted drunk who works at a local newspaper, as he navigates his life during an outbreak of people turning into Rhinoceros. The production opened at Main Street Landing on April 30th and runs until May 17th.
Reg Rogers to Lead the Cast of RHINOCEROS at Yale Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026
Yale Repertory Theatre will present Rhinoceros, Eugene Ionesco’s tragicomic vision of the horrors of groupthink at Yale Repertory Theatre. The cast will be led by Reg Rogers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026
Yale Repertory Theatre will present Rhinoceros, Eugene Ionesco’s tragicomic vision of the horrors of groupthink at Yale Repertory Theatre. The cast will be led by Reg Rogers.
Eugene Ionesco RHINOCEROS to Launch Switch Theatre Company's 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025
Following up on their successful relaunch, Switch Theatre Company will kick off their four-show 2026 season with Eugene Ionesco's classic allegory, Rhinoceros.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025
Following up on their successful relaunch, Switch Theatre Company will kick off their four-show 2026 season with Eugene Ionesco's classic allegory, Rhinoceros.
RHINOCEROS Comes to Switch Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025
Following up on their relaunch, Switch Theatre Company will kick off their four-show 2026 season with Eugene Ionesco's classic allegory, Rhinoceros. Learn more about the production here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025
Following up on their relaunch, Switch Theatre Company will kick off their four-show 2026 season with Eugene Ionesco's classic allegory, Rhinoceros. Learn more about the production here!
RHINOCEROS Comes to the Pavilion Theatre in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 29, 2025
Penn State Centre Stage, in the College of Arts and Architecture, will present 'Rhinoceros,' by Eugène Ionesco, directed by Sam Osheroff, Oct. 6-18, in the Pavilion Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 29, 2025
Penn State Centre Stage, in the College of Arts and Architecture, will present 'Rhinoceros,' by Eugène Ionesco, directed by Sam Osheroff, Oct. 6-18, in the Pavilion Theatre.
Interview: Theatre Life with Robert Sella
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 20, 2025
Today's subject Robert Sella is currently living his theatre life onstage at Round House Theatre as he prepares to begin performances of Matthew López's epic play The Inheritance. The show is performed in two parts and will begin performances on August 27th running through October 19th.
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 20, 2025
Today's subject Robert Sella is currently living his theatre life onstage at Round House Theatre as he prepares to begin performances of Matthew López's epic play The Inheritance. The show is performed in two parts and will begin performances on August 27th running through October 19th.
EXIT THE KING to be Presented by Basement Theatrics for One Night Only
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Basement Theatrics will present its staged reading of Eugène Ionesco's classic Exit The King at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre at HB Studio. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Basement Theatrics will present its staged reading of Eugène Ionesco's classic Exit The King at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre at HB Studio. Learn more here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Eugene Ionesco written?
Eugene Ionesco has written 15 shows including The Chairs/ The Lesson (Playwright), Victims of Duty (Playwright), The Shepherd's Chamelon (Playwright), Rhinoceros (Playwright), The Bald Soprano/ The Lesson (Playwright), The New Tenant/ Victim of Duty (Playwright), Exit the King (Playwright), Ionescopade (Source Material), How to Get Rid of It (Source Material), The Lesson (Playwright), Rhinoceros (Playwright), The Chairs (Playwright), Fairytales of the Absurd (Playwright), The Bald Soprano and The Lesson (Playwright), The Bald Soprano (Playwright).
What awards has Eugene Ionesco been nominated for?
Eugene Ionesco has been nominated for several awards. He was nominated for Outstanding Revival-Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for his play "The Chairs." Additionally, he was also nominated for Outstanding Revival-Play at the Drama Desk Awards for the same play, "The Chairs."
What awards has Eugene Ionesco won?
Eugene Ionesco has won the Outstanding Revival-Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for the show "The Chairs".
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