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Bio:
Kidwell’s poignant, performer-driven theatre work addresses the complexities of race and notions of American history with sharp intelligence and wry humor. Invested in probing challenging social and historical truths, she says that her work is “concerned with discomfort and/or confusion around ... (read complete bio)

Stage Credits

  [Off-Broadway]
Ars Nova Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Performer

Writing

Author

Jennifer Kidwell Biography

Kidwell’s poignant, performer-driven theatre work addresses the complexities of race and notions of American history with sharp intelligence and wry humor. Invested in probing challenging social and historical truths, she says that her work is “concerned with discomfort and/or confusion around normative practices and systems.” With Scott Sheppard, Kidwell premiered and performed in Underground Railroad Game, lauded by The Philadelphia Inquirer as a “brilliant theatrical commentary on contemporary race relations.” A graduate of Pig Iron Theatre Company’s School for Advanced Performance Training, she created and appeared in the company’s project, I Promised Myself to Live Faster, and The Wilma Theater’s production of Antigone. For the 2014 Whitney Biennial, Kidwell performed in Joe Scanlan’s provocative piece, Dick’s Last Stand, as the artist Donelle Woolford. Kidwell is co-artistic director of the theater company Lightning Rod Special and co-founder of the Brooklyn-based performance space JACK.

Jennifer Kidwell Awards and Nominations

 
Obie Awards - 2017 - Best New American Theatre Work Gold Star
Jennifer Kidwell, Underground Railroad Game
 
The Lortels - 2017 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play
Jennifer Kidwell, Underground Railroad Game
 
The Lortels - 2017 - Outstanding Play
Jennifer KidwellUnderground Railroad Game

Jennifer Kidwell News

Wilma Theater Presents ETERNAL LIFE PART 1, April 11- 30 Photo Wilma Theater Presents ETERNAL LIFE PART 1, April 11- 30
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 15, 2023

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia is proud to present the world premiere of ETERNAL LIFE PART 1 by Nathan Alan Davis, directed by Co-Artistic Director Morgan Green, on stage April 11-30 2023.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tina Fey & More to Celebrate Ars Nova 20th Anniversary at NOVA BA Photo Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tina Fey & More to Celebrate Ars Nova 20th Anniversary at NOVA BALL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2023

Ars Nova will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and honor its founders Jenny & Jon Steingart at Nova Ball, Ars Nova’s annual benefit-turned-party of the season.

Ars Nova Sets April 2023 Lineup Featuring Deepali Gupta & Jess Ramsay Photo Ars Nova Sets April 2023 Lineup Featuring Deepali Gupta & Jess Ramsay
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2023

Ars Nova has announced details for performances taking place in April 2023.

Ars Nova Sets March 2023 Lineup Featuring Mayte Natalio, Roderick Woodruff & More Photo Ars Nova Sets March 2023 Lineup Featuring Mayte Natalio, Roderick Woodruff & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2023

Ars Nova has announced details for performances taking place in March 2023. See performers and how to purchase tickets.

Ars Nova Announces February 2023 Lineup Featuring Rachel Lark & More Photo Ars Nova Announces February 2023 Lineup Featuring Rachel Lark & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023

Ars Nova has announce details for performances taking place in February 2023. Singer/songwriter, producer, and playwright Rachel Lark takes center stage in Rachel Lark: Anthems & Confessions For A Complicated World on February 3.

Ars Nova Announces January 2023 Lineup Featuring SHOWGASM: THE CAMP EDITION & More Photo Ars Nova Announces January 2023 Lineup Featuring SHOWGASM: THE CAMP EDITION & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 13, 2022

Ars Nova has announced complete details for performances taking place in January along with highlights and updates for its Spring 2023 season.

Ars Nova Announces 2023 Residencies Welcoming 13 New Artists and Groups to its Reside Photo Ars Nova Announces 2023 Residencies Welcoming 13 New Artists and Groups to its Resident Artist Community
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2022

Ars Nova has announced 13 new artists and groups selected for 2023 residencies. Ars Nova’s dynamic slate of artist residencies and commissions supports outside-the-box thinking and encourages innovative, genre-bending work.

Ars Nova and PlayCo Present World Premiere of Melis Aker's HOUND DOG in October Photo Ars Nova and PlayCo Present World Premiere of Melis Aker's HOUND DOG in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2022

Ars Nova and PlayCo will present the world premiere of HOUND DOG by 2019 Ars Nova resident artist Melis Aker. Directed by Machel Ross with music by Aker and the Lazours, this cross-cultural jam-session-meets-play explores the winding path towards forgiveness and belonging.

Ars Nova Announces 'Name Your Price' Tickets for 20th Anniversary Season Photo Ars Nova Announces 'Name Your Price' Tickets for 20th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 31, 2022

Ars Nova has announced details for its 20th Anniversary Season, which introduces the What’s Ars Is Yours: Name Your Price ticket initiative.

20 Theater Books for Your Summer 2022 Reading (and Listening) List Photo 20 Theater Books for Your Summer 2022 Reading (and Listening) List
by Team BWW - Jun 25, 2022

Summer is here at last and there is no better time to have fun in the sun with a new read! You're in luck, because this year, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind.

Jennifer Kidwell Videos

VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for the World Premiere of OCEAN FILIBUSTER at A.R.T. Videoplay
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for the World Premiere of OCEAN FILIBUSTER at A.R.T.

by Stage Tube - Feb 22, 2022

BroadwayWorld has a first look at rehearsals for the world premiere play OCEAN FILIBUSTER at American Rep! Check out the cast in action.


Jennifer Kidwell Frequently Asked Questions

How many shows has Jennifer Kidwell written?
Jennifer Kidwell has written 1 shows including Underground Railroad Game (Author).

What awards has Jennifer Kidwell been nominated for?
Best New American Theatre Work (Obie Awards) for Underground Railroad Game Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Underground Railroad Game and Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for Underground Railroad Game .

What awards has Jennifer Kidwell won?
Best New American Theatre Work (Obie Awards) for Underground Railroad Game.