Marcus Gardley
Latest News on Marcus Gardley:
Folger Theatre Unveils Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual READING ROOM FESTIVAL (Nov 20, 2025)
Folger Theatre Reveals Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival (Nov 20, 2025)
The Apollo Partners With The Fire This Time Festival (Oct 31, 2025)
Folger Theatre Unveils Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual READING ROOM FESTIVAL (Nov 20, 2025)
Folger Theatre Reveals Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival (Nov 20, 2025)
The Apollo Partners With The Fire This Time Festival (Oct 31, 2025)
BIO
Marcus Gardley is a proud Bay Area-born playwright-poet whom The New Yorker calls “the heir to Garcia Lorca, Pirandello and Tennessee Williams.” He received a 2019 Obie Award for his play The House That Will Not Stand and is the recipient of the 2019 Doris Duke Artist Award. His play X or The Nation V. Betty Shabazz was a New York Times Critic’s Pick and was remounted Off-Broadway in the spring of 2018. He is a 2019 Library Laureate of San Francisco, the recipient of the 2018 Guiding Light Award presented by California Shakespeare Theater, and won the 2017 Special Citation Theater Award for his play black odyssey, which swept the Theatre Bay Area Awards, garnering six other prizes including Best Production. He is the 2013 USA James Baldwin Fellow and the 2011 PEN Laura Pels Award winner for Mid-Career Playwright. He wrote the screenplay for The Color Purple musical feature film and What's Going On, a biopic about Marvin Gaye produced by Dr. Dre. Currently, Gardley is developing several tv projects for Amazon studios and writing a musical about Jean-Michel Basquiat with music composed by Jon Batiste
Photos
Gabriel Lawrence, Tatiana Wechsler, Jimonn Cole, Marcus Gardley, Chelsea Lee Williams, Austin Purnell, Jonathan-David, Joshua David Robinson; Earl Weiner, Will Sturdivant, Ian Belknap, Kevis Hillocks, Elisa Spencer-Kaplan
Date:
03/22/2017
From: Photo Flash: The Acting Company Celebrates CAESAR / X Opening Off-Broadway
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Bookwriter
Writer
Playwright
Playwright
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Adaptation
Marcus Gardley, black odyssey
winner
Obie Awards - 2019 - Playwriting Award
Marcus Gardley, The House That Will Not Stand
Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical
Marcus Gardleyevery tongue confess
Videos
Video: Playwright a.k. payne Talks FURLOUGH'S PARADISE at Alliance Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-25 15:31:40
Video: Get A First Look At Alliance Theatre's FURLOUGH'S PARADISE
by Joshua Wright - 2024-02-08 11:19:20
Watch the First 10 Minutes of THE COLOR PURPLE With Whoopi Goldberg, 'Mysterious Ways' & More
by Michael Major - 2024-01-22 13:55:37
Video: Watch Fantasia's 'Superpower (I)' Music Video From THE COLOR PURPLE
by Michael Major - 2024-01-12 16:05:51
Video: Watch New Clips of 'Hell No,' 'Mysterious Ways,' and 'Push Da Button' from THE COLOR PURPLE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-11-26 09:18:14
Video: Halle Bailey Sings 'Huckleberry Pie' From THE COLOR PURPLE with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
by Michael Major - 2023-11-24 13:31:28
Video: Watch a New THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical Trailer With Taraji P. Henson Singing 'Push Da Button'
by Michael Major - 2023-10-10 09:11:51
VIDEO: First Look at The Acting Company's THE THREE MUSKETEERS and ROMEO AND JULIET in Repertory
by Blair Ingenthron - 2022-11-05 15:05:53
VIDEO: Get A First Listen To 'I'd Be A Soldier' From PARADISE SQUARE
by BWW Staff - 2021-10-15 11:47:38
VIDEO: Get A First Look At Berkeley Rep's PARADISE SQUARE: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
by Alan Henry - 2019-01-17 16:00:35
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals For Berkeley Rep's PARADISE SQUARE: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
by Alan Henry - 2018-12-26 15:48:48
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals For Berkeley Rep's PARADISE SQUARE: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
by Alan Henry - 2018-12-21 15:23:11
STAGE TUBE: Highlights of UMKC Theatre/The Acting Company's X/JULIUS CAESAR
by Christina Mancuso - 2017-02-10 10:59:26
STAGE TUBE: First Look - Horizon Theatre Co.'s EVERY TONGUE CONFESS, Begin. 7/12
by Tyler Peterson - 2013-07-03 11:53:38
STAGE TUBE: EVERY TONGUE CONFESS Plays Arena Stage's Kogod Cradle
by Lauren Wolman - 2010-11-20 17:46:13
News
Folger Theatre Unveils Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual READING ROOM FESTIVAL
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025
Folger Theatre has announced the lineup for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, which will present staged readings, workshops, panels, and community events exploring new writing inspired by Shakespeare.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025
Folger Theatre has announced the lineup for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, which will present staged readings, workshops, panels, and community events exploring new writing inspired by Shakespeare.
Folger Theatre Reveals Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
Folger Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library revealed the plays and playwrights for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, a four-day festival of staged readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community celebrations.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
Folger Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library revealed the plays and playwrights for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, a four-day festival of staged readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community celebrations.
The Apollo Partners With The Fire This Time Festival
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025
The Apollo announced that The Fire This Time Festival, the Obie-Award-winning theater festival celebrating playwrights of African and African American descent, will make its permanent home at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025
The Apollo announced that The Fire This Time Festival, the Obie-Award-winning theater festival celebrating playwrights of African and African American descent, will make its permanent home at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.
THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND Comes to Invictus Theatre Company Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025
Invictus Theatre Company's follow-up to its enormously successful production of ANGELS IN AMERICA will be THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND, by Marcus Gardley, a former playwright-in-residence at Chicago's Victory Gardens Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025
Invictus Theatre Company's follow-up to its enormously successful production of ANGELS IN AMERICA will be THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND, by Marcus Gardley, a former playwright-in-residence at Chicago's Victory Gardens Theatre.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS and More Set for The Acting Company 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025
The Acting Company has revealed its 2025-26 Season of programming. The season features Dickens' Great Expectations in a World Premiere Adaptation by Nikki Massoud, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025
The Acting Company has revealed its 2025-26 Season of programming. The season features Dickens' Great Expectations in a World Premiere Adaptation by Nikki Massoud, and more.
Playwrights Foundation Reveals Finalists and Semi-Finalists for 47th BAY AREA PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 27, 2025
Playwrights Foundation has revealed the semifinalists and finalists for the 47th Bay Area Playwrights Festival, which will be presented in a hybrid festival. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 27, 2025
Playwrights Foundation has revealed the semifinalists and finalists for the 47th Bay Area Playwrights Festival, which will be presented in a hybrid festival. Learn more!
Red Bull Theater Unveils Selections for Short New Play Festival 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Red Bull Theater has revealed the winning selections for Red Bull’s SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025. Learn more about the festival and see how to attend upcoming performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Red Bull Theater has revealed the winning selections for Red Bull’s SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025. Learn more about the festival and see how to attend upcoming performances.
New York Stage and Film Unveils Summer Season With Donja R. Love, John Patrick Shanley, and More
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025
New York Stage and Film will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a summer season at Marist University beginning this July, bringing a slate of new theatrical works to the Hudson Valley.
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025
New York Stage and Film will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a summer season at Marist University beginning this July, bringing a slate of new theatrical works to the Hudson Valley.
National Black Theatre To Present New York City Premiere of CHIAROSCURO
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2025
National Black Theatre (NBT) in association with The Flea Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Performances run May 27 - June 22 at The Flea Theater.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2025
National Black Theatre (NBT) in association with The Flea Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Performances run May 27 - June 22 at The Flea Theater.
James Bundy to Step Down From Positions at David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025
James Bundy, who has served Yale since 2002 as the fifth Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of David Geffen School of Drama and fourth Artistic Director of Yale Repertory Theatre, will step down from these positions on June 30, 2026.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025
James Bundy, who has served Yale since 2002 as the fifth Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of David Geffen School of Drama and fourth Artistic Director of Yale Repertory Theatre, will step down from these positions on June 30, 2026.
BLACK ODYSSEY Now Being Presented at Hattiloo Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025
Hattiloo Theatre is currently presenting “Black Odyssey. The founder and CEO of Hattiloo Theatre and “Black Odyssey’s” co-director, alongside Maya Robinson, Ekundayo Bandele return to the stage as the play’s lead role. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025
Hattiloo Theatre is currently presenting “Black Odyssey. The founder and CEO of Hattiloo Theatre and “Black Odyssey’s” co-director, alongside Maya Robinson, Ekundayo Bandele return to the stage as the play’s lead role. Learn more!
Cast Set for BUSINESS IDEAS at The Alliance Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025
The Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition will continue to spotlight the best emerging playwrights with a full production for the 21st competition winner: BUSINESS IDEAS. Learn more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025
The Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition will continue to spotlight the best emerging playwrights with a full production for the 21st competition winner: BUSINESS IDEAS. Learn more.
BLACK ODYSSEY Comes to Hattiloo Theatre This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025
Modern performing arts venue Hattiloo Theatre is currently selling tickets for its upcoming production “Black Odyssey.” Learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025
Modern performing arts venue Hattiloo Theatre is currently selling tickets for its upcoming production “Black Odyssey.” Learn more about the show here!
RED BULL THEATER's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2025
Red Bull Theater has announced that submissions are now open for Red Bull's ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Featuring six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year's theme, “Defiance,”
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2025
Red Bull Theater has announced that submissions are now open for Red Bull's ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Featuring six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year's theme, “Defiance,”
ANGELS IN AMERICA & More Set for Invictus Theatre Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025
Invictus Theatre Company has unveiled programming for its 2025 season, its second in residence at the Windy City Playhouse. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025
Invictus Theatre Company has unveiled programming for its 2025 season, its second in residence at the Windy City Playhouse. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
FRIGID New York Presents THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024
FRIGID New York will present the 16th season of the Obie Award-winning The Fire This Time Festival, a platform for playwrights of African and African-American descent to write and produce evocative material for diverse audiences, at wild project.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024
FRIGID New York will present the 16th season of the Obie Award-winning The Fire This Time Festival, a platform for playwrights of African and African-American descent to write and produce evocative material for diverse audiences, at wild project.
KING JAMES Vermont Premiere to Open at Northern Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Northern Stage will kick off the new year with the Vermont premiere of King James by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Northern Stage will kick off the new year with the Vermont premiere of King James by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Maurice Emmanuel Parent tells of Front Porch Arts Collective's HOLIDAY FEAST Where Sitcoms are on the Menu
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 11, 2024
For the second straight year, Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston’s leading Black theater company, is presenting a “Holiday Feast” of staged readings of Christmas episodes from classic Black sitcoms, at Central Square Theater, December 12–14.
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 11, 2024
For the second straight year, Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston’s leading Black theater company, is presenting a “Holiday Feast” of staged readings of Christmas episodes from classic Black sitcoms, at Central Square Theater, December 12–14.
The Fire This Time Festival Unveils 2025 Festival Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2024
The Fire This Time Festival will return to wild project in NYC, featuring six world premiere ten-minute plays by acclaimed playwrights like Brittany Fisher and FELISPEAKS. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2024
The Fire This Time Festival will return to wild project in NYC, featuring six world premiere ten-minute plays by acclaimed playwrights like Brittany Fisher and FELISPEAKS. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Billie Holiday Theatre Launches Inaugural BLACK NARRATIVE A Theater Series
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 2024
As a part of its 2024-25 Season, The Billie Holiday Theatre - one of the nation's preeminent arts and culture organizations - will launch the inaugural “Black Narrative” theater series.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 2024
As a part of its 2024-25 Season, The Billie Holiday Theatre - one of the nation's preeminent arts and culture organizations - will launch the inaugural “Black Narrative” theater series.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Marcus Gardley written?
Marcus Gardley has written 5 shows including On the Levee (Bookwriter), Desire (Writer), X: Or, Betty Shabazz v. the Nation (Playwright), The House That Will Not Stand (Playwright), black odyssey (Playwright).
What awards has Marcus Gardley been nominated for?
Outstanding Adaptation (Drama Desk Awards) for black odyssey, Playwriting Award (Obie Awards) for The House That Will Not Stand and The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for every tongue confess.
What awards has Marcus Gardley won?
Marcus Gardley has won the Obie Award for Playwriting for The House That Will Not Stand.
Videos