Playwright David Henry Hwang has been named the chair of the American Theatre Wing, succeeding current Chair William Ivey Long. The Tony Award-winner, whose works include “M. Butterfly,” “Chinglish,” and “Yellow Face,” promises to make diversity a priority in his role. “I want to ensure that the American theatre becomes as diverse and inclusive as America itself – onstage, behind the scenes, and in the audience,” Hwang told NBC News.
This diversity will also extend to geography, as Hwang looks to “continue the Wing’s work supporting excellence across the broad range of American theatre: Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the country.”
RELATED: Playwright David Henry Hwang Reflects on Recent Neck Stabbing, His Future Work
In addition to Hwang’s election, new appointments have been made to the American Theater Wing’s advisory committee, including “Elementary” star Lucy Liu, “Les Miserables” star Patti LuPone, and Alia Jones-Harvey, the only woman of color who is currently a lead producer on Broadway.
The American Theater Wing is a non-profit theater development organization that founded and produces the Tony Awards.
Follow NBC Asian America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.