Hartford Stage Names Maxwell Williams
New Associate Artistic Director
Hartford, CT - Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak today promoted Resident Director Maxwell Williams, an artistic presence at the Tony Award-winning theatre for more than a decade, to the post of Associate Artistic Director.
Darko said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Max over the past year, have a deep appreciation for his devotion to Hartford Stage, and look forward to working with him on all aspects of artistic planning in the next phase of our journey."
Williams has directed the company's productions of Boeing-Boeing, The 39 Steps and Dying City and has helped develop new plays by Horton Foote, Bekah Brunstetter, Christopher Shinn, Wayne Lemon, and Tennessee Williams, among others. He served as associate director on the Broadway production of Horton Foote's Dividing the Estate, as well as for Foote's nine-play Orphans' Home Cycle at Hartford Stage and New York's Signature Theatre. He initially joined Hartford Stage in the 2000-2001 season as the assistant director on Macbeth.
"I'm so excited to continue my relationship with Hartford Stage, which has been my artistic home for over a decade now," said Williams. "My craft and my life have been deeply affected by this theatre, first being inspired as an audience member by the productions of Mark Lamos and Bart Sher, and then through the profound friendship and excellent example set by my mentor, Michael Wilson, with whom I was lucky enough to collaborate on some 20 plays over the last ten years. It's clear to me that the vision Darko has for Hartford Stage will bring great things for the company and for the city, and I'm thrilled and humbled to serve as his Associate."
A member of the inaugural class of the Hartt School's theatre program, he has directed plays across the country at such acclaimed theatres as Cleveland Playhouse, 59E59 Theatres, and Houston's Alley Theatre. He has also served as Assistant Director on Broadway, and at major institutions, including Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, and American Repertory Theatre.
Hartford Stage Company
Hartford Stage, since its founding in 1963, has been known for innovative revivals of classics and the development of important new works, including 65 World or American premieres. Recent work includes Quiara Alegria Hudes'Water by the Spoonful, winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; Horton Foote'sThe Orphans' Home Cyclewhich had a celebrated run at the Signature Theatre in New York during the 2009-2010 season; a landmark production of Harper Lee'sTo Kill a Mockingbird;the premieres of Michael Kramer'sDivine Rivalry;and Daniel Beaty'sResurrection (later retitledThrough the Night,which had a successful run off-Broadway during the 2010-11 season). In 1998 the theatre launched an unprecedented ten-year retrospective of Tennessee Williams, which included the premiere of three plays. Other new work includes the premieres of Eve Ensler'sNecessary Targets, Edward Albee'sAt Home at the Zoo,Matthew Barber'sEnchanted April(which transferred to Broadway), Matthew Lombardo'sTea at Five, and many others. The theatre has earned numerous distinguished honors, including a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the Margo Jones Award, OBIE awards, New York Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards. In 2005 Hartford Stage was awarded The Hartford Courant's Tapestry Award recognizing its outstanding work in diversity, and in 2008 it was awarded the Bank of America Neighborhood Builder's Award recognizing its excellence in building community in Greater Hartford. Hartford Stage is currently under the leadership of Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak and Managing Director Michael Stotts.
####
