The 65th Obie Awards gave new meaning to theater’s credo that “the show must go on” July 14, broadcasting a virtual version of their annual celebration of all things Off-Broadway.
Amid the ongoing industry shutdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York City theater industry and its usual awards season have been severely disrupted; the 2020 Tony Awards are among this year’s many indefinitely postponed ceremonies. But the theater artists and industry members behind the Obies, priding themselves on their unconventional approach to awards since 1955, found a way to honor an interrupted Off-Broadway season safely. Their virtual, pre-taped event, originally scheduled for May 18 and subsequently delayed, was hosted by Cole Escola and shared on the American Theatre Wing’s YouTube channel.
“There has never been a more important time to gather—even if we can’t be in the same room—to honor the work of the boldest and bravest among us,” said American Theatre Wing president and CEO Heather Hitchens during the ceremony. “It’s our collective responsibility to ensure this moment lives up to its promise—by making space for and upholding the voices of artists who will challenge the status quo, move our culture forward, and evolve the landscape of American theatre.”
Playwrights Horizons’ “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” and “A Strange Loop” fared well in the results, earning Obies for writers Will Arbery and Michael R. Jackson, respectively. Haruna Lee was also honored for writing “Suicide Forest.” Recognized for their performances on various Off-Broadway stages were Liza Colón-Zayas and Elizabeth Rodriguez for “Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven,” Emily Davis for “Is This A Room,” Edmund Donovan for “Greater Clements,” April Matthis for “Toni Stone,” Joe Ngo for “Cambodian Rock Band,” and Deirdre O’Connell for “Dana H.”
The ceremony featured performances from past Obie Award winners Michael R. Jackson, Saycon Sengbloh, Sahr Ngaujah, and LaChanze with her daughter Celia Rose Gooding, as well as Shaina Taub. Cynthia Erivo, Dominique Morisseau, Heidi Schreck, Katrina Lenk, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Rachel Chavkin were among the award presenters. Previously announced was the recognition of Michael Feingold, Village Voice critic and former chair of the Obies, whose name will henceforth be lent to an annual award recognizing excellence in criticism, dramaturgy, translation, scholarship, mentorship, or education.
For more on the 2020 Obie Awards, visit their official website.
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