In a celebration of talent, innovation and the value of the arts in the nation’s capital, Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), during its annual gala on April 13, honored actor Wendell Pierce for his storied career that has not only entertained audiences around the world, but contributed to the DMV area’s artistic landscape.
“It is a profound honor to receive the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre during Shakespeare Theatre Company’s landmark 40th Anniversary 25/26 Season,” said Pierce, known for shows such as HBO’s “The Wire” (2002-2008) filmed in Baltimore, and “Treme” (2010-2013).
The honor, affectionately called the “Will Award,” was presented by his high school friend and fellow New Orleans native, legendary jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, and offered inspiration to the actor, ahead of his next project: STC’s “Othello,” running May 19 to June 28.
“As I prepare to assume the role of Othello with STC this spring,” Pierce said, “this moment carries even deeper resonance.”
The upcoming production of “Othello” furthers STC’s reputation for taking daring approaches to Shakespeare’s plays to allow his work to be more accessible to a range of audiences.
“As we celebrate 40 years of presenting audacious productions that redefine the idea of classical theatre, it seems fitting to honor such an exceptional and accomplished classical actor as Wendell,” said STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin, who will direct Pierce in the upcoming production. “I’m thrilled that we are presenting the ‘Will Award’ to Wendell.”
For more than 30 years, acclaimed artists, such as: Hugh Bonneville, Indira Varma, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart, Morgan Freeman, Kenneth Branagh, Dame Judi Dench, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Redgrave, and Annette Benning, have received the “Will Award” for embracing roles in classical theatre.
While the honor ties well with Pierce’s performance in “Othello,” the actor has long been part of STC’s legacy.
“His stage and film career has been extraordinary,” Godwin continued, “and it’s great to have him back at STC, where he appeared early in his career in ‘The Witch of Edmonton’ in 1987.”
For information about “Othello” and other STC productions, visit shakespearetheatre.org
