The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) has announced that Tony-winning director Julie Taymor will be honored with the 2018 Mr. Abbott Award for lifetime achievement in the theatre.
Taymor, currently represented on Broadway with both The Lion King (for which she won two Tony Awards) and a revival of M. Butterfly, will be presented the award at the Foundation’s gala April 2, 2018.
Read: JULIE TAYMOR ONCE AGAIN PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF THEATRE WITH M. BUTTERFLY
The Mr. Abbott Award, named in honor of the late George Abbott, is presented by SDCF on behalf of directors and choreographers to one of their peers in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the field.
“I am so pleased that SDC Foundation is honoring Julie Taymor with this year’s Mr. Abbott Award. Her inventive, imaginative, and daringly theatrical work across media has inspired and touched generations of artists and audiences,” comments fellow Tony-winning director and SDC President Pam MacKinnon. “Her legacy continues to be written, and I always look forward to seeing what’s next from this incomparable and history-making artist. Congratulations to you, Julie!”
The Mr. Abbott Award Committee is co-chaired by Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, producer Nelle Nugent of the Foxboro Company, and SDCF Executive Board Members Rachel Chavkin and Michael Wilson. Honorary co-chairs include Helen Mirren and M. Butterfly playwright David Henry Hwang.
“The Lion King would not have had its success if it were not for Julie’s extraordinary vision, continued commitment and artistry. Through her expansive body of work, she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on stage,” added Schumacher.
Taymor’s Broadway credits include The Lion King, Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, The Green Bird, and Juan Darien.
