Contemporary Literature, 1970 to Present
David Henry Hwang (1957– )
Considered one of the premier Asian American playwrights in the contemporary
theater. He is best known for FOB (1980, Obie award) and M. Butterfly (1988,
Tony Award), as well as his work in opera, musical theater, and film.
Albert Innaurato (1948– )
Playwright, director, and television-film writer. His plays include Ulysses in Trac-
tion (1977), Passione (1980), and Coming of Age in Soho (1985).
Moisés Kaufman (1963– )
Playwright, director, founder of Tectonic Theatre Project, and author of the docu-
drama Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (1997).
Adrienne Kennedy (1931– )
African American playwright and author. Her plays include Funnyhouse of a
Negro (1962), A Rat’s Mass (1967), A Movie Star Has to Star in Black and White
(1976), Ohio State Murders (1992), and Mom, How Did You Meet the Beatles? (with
Adam Kennedy, 2008).
James Kirkwood Jr. (1925–1989)
Playwright and author who wrote the book with Nicholas Dante for the musical
A Chorus Line (1975). His plays include P .S. Your Cat Is Dead (1975) and Legends!
(1987).
Edward Kleban (1939–1987)
Lyricist for A Chorus Line (1975).
Larry Kramer (1935– )
Playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and AIDS- and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisex-
ual, Transgender)-rights activist. His plays include The Normal Heart (1985); Just
Say No: A Play about a Farce (1988); and The Destiny of Me (1992), the sequel to
The Normal Heart.
James Lapine (1949– )
Playwright and director. In addition to collaborations with William Finn, he
wrote the books for Stephen Sondheim’s musicals Sunday in the Park with George
(1984), Into the Woods (1987), and Passion (1994).
Jonathan Larson (1960–1996)
Playwright, composer, and lyricist of the popular rock musical Rent (1996). He
died of an aneurysm the day before the show’s first preview performance. An
earlier musical, Tick, Tick... Boom! (revised by David Auburn), was an Off-
Broadway success in 2001.
Tracy Letts (1965– )
Playwright, author, and actor who won the 2008 Pulitzer for his play August:
Osage County. His other plays include Killer Joe (1993), Bug (2004), and Superior
Donuts (2008).