David Henry Hwang

David Henry Hwang is a Professor of Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts, where he has served as Head of Playwriting. His groundbreaking works like M. Butterfly and Yellow Face have redefined Asian American cultural narratives in theater, opera, and film.

• Award: Tony Award for Best Play (1988), 3 OBIE Awards, Grammy Award
• Academic affiliations: Columbia University (School of the Arts), Dramatists Guild Council member

As America's most-produced living opera librettist (Ainadamar, An American Soldier), he bridges theatrical storytelling with musical innovation. Current projects include the world premiere of The Monkey King at San Francisco Opera (2025) and adapting Particle Fever into a musical. His advocacy for diversity in theater includes chairing the American Theatre Wing (2016-2021) and serving on the Dramatists Guild Council since 1979.

Recent honors include: 2025 Impact Award (Playwrights Foundation), 2022 induction onto the Lucille Lortel Playwrights Sidewalk, 2021 election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and 2018 Theatre Hall of Fame membership. His Broadway revival of Yellow Face (2024) aired on PBS' Great Performances (2025) while maintaining reduced teaching load during Fall 2025 sabbatical.