Gruesome Playground Injuries playwright wins Whiting Writers' Award
Rajiv Joseph, who brought the world premiere of his Gruesome Playground Injuries to the Alley Theatre, has been awarded a 2009 Whiting Writers' Award.
Gruesome Playground Injuries examines the lifelong relationship of two mismatched lovers through injury, both self-inflicted and accidental. The play is one-act, a 90-minute nonstop performance. It's intensely emotional at times, and notable for its use of interlude and interesting set. Thankfully, black humor and the actors' dead-on depictions of their adolescent selves offer release.
Selma Blair is impressive in her theatrical debut alongside Brad Fleischer. She's turned down all interviews because the play is so exhausting, but we're still trying to wangle a few minutes of coffee and questions with her. (Brad can come along, too.)
Alley's Senior Dramaturg and Developer of New Play Development Mark Bly nominated Joseph for the honor. It comes with a $50,000 grant. The Whiting Writing Awards have been recognizing playwrights who exhibit extraordinary talent early in their careers since 1985.
