^{2024 Honorees Kirsten Greenidge (Photo: Katia Nigro) and Joe DiPietro}

The Provincetown Theater’s annual summer gala, a cornerstone of its mission to celebrate contemporary American drama, will once again highlight outstanding contributions to theater. This year, the Provincetown American Playwright Awards (PAPA) will be presented to two playwrights, Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro and Obie Award winner Kirsten Greenidge. The event on August 25 at the Provincetown Inn marks the sixth time the Provincetown Theater has honored playwrights who have expanded and enriched American drama. 

Joe DiPietro, whose works include Broadway hits like Memphis, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Nice Work If You Can Get It, is known for his versatility in writing across genres and his dedication to the craft. Reflecting on what motivated him to become a playwright, DiPietro recalled the moment theater captured his imagination as a child: “My parents took us to see the original Broadway version of 1776, and I can still remember the lights coming up and me sitting in the audience. I remember just thinking, ‘Wow, I want to be a part of this.’” This early exposure to theater set the stage for a lifelong passion, one that has led to a career marked by both commercial success and critical acclaim.

DiPietro’s work reveals his commitment to finding humor even in serious subjects. “I consider myself first and foremost a comic writer,” he says. “But, having said that, I’ve written a lot of dramatic musicals recently. I think one reason those shows can reach a lot of people is because I put comedy in them.” DiPietro’s approach is rooted in a belief that even the most complex stories benefit from moments of levity. His ability to blend humor with historical narratives has allowed him to craft a distinctive body of work that remains engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.

Kirsten Greenidge, a playwright and professor at Boston University, has dedicated her career to exploring stories often marginalized in mainstream theater. Her plays, such as Milk Like Sugar, which earned an Obie Award, delve into the intersections of race, class, and history. Greenidge’s passion for theater was ignited early on by seeing Black actors on stage embody roles that went beyond stereotypical representations. “I was seeing a rendition of Black life that I had not seen before, and I thought,’ I want to be part of that. I want to learn how to do that on stage,’” she says.

Greenidge’s work often explores generational dynamics, particularly the relationships between mothers and daughters. “A lot of my plays are rooted in some sort of history, whether it’s a family’s history or social-political history, and how that affects how we interact with each other in the present moment,” she says. By focusing on these intergenerational conversations, Greenidge offers a lens through which audiences can examine how the past continues to shape contemporary lives. Her interest in exploring untold stories extends to her current projects, including a play about Kittie Knox, a Black female cyclist from the late 19th century. “That is a story I feel needs to be told about a person whose lineage we should all honor,” she says.

For both DiPietro and Greenidge, the Provincetown American Playwright Awards are particularly meaningful given Provincetown’s rich history as the birthplace of modern American drama. DiPietro, who has been visiting Provincetown for 30 years, describes the town as a nurturing and welcoming place that has played a significant role in his life. “It’s unlike any place I’ve ever been to,” he says. Greenidge, too, is deeply moved by the recognition. “Knowing that I sat in that first semester of my first year of college, learning about this space and being invited to be a part of it and honored by it is really touching and moving,” she reflects.

The Provincetown Theater’s artistic director, David Drake, will moderate a conversation with the honorees during the gala. This exchange promises to offer insights into the honorees’ creative processes and perspectives on the future of American theater. As both DiPietro and Greenidge continue to explore new projects and push the boundaries of their craft, their recognition at this year’s gala serves as a reminder of Provincetown’s enduring commitment to fostering artistic excellence.

DiPietro remains motivated by a belief that his best work lies ahead. “I feel like I’m getting better at my craft. I still have curiosity about both the world and the art form of dramatic writing,” he states. Greenidge, meanwhile, sees her work as an ongoing journey of discovery. “There’s always something more to learn about craft and how to render a story,” she says. “The older I get, the more I realize I don’t know,” she says. 

In honoring DiPietro and Greenidge, the Provincetown Theater reaffirms its mission to celebrate playwrights whose work not only entertains but also challenges and enlightens. These awards highlight careers defined by a commitment to storytelling, a willingness to explore uncharted narratives, and a deep respect for the transformative power of theater. As Provincetown continues to nurture new voices and honor those who have made significant contributions, it maintains its place as a vital hub for the evolution of American drama. 

The Provincetown American Playwright Awards and the summer gala are not only celebrations of artistic achievement but also vital fundraising efforts that support the Provincetown Theater’s year-round programming. Proceeds from the event will benefit the theater’s future productions, ensuring that it remains a space where both established and emerging playwrights can bring their visions to life.

The Provincetown American Playwright Awards will be presented at the Provincetown Inn, 1 Commercial St., on Sunday, August 25, 6 p.m. For tickets ($250 and up, includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, and a conversation with the honorees) and information call 508.487.7487 or visit provincetowntheater.org.