Theatre for a New Audience has announced that Tony winner Julie Taymor will present Harry Lennix with the 18th Annual Samuel H. Scripps Award at its 2022 Spring Gala. To be held at 6:30 PM May 16 at Capitale, the event will also feature TFANA's Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz presenting 11th Annual Life in Art Award to Sally Brody.
Lennix and Taymor have worked together on a number of productions, including TFANA's 1994 production of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus. Lennix played Aaron in the Taymor-directed work, and later reprised the role in Taymor's 1999 film Titus. Currently serving on TFANA's Artistic Council of the Board, he will receive the Scripps Award for Extraordinary Artistic Achievement, named in honor of Samuel H. Scripps who made a leadership gift to the theatre company to support its expansion in Shakespeare and classical drama, as well as the addition of a third production to its season. Lennix currently serves on the Artistic Council of the Board of Theatre for a New Audience.
Sally Brody, recipient of the Life in Art Award, is a painter and Emerita Board Member after 26 years of service on TFANA's Board. The award recognizes individuals whose support of the arts has set a precent for leadership and generosity. Jeffrey Horowitz will present Brody with a signed giclée print by Paul Davis.
Isabel Arraiza will serve as emcee of the event which will features guests Elliot Goldenthal, Arin Arbus, Awoye Tiimpo, John Douglas Thompson, and others from TFANA's recent productions.
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Kathleen C. Walsh and Robert E. Buckholz serve as co-chairs for the gala, which celebrates Shakespeare's Birthday and raises supports for TFANA's productions and education programs. The event will include a silent auction and a seated dinner with live music, performed by Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars. Alan Beller and Stephanie Neville, Ben E. Campbell, Constance Christensen, Seymour H. Lesser, Larry M. and Maria-Luisa Loeb, Audrey Heffernan Meyer and Danny Meyer, Susan Stockel, and Josh and Jackie Weisberg serve as vice chairs.
Serving as the gala's lead sponsor is Deloitte, joined by premium sponsor Hearst, and partner sponsors Bloomberg Philanthropies, Kramer Levin, and Latham & Watkins.
For more information about the gala, visit TFANA.org.
