Influential dramaturg who redefined her role, shaping works of playwrights like David Adjmi and David Henry Hwang in the theatrical community.
Morgan Jenness, a highly respected dramaturg, teacher, and theatrical agent, passed away on November 12 at the age of 72. Known for nurturing the work of numerous playwrights such as Taylor Mac, David Adjmi, and David Henry Hwang, Ms. Jenness was a pivotal figure in the theater community, especially in downtown theater circles. In recent years, she began exploring her gender identity and used the pronouns they/them and she interchangeably. The cause of her death was not immediately determined.
Ms. Jenness was deeply admired for her moral seriousness, artistic integrity, and passion for groundbreaking and thought-provoking work. She was not driven by material success but rather by the desire to inject meaningful and impactful ideas into the American theater landscape. Her focus was on supporting playwrights in bringing their visions to life and challenging them to aspire to more than just telling good stories.
In the theater world, a dramaturg traditionally serves as a literary and theatrical advisor, helping actors and directors understand the plays they are working on. However, Ms. Jenness redefined the role by becoming a pioneer in the field of new play dramaturgy. She acted as a midwife and support system for playwrights, guiding them through the creative process and helping them realize their artistic goals.
Source: The NY Times
