THIS YEAR'S HONOREES

Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater

Daniel Sullivan is one of the foremost stage directors at work in the American theatre today. His productions of plays by Shakespeare in Central Park have become the benchmark that all others are now measured by. His work there has included The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino, which later transferred to Broadway, Cymbeline, Comedy of Errors, Troilus and Cressida, and this year’s upcoming Coriolanus. He has directed more than forty productions on Broadway, in addition to scores of productions Off-Broadway and at regional theatres throughout the United States. From 1981 to 1997, he served as artistic director for Seattle Repertory Theatre, which received the 1990 Tony Award for Regional Theatre. Daniel Sullivan received the 2001 Tony Award for his direction of the Proof, one of seven plays for which he has been Tony-nominated. His honors include the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award, Obie, Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and NAACP Image Awards. He was inducted to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2011.

Matador Award for Extraordinary Talent in Classical Theater

Condola Rashād recently starred in the title role of Saint Joan on Broadway. In 2014, she made an extraordinary classical theater debut as Juliet opposite Orlando Bloom in a Broadway revival of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. She has received a remarkable four Tony Award nominations, for her performances in Saint Joan, Stick Fly, The Trip to Bountiful, and A Doll's House, Part 2. Ms. Rashad made her off-Broadway debut in Ruined, for which she received a Theatre World Award, and Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations. She is also known for her work in TV and Film, including roles in Sex and the City 2, Steel Magnolias, and "Billions." She is the daughter of Tony Award-winner and Theater Hall of Fame inductee Phylicia Rashad and she studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where she graduated in 2008.

George Mayer Matador Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater

American Theatre Wing invests in brave work, supports creative growth, and celebrates excellence to bring diverse stories to our national culture through theatre. Founded in 1917 on the eve of America’s entry into World War I by seven suffragists, American Theatre Wing has spent a century using theatre to advance human experience, empathy and cultural growth like never before. American Theatre Wing invests financial and educational support in creatives destined to make theatre, connects broad audiences to theatre by capturing insight into important work, and honors theatre that impacts the American experience. American Theatre Wing provides grants and scholarships, connects talent at all stages with educational and professional opportunities, and creates content that illuminates and preserves theatre. American Theatre Wing awards excellence and fosters artistry by providing a platform for strong and fearless voices in the American theatre. It has twice recognized Red Bull Theater with National Theatre Company awards.