The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Mourns The Loss Of Lloyd Richards

June 30, 2006

Waterford, CT ~ The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center marks with great sadness the passing of Lloyd Richards who for 32 years served as the Artistic Director of the National Playwrights Conference – the O'Neill Center's founding program. Mr. Richards made an indelible mark on the American theater. For over three decades he dedicated himself to the discovery and development of new voices for the American theater, bringing the early work of Athol Fugard, John Guare, Lee Blessing, John Patrick Shanley, Derek Wolcott , Wendy Wasserstein and, of course, August Wilson to the American stage. He pioneered the need to take emerging playwrights away from the demands and distractions of commercial theater and into a retreat setting. He is referred to lovingly by many of the scores of actors, directors, designers and playwrights who have worked with him as "Papa."

Amy Sullivan, Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center said, "Lloyd Richards is irreplaceable. His like will not come again. The American Theater and all those who had the privilege to work with him are the better for it. I am honored to have been part of Dean Richard's last graduating class at Yale and to have worked with him many summers at the O'Neill. I learned about the art of the theater from Lloyd, and, more importantly, the art of being a human being. Lloyd Richards was a gentle, quiet, patient man; with a will of steel. His determination and his artistry took the O'Neill's National Playwrights Conference to national and international acclaim. We are and will be forever in his debt."

Wendy C. Goldberg, in her 2nd year as Artistic Director of the National Playwrights Conference comments, "Lloyd Richards' vision, passion, and nurturing of artists are the benchmarks of our work here at the O'Neill. As we embark upon the 42nd season of the National Playwrights Conference, we dedicate our work to his spirit--we are here because of him, and our work will be reflective of his energy and creativity. He will be profoundly missed."