Forbes and Thompson in Othello
The Actors’ Equity Foundation has chosen actors Kate Forbes and John Douglas Thompson to receive the 2009 Joe A. Callaway Awards. Forbes was selected for her performance as Emilia in the 2009 Theatre for a New Audience production of Shakespeare’s Othello, while Thompson was recognized for his performances in the title roles in both Othello and The Emperor Jones, which was produced by The Irish Repertory Theatre.
Thompson also received OBIE and Lucille Lortel Awards and a Drama League nomination for his appearance in Othello.
The award, which honors “the best performances in a professional production of a classic play (one written prior to 1920) in the New York metropolitan area,” includes an engraved plaque and a $1,000 check. The award was established by Callaway to “encourage participation in the classics and non-profit theatre.”
This year’s panel of judges included Joe Dzienianowicz, Daily News; Adam Feldman, Time Out NY; Susan Haskins, Theater Week; Harry Haun, Playbill; Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press; and David Rosenberg, Back Stage.
The awards will be presented to the two actors during Equity’s Eastern Regional Membership Meeting on Jan. 8, 2010, at the Manhattan Equity offices.