Alumnus, Playwright Todd Kreidler to Speak on Campus

As part of the First-Year Writing Program’s visiting lecture series, playwright Todd Kreidler, a former collaborator of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, will discuss his recent works and experiences as a writer. Kreidler’s presentation, slated for Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom, is free and open to the public.

A Pittsburgh native and 1996 graduate of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, Kreidler spent six years developing Broadway plays with Wilson before writing several new productions. His latest shows include the musical Holler If Ya Hear Me, an original story featuring the lyrics of Tupac Shakur, and a stage adaptation of the film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

John Fried, associate professor of English, said he is excited to introduce a playwright into the mix and hopes students get a better sense of the kind of work that goes into making a piece of writing, whether it is a story or a poem. “Todd Kreidler brings a new perspective,” Fried said. “He can talk of both the writing of the work—the creative process—as well as the act of putting the story up on the stage.”

As part of this event, University theater group the Red Masquers will perform scenes from Kreidler’s plays.

Through its visiting speakers events, the First-Year Writing Program has brought well-known writers with Pittsburgh ties to campus, including author Stewart O’Nan and poets Terrance Hayes and Toi Derricotte.

For more information on Kreidler’s presentation, e-mail english@duq.edu.