Tarell Alvin McCraney biography, interview, plays, awards, height

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Tarell Alvin McCraney was born on October 17, 1980, in Liberty City, Florida. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, including a parent struggling with addiction, McCraney excelled academically. He attended the New World School of the Arts (NWSA) in Miami, Florida, where he received both the Exemplary Artist Award and the Dean's Award in Theater. His high school years were marked by ambition and drive; notably, he received an honorable mention from the National YoungArts Foundation in 1999.</p>

<h2>Advanced Education and Training</h2>
<p>After graduating from NWSA, McCraney pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. His dedication to the craft led him to continue his education at the Yale School of Drama, where he earned a degree in playwriting. During his time at Yale, he was honored with the Cole Porter Playwriting Award. Later, he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Warwick in recognition of his extensive contributions to theater and literature.</p>

<h2>Professional Career in Theater</h2>
<p>McCraney's early career was defined by collaborations with notable figures in the theater world, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Landau">Tina Landau</a> of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, B.J. Jones, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cromer">David Cromer</a>. His talent as both a playwright and performer gained wider recognition when he co-starred in the Chicago premiere of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Penhall">Joe Penhall</a>’s <em>Blue/Orange</em>.</p>

<p>His professional relationships extended internationally, including working alongside renowned French <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Brook">director</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Brook">Peter Brook</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Hélène_Estienne">Marie-Hélène Estienne</a>. In 2010, McCraney became the 43rd member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble, solidifying his presence in the American theatrical landscape.</p>

<h2>Playwriting at Yale and Notable Contributions</h2>
<p>On July 1, 2017, McCraney became the chair of playwriting at the Yale School of Drama, a position that underscores both his academic commitment and creative leadership. That year, he also contributed significantly to film by co-writing the screenplay for <em>Moonlight</em>, adapted from his own play <em>In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue</em>. The film, directed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jenkins">Barry Jenkins</a>, was lauded for its portrayal of Black queer identity and won the 2017 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.</p>

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<h2>Exploring Identity and Representation in Moonlight</h2>
<p>In a revealing interview with Ben Fraser Lee, McCraney discussed the deeply personal nature of <em>Moonlight</em>. He noted that while <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jenkins">Barry Jenkins</a> restructured the story’s narrative, the emotional core remained intact. “It feels ultimately personal,” McCraney said, reflecting on how themes of identity, intimacy, and trauma are present throughout the film. He also recounted the emotional impact of watching the film, stating that it resurfaced unresolved questions about identity and self-worth.</p>

<p>McCraney addressed the intersectionality of race and sexuality in <em>Moonlight</em>, describing the importance of maintaining authenticity during the filmmaking process. He commended <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jenkins">Jenkins</a> for not straight-washing the narrative and preserving the originality of the characters and themes, particularly regarding Black queer identity. He explained that his concerns lay more in deciding how much of his story to disclose, rather than in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jenkins">Jenkins</a>’ direction or casting choices.</p>

<h2>Mentorship and Encouragement of Emerging Talent</h2>
<p>In an interview with <em>American Theatre</em>, McCraney expressed his passion for teaching and supporting emerging playwrights. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young, diverse voices in American theater. As an educator, he finds excitement in observing his students’ creativity and encourages them to remain authentic in their writing. He believes mentorship to be as beneficial for him as it is for his students, noting that his own advice often resonates with his personal journey.</p>

<h2>Major Works and Theatrical Contributions</h2>
<p>Throughout his career, McCraney has developed an impressive body of work. His notable plays include <em>Head of Passes</em>, <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choir_Boy">Choir Boy</a></em>, <em>American Trade</em>, <em>Wig Out!</em>, and <em>The Brother/Sister Plays Trilogy</em>. Other theatrical pieces include <em>Without/Sin</em> and <em>Run, Mourner, Run</em>. He also wrote <em>The Breach</em> and <em>In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue</em>, the latter serving as the basis for the Oscar-winning <em>Moonlight</em>.</p>

<h2>Awards and Recognition</h2>
<p>Tarell Alvin McCraney’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades. His major awards include the Whiting Award (2007), New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award (2009), Windham-Campbell Literature Prize (2013), Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for <em>Moonlight</em> (2017), and the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award (2017). He was also honored with a United States Artists Fellowship and London’s Evening Standard Theatre Award in 2018.</p>

<h2>Personal Details</h2>
<p>McCraney stands at 6'3½" (1.92 meters) tall.</p>

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