ABSTRACT

Often referred to as King of Black Theatre, King is the founder/producing director of New Federal Theatre (NFT) in New York City. Founded in 1970, NFT has presented more than 200 productions, launching the careers of numerous actors, playwrights, directors, designers, and other artists. King has produced such Broadway shows as What the Wine-Sellers Buy, and for colored girls who have considered suicide, when the rainbow is enuf. Notable actors who came through NFT include Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. King is the subject of the documentary King of Stage: The Woodie King, Jr. Documentary (2017).