Little Rock Playwright Werner Trieschmann Passes Away After Stroke
Werner Trieschmann, a renowned playwright and professor from Little Rock, Arkansas, has sadly passed away following a stroke. He was 60 years old.
Early Days and Education
Trieschmann’s passion for writing was ignited during his childhood, as he used his mind to occupy himself during periods of recovery. This innate talent eventually led him to pursue higher education in theatre. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1982 and went on to earn a BA in English from Hendrix College in Conway.
MFA and Playwriting Career
Furthering his education, Trieschmann earned an MFA in playwriting from Boston University under the guidance of Nobel Prize-winning poet and playwright Derek Walcott. His time at Boston University was pivotal in shaping his career as a playwright. Upon returning to Arkansas in 1991, he saw significant success in his early plays.
Breaking Barriers
Trieschmann’s play Lawn Dart won first prize in the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans New Play Competition. His comedy You Have to Serve Somebody was published by Dramatic Publishing Company in 1997. The accomplishment showcased his technical prowess and ability to capture the essence of human relationships.
Impact on Education and Community
Apart from his successful writing career, Trieschmann was also deeply invested in education. At various points in his life, he taught theatre, film, and creative writing at institutions such as UA-Pulaski Technical College, UALR, UCA, and Hendrix College. His commitment to nurturing emerging artists ensured that his legacy extended beyond his own writings.
Prolific Playwright with Global Reach
As he matured as a playwright, Werner Trieschmann continued to produce and publish plays. His 25 published works have been performed over 100 times annually by schools and theatre companies across the United States, as well as internationally in Canada, England, New Zealand, Romania, Japan, and Italy. His ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate globally underscores his contributions to contemporary theatre.
Sustainable Legacy
The TheatreSquared theatre company in Fayetteville commissioned Trieschmann to write about an Arkansas subject. He chose to research the life of photographer Mike Disfarmer, resulting in Disfarmer, a full-length play that received critical acclaim during its production at the inaugural ACANSA Arts Festival in 2014.
Personal Life
Trieschmann lived in Little Rock with his wife Martha Castleberry and their two children. Beyond his professional achievements, he remained committed to family life and is remembered by those who knew him as warm-hearted individual fostering creativity in all aspects of his life.
Werner Trieschmann leaves behind an impressive body of work that will continue to inspire future generations of playwrights and theatre enthusiasts alike. His contributions to the world of theatre arts are a testament to his enduring spirit and creativity.
