Playwright Katori Hall, currently Tony-nominated for Broadway's Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, will write and develop new projects for the screen through a new overall deal with Lionsgate Television. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the contract will also include a commission program for Black playwrights.
The new partnership is a continuation of Hall's relationship with Lionsgate, with the series P-Valley (based on her play Pussy Valley) green-lit for a sophomore season on the Lionsgate-owned Starz. Hall serves as creator and showrunner.
"Black playwrights are particularly struggling—so much so that I fear some will leave the artform forever. This would undoubtedly be a major loss," Hall says. "Without theatre, there would be no me. In fact, there would be no P-Valley. That’s why I've partnered with Lionsgate on this initiative to help ensure that American theatre is more inclusive and diverse when the curtain rises again."
Hall earned an Olivier Award for the London production of her play The Mountaintop, and is currently up for Best Book of a Musical for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (she is also attached to the Best Musical nod as a producer). Her additional plays include Hurt Village and The Hot Wing King.
