Playwrights Canada Press: A Legacy of Governor General's Awards
For over three decades, Playwrights Canada Press has served as a cornerstone for the publication of dramatic works in Canada. Its commitment to excellence in storytelling and theatrical craft is reflected in its extensive history of recognition at the Governor General's Awards, one of Canada's most prestigious literary honors.
Over a 33-year span, the press has earned a total of 86 nominations. The vast majority of these accolades—82 nominations—fall under the category of English-language Drama, while four nominations have been awarded for French to English translation. From these nominations, the press has secured 21 wins, cementing its role as a primary catalyst for the growth of Canadian theatre.
Key Facts
- Total Nominations: 86 Governor General's Awards.
- Total Wins: 21 awards over 33 years.
- English-language Drama: 82 nominations.
- French to English Translation: 4 nominations.
Excellence in English-Language Drama
The press has consistently championed a diverse array of voices in English-language drama. Early successes began in the 1980s, with Judith Thompson's White Biting Dog winning in 1984, followed by George F. Walker's Criminals in Love in 1985 and Sharon Pollock's Doc in 1986.
As the decades progressed, the press continued to secure wins across various styles and themes. Notable winners include John Krizanc's Prague (1987), John Mighton's Possible Worlds and A Short History of Night (1992), and Michael Healey's The Drawer Boy (1999). The early 2000s saw a streak of critical success with works such as Vern Thiessen's Einstein's Gift (2003) and Daniel MacIvor's I Still Love You (2006).
In more recent years, the press has maintained its momentum. Recent winners include Jordan Tannahill's Botticelli in the Fire & Sunday in Sodom (2018) and Hannah Moscovitch's Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (2021).
Bridging Languages: French to English Translation
Beyond original English scripts, Playwrights Canada Press has played a vital role in making Francophone works accessible to English-speaking audiences. This effort in translation—the process of rendering text from one language to another while preserving meaning and tone—has been recognized four times by the Governor General's Awards.
Linda Gaboriau has been a standout figure in this category, winning the award for Forests in 2010 and Birds of a Kind in 2019.
| Category | Nominations | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| English-language Drama | 82 | 19 |
| French to English Translation | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 86 | 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Governor General's Awards has Playwrights Canada Press won?
Playwrights Canada Press has won a total of 21 Governor General's Awards over its 33-year history.
Which category has received the most nominations?
The English-language Drama category has received the most nominations, with a total of 82.
Who are some of the winning authors published by the press?
Winning authors include Judith Thompson, George F. Walker, Sharon Pollock, John Krizanc, Michael Healey, and Hannah Moscovitch, among others.
Has the press been recognized for translation work?
Yes, the press has received four nominations for French to English translation, with Linda Gaboriau winning twice (2010 and 2019).
What is the total number of nominations the press has received?
The press has been nominated for a total of 86 Governor General's Awards.