Raoul Benvides Photo

An award-winning writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marie Kohler has written five critically acclaimed plays and numerous freelance articles for local and national publications. In 2005 Kohler was honored with the Milwaukee Arts Board "Artist of the Year" Award.

Biography

Kohler was born and raised in Wisconsin where she went to public school through high school. She holds a BA from Harvard University (Magna Cum Laude) and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee -- both degrees in English Literature. Her innate curiosity and long-held passion for the written word as well as her enduring love of theater and nature have inspired her work and helped shape her life. She lives in Milwaukee near Lake Michigan and in Spring Green, Wisconsin with her husband, actor Brian Mani. Together they have three grown daughters and grandchildren.

Plays

Her most recent play, THE DIG, premiered at Renaissance Theaterworks in 2009 to critical and audience acclaim. THE DIG was developed through workshops and readings and, in 2007, received critical time and attention at the Sewanee Writers' Conference. In 2005, BOSWELL'S DREAMS was named "Best of the Year" (Milwaukee Magazine) and generated exceptional reviews and audience response. MIDNIGHT AND MOLL FLANDERS was named "Best New Play of 2000" by Milwaukee Magazine, which stated "With MIDNIGHT, Kohler moves to the forefront of Milwaukee Theater." COUNTING DAYS earned a prized nomination for the American Theater Critics Association's "Best New Regional Play" in 1995. Three of her plays have been nominated for the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

The Dig

Boswell's Dreams

Midnight and Moll Flanders

Counting Days

A Girl of the Limberlost

Kohler's freelance articles have frequently appeared in the "Milwaukee Sentinel", "Milwaukee Magazine", "American Theatre" and "Shepherd Express" among other publications. Her articles explore a range of subjects — from Wisconsin's tradition of Friday night fish fries to Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture to airport mosaics to trends in theater and film. Her writing is fueled by enthusiastic curiosity, thorough research and her distinctive perspective.

Theater Company

Kohler co-founded Renaissance Theaterworks in 1993 and serves as Co-Artistic Director and Resident Playwright. A member of the professional Milwaukee theater community for over twenty years, she has also worked as actor, producer and dramaturg. She is a member of The Dramatist Guild, Chicago Dramatists workshop, the Playwrights' Center, Actors' Equity Association and the Wisconsin Society of Arts and Letters.