In Memoriam

September 7, 2023

Milly S. Barranger., an author, educator and producer, died on August 21st in New York with her daughter, Heather and wife Liz Woodman, at her side. Ms. Barranger was an author who wrote books about women in the theater as well about modern American theater. She held the title of Alumni Distinguished Professor Emerita of Dramatic Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served concurrently as Chairwoman of the Department of Dramatic Art and Producing Director of PlayMakers Repertory Company, a member of the League of Resident Theaters (1982-1999).

This month the Department of Dramatic Art and PlayMakers Repertory lost a legendary figure, Milly Barranger. In 1982 Milly became Chair of the Department of Dramatic Art and Producing Director for PlayMakers. Her vision of artistic excellence and rigor strengthened the relationship between the professional theater and the academic department. That vision has evolved to become the community of scholars, artists, teachers, technicians, staff and practitioners that today make theater magic in the Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art. I did not know Milly personally but from all the stories we hear, she was quite a force.

Kathryn Hunter-Williams, Chair

Milly was a titan and a pioneer. The impact of what she made happen here at PlayMakers Repertory Company – and the unique relationship she cultivated between a professional theatre and the Department of Dramatic Art – cannot be overstated. She was a force and PlayMakers would not be what it is today without her vision, bravery and determination. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t look at the portrait of her that hangs in our halls and contemplate the formidable shoulders on which I’m standing.

Vivienne Benesch, Producing Artistic Director