Pearl Cleage

Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta-based writer, distinguished as the Artist in Residence at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. She is celebrated for her extensive work in theatre, literature, and advocacy, particularly in topics concerning the African American community, love, sex, and female empowerment. Cleage's new play, "Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous," premiered during the theatre’s 50th anniversary season in 2019 and is poised for further productions across the country, including at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC. Among her numerous plays, "Flyin’ West" remains notable as the most produced new play in the country since 1994, frequently staged due to its enduring popularity. Other significant works include "The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years," originally commissioned by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and co-produced with the Alliance in Montgomery and Atlanta. Her play for young audiences, "Sit-In," explores the sit-in movement and will accompany a national exhibition by Scholastic Books at the High Museum. Cleage's "Blues for An Alabama Sky" has seen annual productions since its premiere in 1995 and was included in the 20th anniversary season of the Alliance in 2015.

Her literary works also resonate through her novels and essays. Cleage’s first novel, "What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day," was a New York Times bestseller and an Oprah Book Club selection. Other bestselling novels include "Seen It All and Done the Rest" and "Just Wanna Testify," while her memoir, "Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons and Love Affairs," offers a profound look into her personal experiences. Cleage also co-authored "We Speak Your Names" with her husband, Zaron W. Burnett, Jr., as a tribute during Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Weekend. Her essays, particularly the collection "Mad at Miles: A Black Woman’s Guide to Truth," have also been adapted for the stage, contributing to discussions on domestic violence and empowerment.

Cleage’s contributions have garnered multiple accolades, including the Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2018 and an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Spelman College in 2010. Her advocacy extends into her public speaking, where she addresses life lessons for women, the significance of memoir, and the importance of diversity in American theatre. Her role as a founder and CEO at The Lighthouse Academy further underscores her commitment to education and empowerment through the arts. As she continues to influence through her multifaceted career, Cleage remains a vital voice for women and the broader community, blending creativity with critical societal insights.