Mary Zimmerman

Mary Zimmerman (b. August 23, 1960) is an American director, writer, and librettist celebrated for her innovative theatrical adaptations and imaginative stagings. She is best known for transforming classical literature, myth, and opera into highly visual and emotionally resonant works. Zimmerman was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where her lifelong interest in storytelling and theatre was nurtured. She earned her B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. in performance studies from Northwestern University, later joining the faculty and eventually becoming a full professor of performance studies.

Zimmerman’s directing career took off in the 1990s when she began developing productions at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company and the Goodman Theatre. Her adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses became a landmark production, transferring to Broadway in 2002 and earning her the Tony Award for Best Director of a Play. Her distinctive style often blends narrative clarity with visual spectacle, incorporating water, puppetry, or abstract design elements to make ancient and classical stories accessible to contemporary audiences.

In addition to her work in theatre, Zimmerman has made significant contributions to the world of opera. She has directed productions for the Metropolitan Opera, including Philip Glass’s Galileo Galilei (for which she co-wrote the libretto), Rossini’s Armida, and Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito. Her librettist role on Galileo Galilei highlighted her ability to weave historical biography with poetic theatricality, creating a reverse-chronology meditation on the scientist’s life and legacy. She has also staged operas internationally, bringing her signature blend of theatrical storytelling and musical sensitivity to a wide range of repertoire.

Zimmerman’s influence extends beyond her productions. As an educator and mentor, she has trained generations of theatre artists at Northwestern University. She has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (1998), often called the “genius grant,” recognizing her visionary work in the arts. Known for her bold theatrical imagination, she continues to shape American theatre and opera by bridging the gap between classical texts and modern sensibilities, ensuring that timeless stories resonate with new audiences.