Pulitzer Prize for drama goes to ‘Disgraced,’ by Ayad Akhtar

“Disgraced,” Ayad Akhtar’s play about a corporate lawyer who has hidden his Pakistani Muslim heritage, has won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for drama. The two finalists were “4000” by Amy Herzog and “Rapture, Blister, Burn,” by Gina Gionfriddo.

This year’s drama jury was led by Washington Post theater critic Peter Marks and included playwright Donald Margulies, Princeton University professor Jill Dolan, critic John Fleming and critic Alexis Soloski.

“Disgraced” was produced last year by Lincoln Center Theater in New York, with Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” veteran Aasif Mandvi in the lead role. The play had its world premiere in January 2012 at Chicago’s American Theater Company.

FULL COVERAGE: 2013 Spring arts preview

The plot follows Amir Kapoor, a lawyer, and his artist wife, Emily, during the course of a dinner party in which buried feelings are revealed.

Akhtar was born in New York and raised in Milwaukee. His other work includes the novel “American Dervish” and the screenplay to “The War Within.”

Last year’s Pulitzer winner in drama was “Water by the Spoonful” by Quiara Alegria Hudes.

RELATED:

‘Silent Night’ by Kevin Puts wins Pulitzer for music

Bruce Norris’ ‘Clybourne Park’ wins Pulitzer Prize for drama

Quiara Alegria Hudes’ ‘Water by the Spoonful’ wins drama Pulitzer