The 2017 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to U.S. playwright Clare Barron for her play Dance Nation. On March 6, New York's Playwrights Horizons hosted a ceremony honoring the winner and finalists of the prize and celebrating the 39th anniversary of the international prize, which is based in Houston. The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize is awarded annually to recognize women from around the world who have written works of outstanding quality for the English-speaking theatre. Artistic Director of LCT3 and one of this year’s Blackburn Prize Judges, Evan Cabnet, presented Clare Barron with an award of $25,000 and a signed and numbered print by artist Willem de Kooning. "Dance Nation" chronicles the trials and tribulations of a pre-teen dance competition.  Playwrights Horizons will produce the world premiere of Dance Nation in April of 2018. The play utilizes actors of all ages and races to play the young girls. In addition to Mr. Cabnet, the international panel of Judges for the 2017 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize includes, Robert O'Hara, Sarah Paulson, Maria Aberg, Nina Sosanya & Jenny Worton. Press contact: DKC/O&M (212/695-7400)...