Darko Tresnjak '88 Set to Take Helm of Hartford Stage
Darko Tresnjak '88 Set to
Take Helm of Hartford Stage
by Alisa Giardinelli
6/27/11
![Darko Tresjnak '88](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image/public/assets/images/news-archive-2009-2011/darko1.jpg.webp?itok=LfHZacYI)
Next month, acclaimed director Darko Tresnjak '88 will take the helm of Hartford Stage, renowned for producing original and classic live theater ranging from drama to musicals. Tresjnak, a highly sought after director of theater and opera, is only the fifth artistic director in the company's nearly 50-year history.
"It takes so many people working together to create a successful show," Tresjnak said at the announcement. "Every time it happens, it gives me a little bit more faith in the world."
Tresnjak, a native of the former Yugoslavia, came to the United States at age nine. After majoring in English at Swarthmore, he studied at the Martha Graham School, performed with numerous Philadelphia dance and theater companies, and toured across the United States and Japan with Mum Puppettheatre before attending graduate school at Columbia University. He has since been described as a lover of "bruised beauties," his name for dramatic pieces in which not everything works but which may yield unexpected and wonderful rewards to those willing to confront the challenge of staging them. Read a more complete biography.
The first five productions of Hartford's upcoming 2011-2012 season have been announced, including Tresnjak's production of Bell, Book and Candle by John Van Druten. Tresnjak will select the final play of next season, which will be announced this fall.