NEW YORK CITY: Experimental theatre company Mabou Mines has promoted artistic associate Karen Evans Kandel to the position of co-artistic director. She assumes leadership of the company alongside current co-artistic directors Lee Breuer, Sharon Fogarty and Terry O’Reilly.

Kandel’s first performance with the company was in Mabou Mines Lear, which earned her an Obie Award. She’s gone on to win two more Obies for her work with Mabou Mines. In addition to being a performer, Kandel is also a mentor in the Mabou Mines/Suite Resident Artist Program and was one of five writers on Ruth Maleczech’s Song For New York.

“This feels like a natural transition,” says Kandel via e-mail. “My history with Mabou Mines began in the mid-’80s. Since that time, the company has supported my work, my growth; through mutual collaboration, they have challenged and shaped who I am. I look forward to taking a more active role and moving into the future with the company I so love.”