NEW YORK CITY: Columbia University has announced the 2018 finalists for the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. The finalists were chosen from a pool of nominations, and a jury will meet next month to select a winner. The author of the winning work will receive a cash prize of $100,000 at a ceremony this spring at Columbia University.

The finalists are Junk by Ayad Akhtar, produced by La Jolla Playhouse; Bella: An American Tall Tale by Kirsten Childs, produced by Playwright Horizons; Roe by Lisa Loomer, produced by Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Arena Stage; Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau, produced by Atlantic Theater Company; and King of the Yees by Lauren Yee, produced by Goodman Theatre.

The prize is given annually to a new play or musical that explores part of the history of the United States. Ambassador Kennedy Smith established the awards to commemorate her late brother, Sen. Ted Kennedy.