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Zainab Jah

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BIO

Recent credits include: title role of Hamlet (The Wilma Theater), Antony & Cleopatra, Romeo N Juliet, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Atlantic Theater, NYC), Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Prudence in The Convert, Josephine in Ruined, A Doll’s House (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Eclipsed, Helen of Troy in Trojan Women (Classical Theatre of Harlem), In Darfur (The Public Theater/NYSF), Peter Sellars’ Children Of Herakles (European Tour). Film / TV credits: “Law & Order SVU,” “Outliving Emily” (with Andre Braugher and Phylicia Rashad), Along Came Love. Awards: Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Award, Best Featured Actress (The Convert), San Francisco Bay Area Critics’ Circle, Outstanding Performance, Female Featured Role (Ruined) and Best Featured Actress, Philadelphia Critics Awards (The Convert).

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STAGE CREDITS

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
[West End]
2026
Jaja ()
Boesman and Lena Boesman and Lena
[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Off-Broadway Revival, 2019
Performer
School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play
[Off-Broadway]
MCC World Premiere Production, 2017
Eloise Amponsah
Venus Venus
[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Revival, 2017
Performer
Eclipsed Eclipsed
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Maima
Eclipsed Eclipsed
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theatre Original Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Maimi
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theater Company Production, 2014
Mum
Trojan Women
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Helen
(The Blood) Electra
[Off-Broadway]
2007
Electra
King Lear
[Off-Broadway]
2006
Regan
River Deep
[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [off-Broadway], 2006
Ikette
River Deep
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2006
Medea
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Death
Caligula
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Zainab Jah, Boesman and Lena

Drama League Awards - 2019 - Distinguished Performance Award

Zainab Jah, Boesman and Lena


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Ensemble Award

Zainab JahSchool Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Zainab Jah, Eclipsed

Videos

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News


Cast Set For JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Lyric Hammersmith Photo
Cast Set For JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Lyric Hammersmith
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre had announced casting for the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja's African Hair Braiding which runs at the venue from Wednesday 18 March – Saturday 25 April 2026.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of TWELFTH NIGHT Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of TWELFTH NIGHT
by Jennifer Broski - Aug 22, 2025

The Delacorte Theater officially reopened with Free Shakespeare in the Park's TWELFTH NIGHT. BroadwayWorld was there and we're bringing you photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals!
BWW Q&A: Namir Smallwood Talks THE BOOK OF GRACE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company Photo
BWW Q&A: Namir Smallwood Talks THE BOOK OF GRACE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Apr 30, 2025

As Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its landmark 49th season, ensemble member Namir Smallwood steps into another powerful role in the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks.
Photos: Steppenwolf Theatre Company Celebrates Opening Night of THE BOOK OF GRACE Photo
Photos: Steppenwolf Theatre Company Celebrates Opening Night of THE BOOK OF GRACE
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 10, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary tug-of-war between family and freedom by Suzan-Lori Parks. Check out photos from inside opening night here.
Video: THE BOOK OF GRACE Opens at Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Video: THE BOOK OF GRACE Opens at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 9, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary tug-of-war between family and freedom by Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog. Check out video of the production!
Review: THE BOOK OF GRACE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company Photo
Review: THE BOOK OF GRACE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Rachel Weinberg - Apr 7, 2025

I usually appreciate when plays show and don’t tell, but THE BOOK OF GRACE really needs more exposition. Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. Steppenwolf’s production is a new version of Parks’s 2010 play, expanded from its original 100-minute run-time to two and a half hours. Even with the extra run time, playwright Suzan-Lori Parks relies far too heavily on subtext that isn’t revealed to the audience.
Photos: THE BOOK OF GRACE Opens at Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Photos: THE BOOK OF GRACE Opens at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary tug-of-war between family and freedom by Suzan-Lori Parks. See photos here!
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere Photo
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will continue its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary family portrait by Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog.
Full Cast Set for THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Full Cast Set for THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed the full cast for the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary family portrait by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. Learn more!
New York Women In Film & Television Presents 11 Film Festival Awards In 2024 Photo
New York Women In Film & Television Presents 11 Film Festival Awards In 2024
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 19, 2024

New York Women in Film & Television will present 11 NYWIFT Festival Awards to emerging and established filmmakers across six New York-area festivals throughout 2024.
Photos: Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE Opens at Audible Theater Photo
Photos: Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE Opens at Audible Theater
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 29, 2024

The New York premiere of I’m Almost There, written and performed by Todd Almond and directed by David Cromer opened on Thursday, September 26th and Broadway World was there to capture the festivities. Check out photos here!
Every Broadway Person in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING Photo
Every Broadway Person in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 27, 2024

Just in time for the fourth season, we compiled a list of the Broadway stars that appear across the first three seasons- and announced cast for the fourth- and how you might know them on the stage.
Red Bull Theater Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Productions, Readings & More Photo
Red Bull Theater Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Productions, Readings & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2024

Red Bull Theater has revealed its 2024-25 season with a lineup of productions, readings, and special events available both in-person and online.
Katrina Lenk, Amber Gray, Aisha De Haas & More to Star in Second Annual FREEFEST Photo
Katrina Lenk, Amber Gray, Aisha De Haas & More to Star in Second Annual FREEFEST
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2024

The New Group has revealed the casts for its second annual FreeFest, featuring a diverse lineup of performances and events. Learn more about the programming and see how to purchase tickets.
The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia Receives 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award Photo
The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia Receives 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award
by Stephi Wild - May 22, 2024

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The honor recognizes a regional theatre company that has displayed a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theatre nationally.
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina & K. Ann McDonald at Red Bulls Gala Benefit Photo
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina & K. Ann McDonald at Red Bulls Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2024

Alfred Molina will be honored with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.
Red Bull Theater Continues Its 20th Anniversary Festival With The NY Premiere of GOD' Photo
Red Bull Theater Continues Its 20th Anniversary Festival With The NY Premiere of GOD'S SPIES
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 17, 2024

Red Bull Theater has announced details for the next presentation of its 20th Anniversary Festival, the New York Premiere of God's Spies by Bill Cain, directed by Nathan Winkelstein.
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina And K. Ann McDonald at Gala Benefit Photo
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina And K. Ann McDonald at Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2024

Alfred Molina and K. Ann McDonald will be honored at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Go Inside NYTW's 2024 Gala Honoring Liesl Tommy Photo
Photos: Go Inside NYTW's 2024 Gala Honoring Liesl Tommy
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 19, 2024

New York Theatre Workshop hosted its 2024 Gala, honoring theater and film visionary Liesl Tommy. The evening’s program was hosted by Nicole Ari Parker, directed by Kevin Cahoon, and feature musical direction by Rick Hip-Flores.
Red Bull Theater 20th Anniversary To Feature Audra McDonald, Patrick Page, Santino Fo Photo
Red Bull Theater 20th Anniversary To Feature Audra McDonald, Patrick Page, Santino Fontana, Reeve Carney, and More
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2023

RED BULL THEATER has announced details of its plans for 2024, celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Highlights include the rolling world premiere of Medea: Re-Versed opening Off-Broadway; a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings with an all-star line-up (offered both in-person and online); and an all-new season of the popular Red Bull Theater Podcasts (formerly known as RemarkaBULL Podversations), intimate behind the scenes conversations with great artists.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Zainab Jah been in?

Zainab Jah has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Zainab Jah been in?

Zainab Jah has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What awards has Zainab Jah been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Boesman and Lena, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Boesman and Lena, Ensemble Award (Drama Desk Awards) for School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Eclipsed.

What awards has Zainab Jah won?

Zainab Jah has won the Ensemble Award at the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play.

What was Zainab Jah's first West End show?

Zainab Jah's first West End show was Jaja's African Hair Braiding which opened in 2026

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