James Ijames News

Je’Shaun Jackson is trading the 'perfection' of reality TV for the glorious vulnerability of a backyard barbecue. Dive into our conversation with the FAT HAM star on finding the light in Juicy’s softness and the radical power of a Black queer lead who finally gets to breathe.

From the fitting room to the stage, accomplished performer, designer, director, and educator Jos N. Banks is the definition of what it means to be a creative 'multi-hyphenate.' As both the costume designer and a lead performer in Orlando Shakes’ FAT HAM, Jos discusses the power of vulnerability, the reclamation of Southern imagery, and why it’s time for the theater industry to stop putting Black queer artists in a box.

Portland Center Stage and Portland Playhouse will present the upcoming co-production of James Ijames' critically acclaimed comedy, Fat Ham. Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Fat Ham is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Following its world premiere, THE LAST BLACK MESSIAH, written by actor and playwright Emeka Agada, will transfer to the Jack Studio Theatre for a limited run from 28 April -16 May 2026.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames will present his new play, WILDERNESS GENERATION, at the Philadelphia Theatre Company starting April 15. Directed by Obie Award winner Taibi Magar.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames will be the first featured guest in PlayPenn’s 2026 PlayPenn Presents conversation series. The events will take place at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia and The Drama Book Shop in New York.

Theatre Philadelphia has announced the return of Philly Theatre Week, running from April 23 - May 3, 2026. This 10-day celebration will feature close to 50 events. Learn more here!

Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC), in partnership with The Terrence McNally Foundation, has announced that applications for the 2026 Terrence McNally Award will open on April 7.

On the heels of being announced as a co-producer for the new musical  Imitation of Life by Lynn Nottage, Liesl Tommy and EGOT winner John Legend, National Black Theatre has revealed cast and ticket availability.

Orlando Shakes’ production of FAT HAM is a sensory-rich, unapologetically Black, and proudly queer reimagining of Hamlet that trades Shakespearean tragedy for hard-won joy. Set against a stunningly detailed backyard cookout, Je’Shaun Jackson’s stylized performance as Juicy anchors a vivid ensemble that navigates familial duty and identity with breakneck pace and ear-watering humor. Ultimately, this breath of fresh ai' production asks the vital modern question: to be what others expect, or to be unapologetically yourself?

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has named Darren Edward Johnston as Associate Artistic Director of Commercial Strategy and Partnership.

Abingdon Theatre Company has revealed the talkback participants directly following the festival performances of Raise the Page, Uplift the Word: A BIPOC Festival of Short Plays in collaboration with AMT Theater.

New York Theatre Workshop's 2026 Gala will honor Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, and NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker.

“To be or not to be? That is the question.” Everyone is familiar with this iconic quote from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, despite the fact that not everyone has seen the actual show or a film adaptation. However, there is no shortage of movies influenced by the Bard’s works.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has opened single-ticket sales for its 2026 Summer Theatre Series, themed 'Legends and Legacy,' in celebration of its 35th anniversary.

Nashville Repertory Theatre, in co-production with The Nashville Shakespeare Festival, will present the Regional premiere of FAT HAM, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames.

Get a first look at The Arden Theatre Company's Philadelphia Premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ Good Bones. The production, which opened Wednesday, January 22, now runs through March 22.

Responding to high demand, the Citywide James Ijames Pass now includes a two-show option, allowing access to major productions at Philadelphia's Wilma Theater and another venue for $90.

The Arden Theatre Company's Philadelphia Premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ Good Bones has been extended, adding six additional performances.

All new photos have been released from the Arden Theatre Company's Philadelphia Premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames' Good Bones. Learn more here!