James Ijames

James Ijames (born 1980) is a playwright, director, actor, and educator. Ijames was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Fat Ham. His other awards include a Pew Fellowship, the F. Otto Haas Award for Emerging Artist, the Terrence McNally New Play Award, a Whiting Award, a Kesselring Prize, and a Steinberg Prize. His other plays include The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington and White. He resides in South Philadelphia.

His unique voice and perspective have brought attention to critical social issues and have helped to diversify the narratives and experiences represented in American theater. His work as a playwright and his dedication to teaching the next generation of theatre professionals underscores his importance in the field.

Ijames received a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and a M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is [2023] an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University. He resides in South Philadelphia. (photo credit: Justin DeWalt).

Learn more at James Ijames’s official website.