The Theatre Podcast With Alan Seales

Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames starts off by sharing his love for writing and the meaning behind the philosophy on his website. He discusses the transformative power of his first encounter with a play and how it ignited his desire to help “expand the range of storytelling about black people”. The conversation also delves into his play "Fat Ham" wherein he reflects on its creative process, the play's resonance, and the impact it had, especially in the context of Black and queer representation in the theater. As a founding member of Orbiter 3, James discusses the unique model of his group. He emphasizes the importance of creating a community and supporting local playwrights, giving light to the collaborative and inclusive aspects of their work. He shares how long it normally takes for him to write a full-length and the common themes found in his works. Additionally, James provides insights into his role as an associate professor at Villanova University where he teaches acting and collaborative theater-makin