James Ijames: South Philadelphia playwright wins 2022 Pultizer Prize for Drama ‘Fat Ham’

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A person of the recent Pulitzer Prize winners is suitable from the Philadelphia space, and the news is getting felt all across the town.

From neighborhood universities to theatrical areas throughout the metropolis, South Philadelphia artist James Ijames acquired this prestigious honor for his hard work.

Ijames is a Temple University graduate, a theater professor at Villanova College, and the co-inventive director at the Wilma Theater.

On Monday, his perform ‘Fat Ham’ received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“I imagine what’s most touching is that I adore writers of any type,” Ijames said. “That award is offered by writers to writers. It just feels so astounding to have other writers say, ‘I see anything of splendor in what you’ve got prepared.’ I come to feel really honored.”

The 41-year-previous playwright developed Fat Ham all through the pandemic.

It is his comedic riff on ‘Hamlet,’ set at a southern BBQ.

His digital production at the Wilma streamed just about past calendar year. On Thursday, Body fat Ham will have its initially in-human being production Off-Broadway in New York Town.

He credits Philadelphia for fueling his creativeness.

“I really feel like, mainly because I was in Philadelphia, and I’ve been in Philadelphia so extensive, the theater listed here is so adventurous,” he claimed. “That is the setting exactly where I uncovered how to be an artist. I was usually challenged to assume outside the house of the box.”

His new present ‘Reverie,’ manufactured with Azuka Theatre, is now playing at the Proscenium Theatre at The Drake.

It operates through Could 22.