James Ijames talks his influences and impact on the arts | Midday Break Room w/ Tiffany Bacon - 8.24.26

James Ijames is an American playwright originally from Bessemer City, North Carolina. His play Fat Ham, adapted from Hamlet, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He is a professor at Columbia University and former co-artistic director of the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia. At the beginning of the interview, James will be asked to state who he is, and please have him answer: "This is James Ijames, and I'm here to tell my story as a playwright, how my 20+ years in Philadelphia have shaped my career, and the overall impact I've made on the arts & culture scene in Philadelphia". After Tiffany Bacon prompts James to introduce himself, the interview will focus on key narrative elements, such as: Who is this person? What is their connection to Philadelphia? What work, contribution, or achievement are they known for? What challenges, turning points, or defining moments shaped their journey? What impact have they had on their community or field? What legacy or lesson would they like to share? Beginning – Where They Started This portion grounds the listener in who the person is and where they come from. Focus on: ● Early life, upbringing, or formative influences ● Their connection to Philadelphia (neighborhoods, family, migration, institutions) ● A memory, person, or moment that shaped their sense of self Goal: Help the listener quickly understand who this person is and what shaped them. Middle – What They Built & What They Faced This is the heart of the story. Every compelling narrative includes both achievements and challenges they overcame. Focus on: ● Major accomplishments, contributions, or moments of impact ● Challenges, barriers, failures, or sacrifices they had to navigate ● How they overcame obstacles or were changed by them Encourage specificity. Texture lives in detail: a hard decision, a turning point, a moment of doubt, a breakthrough. Goal: Reveal the human journey behind the success — not just what they did, but what it cost and what it taught. End – Legacy, Meaning, and the Future This final section connects the individual story to something larger. Focus on: ● What their work or life means in the context of Philadelphia’s history ● What they hope their legacy will be ● Reflections on freedom, responsibility, and the future — especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary Goal: Leave the listener with a sense of meaning, continuity, and hope