Rajiv Joseph is an American playwright and screenwriter known for his thought-provoking and emotionally charged works. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1974, Joseph graduated from Miami University with a degree in creative writing before going on to receive his MFA in playwriting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
Joseph made his Broadway debut in 2011 with the play "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo," which starred Robin Williams in the lead role. The play, which explores the Iraq War through the eyes of a tiger in the Baghdad Zoo, received critical acclaim and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Joseph's other notable stage works include "Gruesome Playground Injuries," "Animals Out of Paper," and "Guards at the Taj," which won the 2016 Obie Award for Best New American Play.
In addition to his work in theater, Joseph has also written for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 2011 film "Draft Day," which starred Kevin Costner, and has written for the Showtime series "Nurse Jackie" and the Netflix series "Russian Doll." Joseph's most recent work for film is the upcoming drama "Nocturne," which he wrote and directed.
Joseph's impact on the theater world has been significant. His plays have been produced in theaters across the United States and around the world, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize nomination for "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo," Joseph has received the Kesselring Prize for Drama, the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Award, and the Whiting Award for Drama.
Joseph's most recent work for the stage is the play "King James," which premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2019. The play, which explores the legacy of basketball superstar LeBron James, received positive reviews and was praised for its blend of sports, politics, and personal identity.
From: Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of DESCRIBE THE NIGHT at Steppenwolf Theatre
From: Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with Patrick Page and More for Rajiv Joseph's ARCHDUKE at the Taper
Rajiv Joseph, Describe the Night
Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
The Dramatists Guild of America revealed the recipients of the inaugural Dramatists Guild Advocacy Award. Learn more about the award!
Mary Jane, led by Rachel McAdams, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, officially opened on Broadway last night, April 23. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
Read the full list of 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations! Leading the nominations are Stereophonic and Dead Outlaw.
Orange Tree Theatre has announced further information for its 2024 Autumn season. The season features world premières of David Edgar's Here in America and Hannah Khalil's adaptation of Treasure Island alongside a revival of Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj and Jane Asher joining Oliver Ford Davies to star in Twelfth Night.
The annual Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner on Sunday, April 14th honored playwright and theater maker Deepa Purohit. This was the central event of a three-day celebration, hosted by the Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation. Check out photos here!
The JMK Trust has announced that Adam Karim wins this year's JMK Award with his production of Guards at the Taj by Rajiv Joseph.
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 54th season—a lineup of works to be presented October 2024 through July 2025. Learn more about the full lineup here!
ReAct Theatre and Pratidhwani have announced the Seattle premiere of Letters of Suresh, performing April 24 – May 12th at 12th Ave Arts.
The JMK Trust today announces the eight shortlisted theatre directors, and the designers they partnered with, in the running for the 2024 JMK Award – Dipo Baruwa-Etti, Adam Karim, Zoe Murtagh, Josh Parr, Joanna Pidcock, Zoë Templeman-Young, Amelia Thornber and Sam Woof.
Composer and percussionist Chris P. Thompson has released new album, Stay the Same.
Discover the exciting new 2024-25 season productions announced by The Wilma Theater. Get the latest details on the upcoming shows and subscription options.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that playwright Christopher Durang has died at age 75.
The full five-show lineup has bee revealed for Round House Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season. Learn about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.
George Street Playhouse has unveiled complete programming for the 2024–2025 season. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Cleveland Play House has revealed its 2024-2025 theatrical season of plays. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Join the 92nd Street Y for COTTON: Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano and Justin Austin, baritone. See when you can catch the performance and learn how to purchase tickets.
The Almeida Theatre production of Patriots officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, April 1. Meet the cast of Patriots here!
Second Stage Theater which became the new home for the Lark Playwrights Workshop in 2022, will conclude this year’s program on March 26th. Learn more about the program!
Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the three original plays that will be featured in the inaugural South Asian Artistic Initiative Playwrighting Festival. Learn more about the festivals!
The Old Globe will present a one-week extension for King James. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Rajiv Joseph has written 10 shows including All This Intimacy (Playwright), Animals Out of Paper (Playwright), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Playwright), Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Playwright), The North Pool (Playwright), Guards at the Taj (Author), In Your Arms (Story), Describe the Night (Playwright), Fly (Bookwriter & Lyricist), King James (Playwright).
Rajiv Joseph has been nominated for several awards, including Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for "Describe the Night," Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo," and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo."
Rajiv Joseph has won the Obie Award for Best New American Play for "Describe the Night."
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