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Rajiv Joseph

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Rajiv Joseph BIO

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.

Rajiv Joseph Photos

Rajiv Joseph Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Best New American Play

Rajiv Joseph, Describe the Night

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Play

Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

The Pulitzer Prize - 2010 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

The Pulitzer Prize - 2010 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Rajiv Joseph, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Rajiv Joseph Videos

Rajiv Joseph News


Photos: 2024 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Celebrates Deepa Purohit & Angelica Negron


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!

Adam Karim Wins 2024 JMK Award for GUARDS AT THE TAJ by Rajiv Joseph


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 Reveals Lineup For 2024-25 Season of World and Regional Premieres, Commissions, and More


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 to Present LETTERS OF SURESH By Rajiv Joseph


ReAct Theatre and Pratidhwani have announced the Seattle premiere of Letters of Suresh, performing April 24 – May 12th at 12th Ave Arts. 

JMK Trust Reveals Shortlist For 2024 JMK Award


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 & Percussionist Chris P. Thompson Releases New Album 'Stay The Same'


Composer and percussionist Chris P. Thompson has released new album, Stay the Same.

The Wilma Theater Announces Four Philadelphia Premieres And More for 2024-25 Season


Discover the exciting new 2024-25 season productions announced by The Wilma Theater. Get the latest details on the upcoming shows and subscription options.

Playwright Christopher Durang Dies at Age 75


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that playwright Christopher Durang has died at age 75.

World Premiere Musical & More Set for Round House Theatre's 2024-2025 Season


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.

THE SHARK IS BROKEN & More Set for George Street Playhouse 2024-2025 Season


George Street Playhouse has unveiled complete programming for the 2024–2025 season. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

FAT HAM, A CHRISTMAS STORY & More Set for Cleveland Play House 24-25 Season


Cleveland Play House has revealed its 2024-2025 theatrical season of plays. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

92NY to Present COTTON: Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano And Justin Austin, Baritone


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.

Meet the Cast of PATRIOTS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Almeida Theatre production of Patriots officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, April 1. Meet the cast of Patriots here!

The Lark Playwrights Workshop To Continue As Part of Second Stage Theater's NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL


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 Reveals Finalists for South Asian Artistic Initiative Playwrighting Festival


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!

KING JAMES Extended for One Week at The Old Globe


The Old Globe will present a one-week extension for King James. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: Fandom and Friendship for the Win in KING JAMES at The Old Globe


“King James” is a funny, heartwarming look at fandom, friendship, and how sometimes the unlikeliest people can become irreplaceable members of your life.  “King James” is playing at the Old Globe through March 31st.

Playwright Aleshea Harris Wins the 2023 Kesselring Prize for Playwriting


Explore the latest news from the National Arts Club regarding the Kesselring Prize. Stay updated on the details of the award and its significance in the world of Broadway.

Yorick Ensemble to Present Rajiv Joseph's GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES This Month


Yorick Ensemble will present Rajiv Joseph's Gruesome Playground Injuries in March. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: Joshua Echebiri & Caleb Foote on KING JAMES at The Old Globe


Watch as Joshua Echebiri & Caleb Foote talk about bringing King James to The Old Globe in San Diego. The play is written by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph (Broadway’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Off Broadway’s Guards at the Taj) and is directed by Justin Emeka (Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Sweat and American Son). 

Rajiv Joseph FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Rajiv Joseph written?

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).

What awards has Rajiv Joseph been nominated for?

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."

What awards has Rajiv Joseph won?

Rajiv Joseph has won the Obie Award for Best New American Play for "Describe the Night."

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