Movements: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Racial Intentions

A native of Washington, D.C., playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins believes he's obligated to tackle the issues of identity and race in America. Before receiving an Obie for his play Appropriate, Jacobs-Jenkins exploded onto the theater scene with his plays Neighbors and Octoroon. 

Why explore Racism? In a recent interview with Vogue Magazine, Branden explains why he uses his pen in such a powerful way. He says "what all these plays I've written have really taught me is that race isn't something you opt into to talk about, its more of a thing that we're all swimming in. Honestly, it's the essence of this country's storytelling." 

Jacobs-Jenkins brings Gloria to Vineyard Theatre, a play that looks into the effect one news-making event has on group of young assistants working at a Manhattan Magazine. You can see Gloria at Vineyard Theatre May 28- July 3.