On the Rialto
Playwright-Producer Jeremy O. Harris Jailed in Japan
The Slave Play writer was arrested last month after MDMA was found in his tote bag at Okinawa’s Naha Airport.
Jeremy O. Harris
Shawn Salley
Playwright and producer Jeremy O. Harris is currently jailed in Japan, per a report from Reuters. The Slave Play writer was reportedly detained at Okinawa’s Naha Airport November 16 after a customs officer found MDMA in one of Harris’ bags. Harris was arrested on suspicion of violating the country’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, and a formal criminal accusation was filed this week.
Japan’s drug laws are among the world’s strictest. If found guilty, Harris could face up to seven years in prison. Similar situations involving celebrities in the past ended in defendants like Paul McCartney barred from visiting the country for years. Harris continues to be in Japanese custody.
Harris is one of the most prolific young writers and producers in the entertainment industry, rising to prominence with his Tony-nominated Slave Play in 2018. His stage work also includes Daddy: A Melodrama, Black Exhibition, Yell: A Documentary of My Time Here, and Spirit of the People, the latter of which made its world premiere this summer at Williamstown Theatre Festival.
As a producer, Harris has created several play commissioning initiatives, and co-produced Ain’t No Mo’ and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window on Broadway, and Invasive Species at Off-Broadway’s Vineyard Theatre. On screen, he produced and co-wrote Zola, and acted in Gossip Girl, Emily in Paris, and The Sweet East. He has also produced Irma Vep and Euphoria.
