This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts. 

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

Person of The Week

The top stories from TIME’s award-winning, fact-based journalism, providing daily analysis and insight into the latest developments around the world—all in one place.

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This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance and implications of cultural diversity in the arts.

James Ijames • Bessemer to Broadway

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

Best of "Person of the Week" Henry Louis Gates, Jr. • Presenting The Past

For over a decade, Charli XCX has been a trailblazer in the pop and electronic music scenes, captivating audiences with hits like “I Love It” and “Boom Clap,” and acclaimed albums such as "How I'm Feeling Now" and "Crash." Her music has underscored iconic TV shows and films, from “GIRLS” in the 2010s to the recent hits “Bottoms” and “Barbie.” This week, Charli XCX sits down with host Charlotte Alter and shares insights into her creative process, her complex relationship with 90s pop, and how TikTok has revolutionized the music industry. With her new album, "Brat," dropping on June 7, Charli opens up about her journey and the inspiration behind her latest work. Tune in for a lively conversation that dives deep into the mind of one of pop’s most dynamic artists, and discover why, through it all, Charli XCX just wants her music to help people have fun.

For over a decade, Charli XCX has been a trailblazer in the pop and electronic music scenes, captivating audiences with hits like “I Love It” and “Boom Clap,” and acclaimed albums such as "How I'm Feeling Now" and "Crash." Her music has underscored iconic TV shows and films, from “GIRLS” in the 2010s to the recent hits “Bottoms” and “Barbie.” This week, Charli XCX sits down with host Charlotte Alter and shares insights into her creative process, her complex relationship with 90s pop, and how TikTok has revolutionized the music industry. With her new album, "Brat," dropping on June 7, Charli opens up about her journey and the inspiration behind her latest work. Tune in for a lively conversation that dives deep into the mind of one of pop’s most dynamic artists, and discover why, through it all, Charli XCX just wants her music to help people have fun.

Best of "Person of the Week" Charli XCX • From Boom Clap to Brat

Legendary makeup artist, author, and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown joins host Charlotte Alter for our final episode of the season. They delve into Brown's journey from her Chicago upbringing to the pinnacle of the global beauty industry. Brown candidly shares the story behind her rise to success, from the profound influence of her mother on her perception of beauty to how she developed her iconic natural makeup style, to how she built not one but two, massively successful cosmetics companies. Brown sheds light on the changing face of beauty in the age of social media and cosmetic procedures, and lets us in on her 89-year-old father's beauty routine. Tune in for an intimate discussion on life, legacy, and the true essence of beauty with one of the industry's most revered figures, Bobbi Brown.

Legendary makeup artist, author, and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown joins host Charlotte Alter for our final episode of the season. They delve into Brown's journey from her Chicago upbringing to the pinnacle of the global beauty industry. Brown candidly shares the story behind her rise to success, from the profound influence of her mother on her perception of beauty to how she developed her iconic natural makeup style, to how she built not one but two, massively successful cosmetics companies. Brown sheds light on the changing face of beauty in the age of social media and cosmetic procedures, and lets us in on her 89-year-old father's beauty routine. Tune in for an intimate discussion on life, legacy, and the true essence of beauty with one of the industry's most revered figures, Bobbi Brown.

James Ijames • Bessemer to Broadway

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