Dave Harris is a storyteller whose words transcend the stage, challenging societal norms and inviting audiences into profound reflection. Whether through plays, films, or television, his fearless approach to writing is rooted in vulnerability and a deep interrogation of race, class, and identity.
For playwright and poet Dave Harris, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a way of being. “To be a writer is not just the action of writing but to walk through life as a writer,” Harris shares, recalling the words of his Yale University professor, Deb Margolin. “Once I adopted that mindset, I understood that everything I encountered in life contributed to my ability to write.” Writing became more than just filling pages—it became a way of confronting life itself.
Growing up in Philadelphia with his mother and sister, Harris learned the power of words early. His mother, an avid reader, instilled in him a deep love for literature. “My mom was the fastest reader I’ve ever seen,” Harris reminisces. “She devoured books, especially Stephen King, and read to me every night. That’s where my love of stories started.” By second grade, she had already predicted his future, telling him, “You’re going to be a writer.”
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In seventh grade, Harris wrote his first play, Nerds 101, a comedic piece about three nerds learning to embrace themselves. This play won a contest with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, launching him into a world where his words could have a real impact. “It started as just something fun for summer camp,” Harris reflects, “but it became so much more.” This passion for storytelling carried Harris all the way to Yale University, where he wrote Exceptions to the Rule, his Off-Broadway debut. The play, raw, fearless, and boldly honest, reflects Harris’s belief that vulnerability is power.
Harris’s life took a pivotal turn when he entered graduate school. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “We grew up really poor. Getting into college was such a big thing.” When he moved to a new city for grad school, he had only $100 in his bank account and no clear idea of how he would support himself. “I wasn’t very open about money, but I had only $100 when I moved into grad school,” Harris recalls. His circumstances changed when he received a fellowship that provided financial stability. “Suddenly, I could shop without counting every price,” he adds.
This fellowship allowed Harris to live with a newfound sense of financial security, which led him to question the deeper implications of capitalism. This interrogation culminated in his award-winning play Tambo & Bones, where he used the work to explore the intersection of race and capitalism. Through humor and emotional depth, Tambo & Bones challenges audiences to grapple with uncomfortable truths about freedom and whether it can ever truly exist under a capitalist system.
Harris’s work consistently confronts and questions the world’s assumptions about race, class, and identity, pushing both himself and his audiences to face the complexities of these issues. His self-assured approach to storytelling challenges societal norms while inviting reflection and dialogue.
Yet, Harris’s talents extend far beyond the stage. His transition to film and television has been equally bold and impactful. His feature film Summertime premiered at Sundance, earning praise for its heart and authenticity. Additionally, Harris has lent his emotional depth and unique perspective to major television projects like Interview with a Vampire and The Fortress of Solitude. By expanding into new mediums, Harris continues to broaden his reach, captivating audiences across genres. As he pushes the boundaries of storytelling, one thing is certain—Dave Harris is a name to remember.
