ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jeremy O. Harris Discusses Japan Arrest, New Projects, and Political Frustrations in CULTURED Interview

publication · 2026-04-09

At New York's Corner Bar, Jeremy O. Harris, a playwright and commentator, enjoyed breakfast, opting for an iced Americano and chicken soup. He recently collaborated with Cate Blanchett and Gustavo Dudamel on Beethoven's 'Egmont' with the LA Phil, and they shared pizza in Palm Springs. Harris co-produced and co-wrote 'Erupcja' alongside Charli XCX, directed by Pete Ohs, which is set to debut in April. In November, he was detained in Japan for alleged MDMA possession, spending three weeks in what he described as a mundane experience. His upcoming play, 'Spirit of the People,' features Amber Heard. Harris also voiced concerns about the film industry's dependence on star power and political inaction against fascism. His 2018 work, 'Slave Play,' garnered 12 Tony nominations.

Key facts

  • Jeremy O. Harris was arrested in Japan in November on suspicion of bringing MDMA, spending three weeks in custody.
  • He is writing a nonfiction project about his Japan experience.
  • Harris co-wrote and co-produced the film 'Erupcja' with Charli XCX, directed by Pete Ohs, releasing in April.
  • He recently worked on Beethoven's 'Egmont' with the LA Phil, Cate Blanchett, and Gustavo Dudamel in Los Angeles.
  • Harris has plays in development, including 'Spirit of the People' with Amber Heard and 'A Boy's Company.'
  • He criticized the film industry's 'brokewave cinema' and reliance on Letterboxd grades.
  • Harris expressed political frustration with fascism and inaction by opposition parties.
  • He confronted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • CULTURED
  • LA Phil
  • Vanity Fair
  • OpenAI
  • A24
  • Neon
  • Warner Brothers
  • Tony Awards

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Los Angeles
  • California
  • Lower East Side
  • Corner Bar
  • Palm Springs
  • Japan
  • Thailand
  • Virginia

Sources