Her writings include essays like "Radical Black Drama-as-Theory: The Black Feminist Dramatic on the Protracted Event-Horizon" (published in Theory & Event ) and critical reviews of theatrical interventions in white supremacy.
Williams’ transition from the professional theater industry to academia was born from a realization that the industry often lacked a deep engagement with philosophical discourses regarding anti-Blackness. As a Black, queer, and partially disabled participant in the arts, she sought to address "overt and covert aggressions" that she felt were being ignored by traditional theatrical institutions.
Her scholarly interventions often focus on what she terms "drama-as-theory," exploring how the structure of dramatic writing itself acts as a critical medium for understanding societal antagonisms. Notable Artistic and Scholarly Contributions jaye austin
At the University of California, Irvine, she directed significant works including The Colored Museum , The Trial of Dedan Kimathi , and The Liquid Plain .
Rhizomes: issue 29: Frank Wilderson and Jaye Austin Williams Her scholarly interventions often focus on what she
She received praise for her performance in "Pickling," a one-woman play by Suzan-Lori Parks, which she performed at venues like the Public Theater's Joe's Pub and the HERE Arts Center .
Williams' or her directorial work in the theater? Williams' or her directorial work in the theater
In April 2023, Dr. Williams announced she had officially received , marking a significant milestone in her academic career as she continues to challenge how Black cultural production is read and understood in the modern world.