Ketanji Brown Jackson aims to break barriers on Broadway as a Supreme Court justice

In December 2024, Ketanji Brown Jackson, serving as a Supreme Court Justice in the United States, made her highly publicized Broadway debut in '& Juliet,' a musical that highlights themes of female empowerment and self-discovery. This one-time performance took place at the Stephen Sondheim Theater in New York City, during which Jackson played a character that was specifically written for her. Her aspiration to perform on Broadway had been a long-held dream, which she even mentioned in her Harvard University application when she pursued her education. Jackson reflected on this experience as a dream come true and a significant moment that reminded her of the potential for dreams to be realized. Given her position as a Supreme Court Justice, Jackson's performance stirred mixed reactions online. While some praised the display of humanization of judges, others criticized it as inappropriate for someone in her role, citing concerns over respect for the judiciary. Jackson herself emphasized that justices are public servants who have their own dreams and personal lives outside their judicial responsibilities. Her passion for theater and performance has been evident throughout her life, as she indicated in her memoir, 'Lovely One,' where she expressed her love for acting and performing since childhood. After the show, during an interview with Gayle King, Jackson reiterated her focus on her judicial duties, but also underscored the value of pursuing one's passions. The performance marked a significant cultural moment, blending the arts with the judiciary in an unexpected yet celebratory way.