Kim Kardashian is making the leap from screen to stage by producing her first Broadway play.
The Skims founder, 45, has joined the producing team for The Fear of 13, which is currently in previews and stars Tessa Thompson and Adrien Brody in both of their Broadway debuts. The play, written by Lindsey Ferrentino, centers around the true story of Nick Yarris, who was imprisoned on death row for 22 years for a murder he did not commit.
“My commitment to criminal justice reform has always been about more than just policy – it’s about people. I’ve learned that sometimes the most effective way to change minds is through a powerful story,” Kardashian said in a statement released Monday.
“The Fear of 13 is that story. It’s a raw, honest look at Nick Yarris’s wrongful conviction and the systemic failures that kept him behind bars for twenty years. I couldn’t be prouder to make my Broadway producing debut with a project that carries such vital weight.”
The career move is the latest effort by reality TV star Kardashian, who is studying to become a lawyer, to raise awareness for criminal justice reform.
“For the past decade, criminal justice reform has been a deeply personal mission of mine, Kardashian said Monday on her Instagram Story. “I’ve seen firsthand how the system can fail, and I’ve committed myself to fighting for those who’ve been silenced. That’s why I’m so proud to join the producing team of The Fear of 13 on Broadway.”
She continued: “Theater has a unique power to move us. When you experience a story like this live, it stays with you. It challenges you to see the human being behind the statistics. My hope is that this production sparks a real conversation about the true meaning of justice.”’
Kardashian joined producers Seaview, Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions on the project. The producers said in a statement, “The message this play carries with it is urgent and we welcome Ms. Kardashian and her activism to this production and to our Broadway community. The work she has done to shine a much-needed light on criminal justice reform is exemplary and we are proud to be collaborating with her.”
In addition to Brody and Thompson, the play’s cast includes Ephraim Sykes, Michael Cavinder, Eddie Cooper, Victor Cruz, Eboni Flowers, Joel Marsh Garland, Jared Wayne Gladly, Joe Joseph, Jeb Kreager and Ben Thompson.
Kardashian’s leap to the stage comes weeks after Barack and Michelle Obama announced they would be co-producing their first Broadway play, Proof.
