“Josiah Bania is wonderfully tender.”
Charles Isherwood, NYtimes review of Ironbound, by Martyna Majok, at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
“Bania gives equal weight to the character’s flightiness and integrity.”
— Charles McNulty, LA Times, on Ironbound at Geffen Playhouse, directed by Tyne Rafaeli.
“Josiah Bania's Orestes is so tormented by Apollo's visions and orders that he arrives to complete his bloody task already shaking and tortured. Bania's progression from this to a hollowed out, helpless boy over whom judgement must be passed is heartbreaking.
— Barbara Mackay, DC Theater Arts, on The Oresteia at Shakespeare Theatre of D.C., directed by Michael Kahn.
“Bania... is endearingly rabbit-like.”
– Charles McNulty, LA Times on Archduke, by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Giovanna Sardelli at Mark Taper Forum (I have no idea what “rabbit-like” means in this context, but it seems to be a good review.)
“Josiah Bania’s Gentleman is seductive...”
— Patti Hartigan, The Boston Globe on Fingersmith at American Repertory Theatre, directed by Bill Rauch
“Bania epitomizes the traits of the charming scoundrel...”
— Nancy Grossman, BroadwayWorld
acting reel
Arts in the Armed Forces
In March of 2022, I was invited to travel to Fort Leavenworth by Adam Driver’s non-profit, Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) as part of a small company of theater artists. We performed for incarcerated service members currently in maximum security, and held a talkback with them afterward. We then performed for active service members on the base. (Bill Heck and I did scenes from True West — which, like, yes. Good casting.) Taken together, it amounted to one of the most profound artistic experiences of my career.
Growing up below working class, I had no exposure to the theater, art, or culture beyond what network television gave me. Extraordinary turns of fortune made a life in the theater possible. Sharing some of what I’ve devoted my life to with people who resemble the folks I grew up with meant the world.
Adam and the AITAF team worked for years to sustain the organization, and brought actors from the stage and screen to military bases around the world. But like many non-profits, they faced a sharp decline in funding and donations during and after COVID, and in 2023 sadly had to dissolve. I’m deeply honored to have taken part in their mission to bring art, and the more expansive and inclusive view of humanity it can foster, to members of our nation’s military.