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Fat Ham by James Ijames
September 6 - 22, 2024
This sweet and spicy reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet serves up a feast of drama, with loyalty, identity, and power dynamics on the menu in what the New York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.” Weeks after his father’s funeral, Juicy, a queer Black man, finds himself at a barbeque with his family and friends. But here’s the rub: the barbeque is a wedding reception for his mother and his uncle. When the ghost of Juicy's father appears like a specter out of the smoke, demanding vengeance for his murder, Juicy learns revenge is a dish best served “char-cold.”
This season, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company embarks on PROJECT Hamlet, presenting a trio of productions that explore the timeless tragedy of "Hamlet." The series begins with a FREE production of "Hamlet" in the parks across the tri-state area, followed by the Cincinnati premiere of James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Fat Ham," which reimagines the story of "Hamlet" as a backyard BBQ in the South. The series concludes with the World Premiere of Lauren Gunderson's "A Room in the Castle" which is based on the women of "Hamlet." This play was commissioned by CSC and is co-produced with The Folger Theatre in Washington DC.
Take a closer look at how the characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet are reimagined in James Ijames' Fat Ham. Ijames cleverly updates the iconic characters to resonate with contemporary audiences, blending classic themes with fresh perspectives.
Hamlet: Juicy
After being visited by the ghost of his recently passed father, Juicy has been tasked with getting revenge on his uncle. Sound familiar? Juicy thinks so too! But revenge doesn't come easy to Juicy, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man in search of his own happiness and liberation. As Fat Ham’s Hamlet, Juicy has to decide whether to follow the writings of Shakespeare and enact revenge or follow a different path.
Gertrude: Tedra
Tedra is Juicy’s mother. Similar to her Shakespearean counterpart Gertrude, she married her recently deceased husband’s brother quickly after his death for his status. Her dubious marriage choices aside, she is a caring mother to Juicy.
Ophelia: Opal
Opal is a close friend of Juicy’s, and unlike her Hamlet counterpart Ophelia, she has no intention of being in a relationship with Juicy. Though serving a similar role to Ophelia, Opal’s strong personality and independence are polar opposites of the original character.
Laertes: Larry
The aptly named Larry is Fat Ham’s parallel to Laertes. Both characters are returning home after time away, but as a marine, Larry was sent away for very different reasons than Laertes was in Hamlet. Suffering from PTSD, Larry struggles with his own identity after his return.
Polonius: Rabby
Rabby takes on the role of Fat Ham’s Polonius, serving as a comedic character. Instead of advising the King, Rabby is a close friend of Tedra’s and works to set up their kids, Juicy and Opal. Her unique matchmaking efforts and outrageous personality distinguish Rabby from her Shakespearean
Hoartio: Tio
(Hora)Tio is Juicy’s oldest friend and cousin. He is a clever and funny, free agent who offers insights into the family’s complicated situation. Horatio is the only survivor of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Tio is the only character in Ijames’ Fat Ham who goes to therapy!
Claudius: Rev
Rev is Fat Ham’s version of Claudius. As Juicy’s former uncle and now stepfather, his role is similar to the original work of Shakespeare, but rather than being the master of a kingdom, he’s the pit-master of the BBQ. Newly married to Tedra, Rev confidently asserts his power over Juicy’s family… and the grill.
Hamlet’s Father: Pap
Pap is Juicy’s recently deceased father (portrayed by the same actor as Rev). He appears to his son as a ghost and asks Juicy to avenge him. Pap’s role is the most similar to the original Shakespearean character. He is the inciting incident that begins Juicy’s journey through Fat Ham.
Design Sponsors
Barbeque Sponsor
Geoffrey Warren Barnes II*
Tio
Jasimine Bouldin
Opal
Burgess Byrd*
Rabby
Je'Shaun Jackson
Juicy
David Everett Moore*
Rev/Pap
Malik Smith
Larry
Marva Williams-Parker
Tedra
Directed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin
Scenic Design: Chris Holloway
Assistant Scenic Design: Samantha Reno
Costume Design: Sabrina Guillaume-Bradshaw
Lighting Design: Jessica Drayton
Sound Design: Derek A. Graham
Properties Design: Robert Carlton Stimmel^
Fight Director: Gina Cerimele-Mechley
Intimacy Director: Torie Wiggins
Stage Manager: Cole Sweasy*
Assistant Stage Manager: Abby Sherr
*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^Artist sponsored by Judge Mark Painter
“Fat Ham” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
New York Premiere Co•Production by
The Public Theater
Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director Patrick Willingham, Executive Director and National Black Theatre
Sade Lythcott, Chief Executive Officer Jonathan McCrory, Executive Artistic Director
FAT HAM was commissioned by and received its World Premiere as a filmed production at The Wilma Theater, Philadelphia: Blanka Zizka, Yury Urnov, James Ijames, and Morgan Green, Co-Artistic Directors, Leigh Goldenberg, Managing Director
“Creep”
Written by Jonathan Greenwood, Edward O’Brien, Colin Charles Greenwood, Mike Hazelwood, Thomas Edward Yorke, Philip James Selway, and Albert Hammond. Performed by Radiohead.
Published by Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music LTD (PRS). All rights on behalf of Warner Chappell Music LTD administered by WC Music Corp.
