“Fat Ham,” written by James Ijames and directed by Tyrone Phillips, is a humorous adaptation of the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet.” Ijames’ version is set during a backyard cookout. The backyard, located in North Carolina, serves double duty as a place to mourn Pap (Ronald L. Conner), who was killed in jail, and a week later as a venue for the celebration of his widowed wife’s marriage to his brother, Rev, just one week after Pap’s death. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is pretty scandalous in and of itself, and Ijames manages to create a version steeped in culture and the challenges of the modern world through the eyes of Black people.
The lead character Juicy (Trumane Alston) sticks out like a sore thumb. A Doc Marten–wearing goth, he is mourning his father while simultaneously searching for his identity. He receives a visit from his recently deceased father, who compels him to kill his brother. Juicy’s uncle, Rev (also portrayed by Conner), has clearly been plotting to remove his brother from the picture and take over a life he wishes he had.
Juicy is the family’s black sheep and is determined to free himself from the trappings of their small hometown. He attends the University of Phoenix, an online university, in order to earn a degree in human resources. He is ridiculed, and ultimately his dream is put on hold due to the selfishness of his uncle and his mother, Tedra (portrayed by Anji White). There are moments during “Fat Ham” that are gut-busting hilarious. White lights up the stage with her portrayal of a sexy and unapologetic Tedra, while E. Faye Butler delivers a funny, boisterous portrayal of Rabby, a mother who is doing her best to raise her children the “right way.”
Trumane’s portrayal of Juicy captures the innocence of a young man on his life’s journey. He is coming to terms with his sexuality and his aspirations. The visit from his deceased father forces him to confront his manhood and dig deep for courage.
“Fat Ham” is a reimagining of a Shakespeare classic that examines the traditional sensibilities of a Black family from the South and confronts ideals that may be controversial in a modern context. It is funny, intelligent and bold.
“Fat Ham” is currently showing at the Goodman Theatre and runs through March 2, 2025.
