“Fats Ham” by James Ijames is a theatrical masterpiece that has captivated audiences with its profound exploration of id, race, gender, and sexuality. The play’s title, “Fats Ham,” alludes to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” playfully reimagining the basic tragedy via a recent lens.
Set within the rural South, “Fats Ham” follows the journey of Juicy, a queer, non-binary faculty scholar grappling with their id and the complexities of their household relationships. The play’s distinctive mix of comedy, drama, and magical realism creates a charming narrative that challenges typical norms and invitations audiences to replicate on the complexities of human existence. Traditionally, “Fats Ham” marks a major milestone within the illustration of marginalized communities in theatre, pushing boundaries and sparking necessary conversations about range and inclusion.
