Fat Ham has been on my watchlist since it was announced earlier this year. From the start, the play felt both familiar and unexpected, blending elements I recognized from other Shakespeare plays with a completely different tone and setting. The casual backyard atmosphere, the outrageous humor, and lively performances made the story feel more immediate and engaging. I found myself appreciating not only Shakespeare connections, but also how the production created its own experience.
Putting a surprising twist to Hamlet, Juicy, a queer, Southern college kid, is grappling with some serious questions of identity. While prepping for a backyard celebration of the marriage of his mom and uncle, the ghost of his father shows up, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. While Juicy feels a connection to Hamlet’s woes, he is a sensitive and self-aware young Black man trying to break the cycles of trauma and violence. Is Juicy bound for this destiny? Or can he choose a different ending?
Fat Ham gives a fresh perspective to this Shakespearean classic by rewriting the themes of kinship and duty. Hamlet is robbed of his title, betrayed by his uncle, and feels responsible to avenge his father’s death. Juicy has everything riding on killing his uncle but questions if violence is the answer. Killing his uncle won’t make his life better and would reenforce the generational abuse that he has faced himself. I also loved that the characters would put on an act based on what their expected role was, such as gender roles, social roles, and family roles. Juicy is always aware of when someone puts on a show and their true colors come through when they are addressing the audience, in a very Shakespearean way of course.
The cast and crew made the show unforgettable and fun. Xzavier Beachman had me dying of laughter with his character, Tio. Tio is essentially Horatio, a good friend to Juicy, and listens to his problems. While Tio has some wild stories and observations, he is arguably the most stable character in the show, making Xzavier’s added humor even more hilarious. I was also thrilled to see Tarig Elsiddig return to Capital Stage as Larry. Each performance I have seen of Tarig has been a unique experience, so much so I almost didn’t recognize him as Larry. But his role is undeniably moving as he comes to terms with his own identity and makes a grand re-entrance at the end of the show.
Fat Ham was the show I didn’t know I needed. James Simpson presented Juicy in a soft and introspective light making me relive little moments from the show. If you are looking for a good laugh, want a new take on a classic, or maybe have some unresolved daddy issues, then don’t miss out on Fat Ham playing now through April 19 at Capital Stage. Learn more here.
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