James Ijames’s adaptation of Hamlet, titled Fat Ham, won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play premiered at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia and was also filmed. Currently, Fat Ham is being performed live Off Broadway at the Public Theater until June 12, 2022. And the National Black Theatre is co-producing the play. The finalists also in consideration for the prize were Selling Kabul by Sylvia Khoury and Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord by Kristina Wong, according to Deadline.
The Public’s Take on Fat Ham
According to the Public Theater, Ijames’s drama, Fat Ham, is described as a “deliciously funny and tragic” play. It follows the journey of Juicy, a young college student from the South, who is exploring questions about their identity and receives a visit from their deceased father. The ghost, who appears in Juicy’s backyard, goes on to demand that his son avenge his murder.
The Public Theater adds, “It’s a story that resonates with Juicy, who knows Hamlet’s struggles well. But what sets Juicy apart is his introspective nature and his determination to break free from the cycle of trauma and violence, seeking his own freedom.”
Jam To Fat Ham
The Public’s description of the story is quite compelling. If you want to feel the vibe of the production, you’ll have to open your ears. More specifically, you have to listen to the playlist James Ijames and director Saheem Ali curated.
Available on the Public Theater’s website and Spotify, the playlist seems like a vibe in or out of the play’s context. The playlist features Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X, a few Ari Lennox moments, “Creep” by Radiohead, at least one Beyoncé and Jay-Z collab, and Emily King’s “No More Room”, among others. This eclectic mix promises a production worthy of a Pulitzer.
Check It Out
To find the link to the Fat Ham playlist if you can’t make it to New York by June (or to buy tickets), visit the Public’s website.
