James Ijames's play, Fat Ham, a reimagining of Hamlet with a Black queer protagonist named Juicy, is set to premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play, which won a Pulitzer Prize and received five Tony Award nominations on Broadway, reimagines Shakespeare's classic tragedy with a focus on themes of masculinity, homophobia, and family dynamics within a Black American family in North Carolina. Ijames, who was previously discouraged from performing Shakespeare due to his Southern accent, used his own experiences to create a vibrant and comedic reinterpretation of the classic.

Ijames's work challenges traditional notions of masculinity and explores the complexities of homophobia, drawing inspiration from his upbringing in a Black Southern Baptist church and his family life. He deliberately diverges from Shakespeare's original, questioning what a "paradise" like ending would look like. Fat Ham maintains elements of violence but centers joy, celebrating the resilience and strength of marginalized communities.

The play's run at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, is from August 15th to September 13th.

Impact Statement: Fat Ham's successful transfer to the Royal Shakespeare Company marks a significant moment for contemporary theatre, showcasing diverse voices and reinterpretations of classic works.