“Fat Ham”: James Ijames’ Well-Seasoned Serving of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Fat Ham, James Ijames’ critically-acclaimed reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, recently traded New York’s city streets for LA’s sunny skies. The play just finished an extended run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and stars Nikki Crawford, Chris Herbie Holland, Billy Eugene Jones, Adrianna Mitchell, Marcel Spears, Benja Kay Thomas, and Matthew Elijah Webb. Ijames’ take twists this classic story with a queer leading character, a southern (but not deep southern!) setting, and a touching message for the audience. Watch our video essay review of “Fat Ham” to find out if this show is a Black Star must-see! Or, read my short review of Fat Ham.

This video essay is a review of “Fat Ham” written by James Ijames and directed by Saheem Ali. Geffen Playhouse’s Los Angeles production of “Fat Ham” ran in spring 2024.