As summer winds down, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is throwing a barbecue – sort of – in the way of its premiere of Pulitzer-prize winner Fat Ham by James Ijames. As its name may suggest, this is a modern take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet (this is show #2 of the season’s PROJECT Hamlet). Described as “a simple and elegantly crafted story of…how small acts of kindness can change a person’s life and enrich an entire community,” Director Darnell Pierre Benjamin gives us a beautiful love letter to the black community and to everyone else who is willing to listen.
The Production Team
This show is a prime example of “not your mama’s Hamlet” can be a wonderful thing. Mr. Benjamin’s talent as a movement artist is the ideal fit for a show like this. While there is obvious “tragedy” in the story of Juicy (Hamlet’s counterpart in the original text), this show is a beautifully comedic approach to the tale. Spoiler alert: expect singing, dancing, AND tears.
Set at a barbecue which doubles as the wedding reception for Juicy’s mother and uncle, both Scenic Designer Chris Holloway and Assistant Scenic Designer Samantha Reno deliver a heck of a backdrop. Details such as the drain pipe on the back of the house to the use of levels in the backyard are not only visually appealing, but realistic and fluid. Speaking of aesthetics, Costume Design by Sabrina Guillaume-Bradshaw works in seamless tandem with the backyard scenery nailing a great balance of wedding attire-meets-casual-hangout-wear.
Another important piece of the visual puzzle is Properties Design by Robert Carlton Stimmel. From the crepe paper and balloons to the paper plates we all know so well he delivers. But also, to the haunting decorations which absolutely remind you on which of Shakespeare’s tragedies this script is based, you will feel very much like you are part of the family.
A scene from a barbecue in CSC’s Fat Ham (featuring Je’Shaun Jackson as Juicy in the forefront). Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.
The Performing Artists
CSC has once again given the audience a strong ensemble of performers from whom it is difficult to choose stand-outs. For that accomplishment alone, I say bravx! However, here are some particular performances of note, as difficult as it is to choose:
Je’Shaun Jackson is a powerhouse as Juicy, no question. With the vocal chops for some killer karaoke as well as the physicality unmatched by most, Mx. Jackson is able to play a solid lead without hogging (haha) the proverbial spotlight. This can be a difficult task–but it is accomplished excellently.
David Everett Moore in the dual role of Rev/Pap is absolute fire. The two characters are distinctly different, yet show the similarities many brothers share. Burgess Byrd as Rabby (the modern-day Polonius) is equal parts shrewd and hilarious. Finally, a special shout-out to Jasimine Bouldin who plays Opal with absolute grace and grit. Opal differs from her classic text sister, Ophelia: she has no interest in romance with Juicy and she is an independent soul. It should come as no surprise that your eyes will be drawn to everything Ms. Bouldin does. She always seems to embody every fibre of the scene’s emotional mood and it can be difficult to see her offering as acting. Yes: she is that good.
Not to be outdone, there are hilarious and poignant moments from the rest of the cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Malik Smith, and Marva Williams-Parker. A show very well-cast in addition to being well-acted.
Jasimine Bouldin as Opal along with Burgess Byrd as Rabby in CSC’s Fat Ham. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.
The Sweet and Lowdown
One of the best things about Fat Ham is what the re-telling offers: the story told from the POV of a queer, black man of size. It is powerful and inspiring to not only place the familiar tale in modern times, but to address age-old issues of generational trauma in the ways (I hope) we are all learning to cope with. It is very satisfying that seeing a strong ensemble of black artists tell us stories is finally becoming more commonplace. I can only imagine how proud others must feel as well.
Fat Ham is both wonderfully specific and universal in its appeal and this is why the arts are such an important part of life.
Tickets to Fat Ham
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Fat Ham runs now through September 22nd. For more information or tickets, please contact the Box Office online or by phoning (513) 381-2273. The show is 100-minutes without an intermission.
