‘Fat Ham’ opens at Goodman Theatre with extended dates through March 2

Black History Month event planned 

Tyrone Phillips’ Chicago premiere-production of James Ijames’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony Award-nominated play “Fat Ham” opened earlier this week and already has been extended by popular demand. 

Co-produced with Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre—of which Phillips is Founding Artistic Director and Ijames is a company member—“Fat Ham” is Ijames’ contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

Set at a Southern backyard barbecue, the play centers on Juicy, a queer Black college student who grapples with identity and grief after his father’s suspicious death. He is then confronted by the ghost of his father during a family barbeque. 

Seeking revenge for his murder, his father puts a screeching halt to Juicy’s quest for joy and liberation. 

Fat Ham
TRUMANE ALSTON AS Juicy and Anji White as Tedra in a scene from “Fat Ham.” Photos by Liz Lauren

Ijames’ reinvention of Shakespeare’s masterpiece features an all-Chicago cast: Trumane Alston (Juicy), Sheldon Brown, E. Faye Butler (a favorite veteran Chicago actress and longtime performer at Goodman Theatre), Ronald L. Conner, Victor Musoni, Ireon Roach and Anji White.

Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of ITW (Corporate Sponsor Partner) and the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust (Lead Sponsor of IDEAA Programming).

The extra dates are: Tuesday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, February 27, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m.

Special events for the production include: Drinks and Discussion: Conversation with Definition Theatre (January 24), featuring a panel of the talented Black creatives behind the Chicago-premiere production exploring the unique experiences and perspectives of Black queer artists. 

For a Black History Month treat, Black Affinity Night (February 7) celebrates the richness of Black culture and community at a special pre-show reception and conversation, followed by the evening performance.

Roach as opal
JUICY AND IREON Roach as Opal enjoy a playful moment.

Enhanced and accessible performances at Goodman Theatre. 

ASL-Interpreted Performance: Friday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m. A professional ASL interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Other enhanced performances can be reviewed on the website at 

https://www.goodmantheatre.org/tickets/accessibility

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education.

Tickets are $25-$85 subject to change) and are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Ham or by phone at 312.443.3800. 

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