PURE Theatre today announced the South Carolina premiere of Fat Ham, the “unalloyed comedy pleasure” (WSJ) by James Ijames. The show will run from September 5 through September 21 at the Cannon Street Arts Center.
When the ghost of his father shows up in the backyard demanding revenge for his murder, it feels like a familiar story to Juicy, a queer Southern college kid who is well-versed in Hamlet’s woes. Against the backdrop of an uproarious family barbecue emerges a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy. “It’s Shakespeare . . . kind of.” Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and New York Times Critic’s Pick, Fat Ham is a modern reinvention of a classic recipe, seasoned to perfection.
"Fat Ham is pure delight,” says director Nakeisha Daniel. “It’s family drama and historical influence wrapped in a delicious comedy. I can't wait for audiences to experience this play."
The show features Alexandar Leary making their PURE debut as Juicy. PURE Core Ensemble members Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Michael Smallwood, and Tonya Smalls-Williams make up the ensemble alongside Zania Cummings, Mekhi Gaither-Burris, and David Alexander, who are also making their debut.
James Ijames is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, director, and educator. He was a founding member of Orbiter 3, Philadelphia’s first playwright-producing collective. He received a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and an M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia. James is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University.
Tickets for Fat Ham range from $47 to $53. Pay What You Will Performances will be on September 5 and September 11, and Pay What You Will tickets will be available for online purchase starting August 22. There are $12 student tickets available for every show. Fat Ham is also available through the Season 22 Flex Pass. Tickets and Flex Passes are available now at puretheatre.org.
Additional information about Fat Ham can be found on PURE’s website at puretheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444 (Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm).
