Fat Ham
- By James Ijames
- Directed by Charles Grant
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A week after Juicy’s father dies, he finds himself at a backyard barbecue celebrating the marriage of his mother and uncle—sound familiar? James Ijames’s Pulitzer Prize-winning reimagining of Hamlet casts the sweet prince of Denmark as a queer, Black boy from the South. In this comedy born from tragedy, Juicy must choose between seeking vengeance for his father’s death or staying true to his own heart—a story of identity, family, and liberation as we become our truest selves.
Full Content Advisory
Fat Ham includes strong profanity, the “n-word” (spoken by characters of color), and language that may be considered culturally derogatory, fatphobic, or homophobic. The play also includes candid sexual content, including discussion of oral sex, simulated sexual acts, comic gestures, and sounds of pornography from a phone. Physical violence is depicted, along with alcohol use and references to drug use.
Recommended for high school audiences and older. Parents and guardians know their children best and are encouraged to review this advisory when deciding if the production is appropriate for younger viewers. At its core, Fat Ham is a joyful, comic reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet about love and family.
Related Events
The 2026 Fertile Ground Producer Showcase
Join us for a Festival kickoff celebration! Grab your Festival guide, meet the artists participating in this year’s lineup, have some snacks on us, and enter to win some themed “baskets” created around show tickets to current Portland-area productions (like Apple Hunters!, Steel Magnolias, and Fat Ham). The Producer Showcase is a great opportunity to learn more about the 2026 Fertile Ground projects and plan your Festival viewing schedule - and have some fun while you're doing it. Drop by the Armory any time from 6-9 PM!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).







