Fat Ham

What happens when Hamlet comes home to a backyard barbecue in the American South? Fat Ham, James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, dares to ask exactly that. This wildly inventive and deeply moving reimagining of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy transplants the brooding Danish prince into the body of Juicy — a queer, tender-hearted young Black man who'd rather grill ribs and scroll his phone than avenge his father's murder. The result is a joyful, provocative, and utterly original piece of American theater that has electrified stages across the country. Portland Center Stage brings this celebrated production to life on their mainstage, running through May 2026 with multiple performances including Sign Interpreted and Open Captioned nights, ensuring the experience is accessible to all audiences. Fat Ham crackles with sharp wit, soulful music, and genuine emotional depth — it's a play that makes you laugh until it makes you think, and then makes you feel things you didn't expect. The intimate Portland Center Stage venue amplifies every moment, putting you close enough to feel the heat off the grill and the weight of Juicy's impossible choice. Whether you're a devoted theatergoer or stepping into a playhouse for the first time, Fat Ham is the kind of production that lingers long after the curtain falls. With performances on May 7–10, 2026 and beyond, there are ample opportunities to catch this unmissable show. Don't miss your chance to witness one of contemporary American theater's most celebrated and culturally resonant works performed live in the heart of Portland.