James Ijames Finds Funny Bone in Black BBQ-Wedding by Mary Lou Herlihy “Fat Ham,” a raucous, rapid-fire romp about a southern Black family, tackles sexual secrets and gender roles with raunchy aplomb. Shakespeare’s Hamlet becomes Juicy (endearing Devin A. Cunningham) in splashy comedic form. Fat Ham is a riot wrapped in pathos. We laughed…
James Ijames Gives “Hamlet” Brand-New Black American Look by Emily S. Mendel “Fat Ham” is a rollicking comedy that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2022. Acclaimed playwright James Ijames takes a new look at Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” by transposing the characters to a modern Black family in North Carolina. He makes tragedy into comedy—a great idea….
Pearl Ong Speeds to Lesbian Liberation as All-Night Cabby by Zack Rogow Pearl Ong has certainly lived a larger-than-life story. She went from Hong Kong princess to joining the lesbian liberation scene in San Francisco in the 70s, driving a taxi during late-night hours. In “Night Driver,” Ong unfolds her privileged past with quick…
Reed Flores’ Comic Heroes Fight Apocalypse on BART by Barry David Horwitz When three dancing rice cookers in their white sacks take over the stage, you may just fall off your chair. Good friends Ren (Dom Refuerzo) and Mai (Nicole Apostol Bruno) get into a hot argument about using “instant” rice instead of real…