계열의 만남과 사건: 『팻 햄』의 흑백 변증법 해체

Abstract

Fat Ham (2022), a groundbreaking Off-Broadway debut, has garnered critical acclaim and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. This innovative work reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the context of a Southern Black family, uniquely focusing on existential issues while deliberately avoiding the typical racial tensions commonly explored in Black adaptations of classical texts. By diverging from traditional interpretations, Fat Ham emphasizes universal ontological concerns rather than race-based dynamics. Playwright James Ijames masterfully transforms the tragic essence of Hamlet into a narrative that concludes with a comedic resolution. Central to this transformation is the character Juicy, whose exploration of queer identity issues is portrayed without engaging with established preconceptions and meanings tied to Shakespeare’s original work. This deliberate shift allows the play to explore new dimensions of character and theme. Utilizing Gilles Deleuze’s logic of sense alongside Anne Anlin Cheng’s melancholic structure, this study examines how Fat Ham generates new literary and dramaturgical meanings on the surface of Shakespeare’s text. The play effectively deconstructs the entrenched white and black binary, offering a fresh and nuanced perspective. By doing so, Ijames’ drama not only challenges traditional narrative forms but also enriches the discourse surrounding identity and existence. In summary, Fat Ham stands out as a transformative piece that reinterprets a classic through the lens of contemporary issues and innovative dramaturgy. It shifts the focus from racial conflict to a broader existential inquiry for all human beings as well as the colored, thereby creating a unique and compelling theatrical experience that resonates with diverse audiences.