Ever since its debut as a virtual production through the Wilma Theatre during the pandemic, Philadelphia playwright-actor-director James IJames’ ‘Fat Ham’ – a queer Black familial take on ‘Hamlet’ – has won its author nothing but accolades.
Along with a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, ‘Fat Ham’ was staged Off Broadway at the Public Theater in 2022, and now, roams free in a dynamic adaption on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre on W. 42nd Street. And while IJames is no longer a part of the Wilma’s Artistic Directing Cohort for its 2023-2024 season, the playwright is currently collaborating on an unnamed script for a network televisions series, and behind his newest play, ‘Abandon’.
The lonely, often violent ‘Abandon’ takes place on the stages of South Philadelphia’s Theatre Exile and is directed by Brett Ashley Robinson, a friend and one-time coworker of IJames.
IJames slowed long enough to stop in Philly and talk ‘Fat Ham’, ‘Abandon’ and all-things theatrical.
Along with ‘Fat Ham’ hitting Broadway, how do you feel about its production being mounted in New York? How it is different from The Wilma?
I’m thrilled to see this production live, and to see it move from Down to Uptown is just a treat. The biggest difference, I would say, is the virtual nature of the Wilma production and the in-person nature of the Public and National Black Theatre’s Broadway production. I’m not sure if the Wilma has plans to stream the production anymore since they will be producing it this coming fall on their stage.
And now you are bringing ‘Abandon’ to Theatre Exile. What is its vibe?
‘Abandon’ is about lonely souls finding a home with each other. Luella has lost her son, and Joshua has his family, but they don’t want him. I’m always interested in the family we choose as well as the family that chooses us. The play explores that and also the way the history of a family is hard to shake.
The evolution of your theater writing—can you illustrate that trajectory, growth and wealth of expression and confidence?
I’ve been writing plays since I was about 14-15. My trajectory has mostly been guided by curiosity and restlessness; always searching for something that keeps me off balance in my writing. I think I’ve grown the most when it comes to how I structure a play. Early on, I don’t think I thought much about it. But I had great teachers along the way—Michele Volanskey, Kimmika Williams Witherspoon, Michael Hollinger, Ed Sobel, Kevin Glaccum. These folks really invested in me early on and taught me so much both as collaborators and as friends.
When, where and how did you write ‘Abandon’, and do you feel as if time and location affected the piece?
I’m never really sure when I start a play because I think about the play for a very long time before I put pen to paper. I wrote the play in Philly, and I would say it took me a couple of years to get to the draft you will be seeing. I don’t know that location affects me so much… I can write anywhere. Time is a gift to the playwright.
Are the main characters of ‘Abandon’ people you know?
I believe the character is the things the people in a play do. I’m, of course, carrying around my own history and experiences, but the characters to me, show me what they need in the world of the play, and I try to be responsive to that.
The central premise of ‘Abandon’ is loneliness and redemption, ghosts and physical violence, the living and the dead, shame and acceptance. Why was all of this of utmost importance to you for a play?
I think we all grapple with these things in our lives. I’m a bit obsessed with ghosts, I think they teach us about the past in an embodied way. The chilling sensation we associate with ghosts is what history feels like to me.
What is it like juggling television projects, the Wilma, and new staged works such as ‘Abandon’ at this point in your career?
Honestly…it’s the best bear hug in the world. I get to do what I love in Philly, NYC, LA, and the world — as long as I etch out time to relax.
‘Abandon’ is on stage at Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, from April 27 to May 21. For information and tickets, visit theatreexile.org/shows/abandon
