Content Warnings

At the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, we believe in preparing our audiences - especially families and educators - with the information they need to feel comfortable and confident at the theatre.

This page offers guidance on content that may be helpful to know in advance, including language, themes, or theatrical effects such as haze, strobe lighting, or loud noises. While our productions vary in tone, we aim to give you a heads-up about anything that might raise questions for younger audience members or be startling for some viewers.

SPOILER ALERT! Some of these descriptions may contain plot points that may give away key moments.

If you have specific questions about a production, feel free to reach out to us directly. We're happy to help you plan your visit.

Fat Ham is a contemporary, Pulitzer Prize–winning adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set at a family barbecue and wedding celebration. While often comedic in tone, the play explores complex and mature themes including grief, family trauma, violence, sexuality, and identity. This production is intended for adult audiences and mature high school students. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

Language and references (used in character-driven and thematic context):

  • Frequent use of strong profanity, including repeated use of the “f-word.”

  • Use of the “n-word,” spoken by Black characters as part of the play’s exploration of race, family, and cultural dynamics.

  • Explicit sexual language, including references to sexual acts, anatomy, and desire.

  • References to dating and hookup culture, including a specific reference to Grindr, an LGBTQ+ dating app.

  • References to recreational drug use and getting high.

  • References to pornography and online sexual content, including mention of OnlyFans.

  • Insults and emotionally aggressive language between family members.

Sexual content and adult themes:

  • Simulated sexual activity, presented through dialogue, gesture, and comedic staging (not explicit nudity).

  • Open discussion of sexuality, LGBTQ+ identity, queer identity, and sexual relationships.

  • References to infidelity and sexual betrayal.

  • Themes of self-acceptance and familial rejection related to sexual identity.

Violence and disturbing material:

  • Abrupt physical violence, including hitting and threats of harm.

  • Graphic verbal descriptions of violence, including murder and death.

  • References to poisoning.

  • Discussions of revenge and retaliation.

  • Sudden loud sounds and heightened confrontational moments that may be startling.

Other potentially upsetting themes and moments:

  • Exploration of generational trauma, abuse, and toxic family dynamics.

  • References to death, grief, and unresolved loss.

  • Depictions of emotional manipulation and intimidation within a family setting.

  • Characters consuming alcohol and references to substance use.

  • Raised voices, shouting, and intense verbal confrontations.

While Fat Ham addresses heavy subject matter, it does so with significant humor, warmth, and emotional honesty. Comedic elements, music, and heightened theatricality are used alongside moments of intensity and frank discussion of adult experiences. Audience members should be prepared for explicit language, sexual references, LGBTQ+ themes, and violence described in detail, even when presented non-realistically or for comic effect.

This production is not appropriate for school audiences, and no school field trips will be offered for Fat Ham. If you are attending with a young person, or if you prefer productions without strong language or adult themes, this production may not be appropriate for you. We encourage all patrons to review this information carefully when deciding whether Fat Ham is a good fit for their household.