By Gabriella Bonamici
Fat Ham is Goodman Theatre’s current co-production with Definition Theatre. Acting in a pivotal role for both organizations, Fat Ham dramaturg, Definition Theatre Associate Artistic Director and Goodman Theatre Clifford Director of Education & Engagement, Jared Bellot, shares his insights on this juicy collab.
And speaking of juicy, don’t forget to stop at the bar before your performance of Fat Ham and try our signature cocktails. 50% of all proceeds will go toward the Definition Innovator Incubator.
(L-R) Simon Gebrebedhin; Freedom Martin in Definition Theatre’s production of EthiopianAmerica by Sam Kebede (Photo by Joe Mazza | Brave Lux.)
Goodman Theatre: Goodman Theatre is thrilled to be partnering with Definition Theatre on this co-production of Fat Ham. For audience members who are experiencing Definition’s work for the first time, tell us about Definition Theatre and their integral role in the Chicago theatre community.
Jared Bellot: If you spend any time around Definition Theatre, you’ll inevitably hear the phrase “Stay in it.” It’s not just a slogan—it’s the heartbeat of who we are and everything we do. This rallying cry is a reminder to stay committed: to the work, to our mission, and to the powerful belief that storytelling has the ability to change the world. Definition Theatre has been pushing boundaries and making bold moves in Chicago’s theatre scene since 2012. In the rich spirit of Chicago’s storefront tradition, Definition was born when a group of graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign came together with a vision: to create a theatre that amplifies stories by, with, and for communities of color.
Since opening our doors, we’ve grown into one of Chicago’s most exciting storefront theatres. Over the past decade, we’ve produced celebrated productions of popular works like Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brother/Sister Plays, a breathtaking exploration of identity and legacy; Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, which challenged audiences to confront the history of race in America with searing humor and wit; and Jackie Sibblies Drury’s Fairview, a groundbreaking play that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Alongside these beloved stories, we’ve also introduced audiences to brand new stories through world premieres like Evan Linder’s Byhalia, Mississippi, a raw, emotionally charged play shining a light on the complexities of race, identity, and forgiveness in the American South; Micah Ariel Watson’s Alaiyo, a captivating choreopoem inspired by A Raisin in the Sun; and Loy Webb’s Judy’s Life’s Work, a deeply moving play about the complicated and healing relationship between two siblings working through grief, childhood trauma, and the unresolved pain of their past. Each of these productions has pushed the boundaries and amplified voices often overlooked in mainstream theatre.
Over the years, our focus has always remained on amplifying and archiving BIPOC voices and stories—centering them as catalysts for conversations about joy, justice, healing, and the challenges of everyday life. Like any good theatre – we’re not just telling stories—we’re creating space for transformation and connection.
(L-R) Niko Kourtis, Kierra Bunch in Definition Theatre’s production of White by James Ijames (Photo by Joe Mazza | Brave Lux.)
GT: As the Goodman’s Clifford Director of Education & Engagement and Definition’s Associate Artistic Director, you bring a unique perspective to this production. How does this dual-role inspire you as dramaturg for Fat Ham?
JB: Dramaturgy is all about bridge-building—making connections between and amongst various worlds, ideas, and communities. As both the Goodman’s Director of Education & Engagement and Definition’s Associate Artistic Director, my role as dramaturg for Fat Ham has been a fantastic opportunity to bring together the missions and values of both organizations. Each has a rich and robust programming identity, and being able to connect those worlds has allowed us to create something special for this production.
We were able to build a programming calendar for Fat Ham that really uplifts the story of the play and celebrates the voices of the artists, the creatives, and the community in a way we wouldn’t have been able to without this collaboration. It’s also been exciting to see what we’ve been able to put together for students and teachers around this show. Both Goodman and Definition care so deeply about Education and the next generation, so coming together to build curriculum and experiences for young people has been an inspiring part of this process. We’ve created something that stands out and feels true to both organizations’ commitment to quality in education and the arts.
Definition Theatre ensemble member Ireon Roach (Photo by Ari Craven)
GT: What do you feel makes the Goodman and Definition such a dynamic team? What values do we share, and what can we learn from one another?
JB: Our shared belief in the power of collaboration when creating something! I’m a big believer in the idea that working together makes us stronger, and that’s what makes the ecosystem of Chicago’s theater community so exciting. We have this incredible opportunity to collaborate, and it’s that spirit of cooperation that fuels the creative energy here. Each of us brings something unique to the table, but when we come together, we amplify each other’s strengths and build something even more powerful.
While Fat Ham is the first co-production between Goodman and Definition, our relationship goes back to Definition’s 2017 production of Brandon Jacob Jenkins’ An Octaroon, directed by Chuck Smith and presented in association with the Goodman. Chuck has also been a member of Definition’s Artistic Advisory Board for years, so there’s a long history of collaboration between us. I love that both organizations are invested in growing this ecosystem, and the way we approach storytelling and community engagement creates a space where we all thrive together. There’s so much we can learn from one another, and this collaboration is a perfect example of how working in tandem makes us stronger.
GT: Can you tell us about the Definition Innovator Incubator?
JB: The Definition Innovator Incubator is a partnership between Definition Theatre, 37 Oaks, and Promise Holdings LLC, aimed at supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs on the South and West sides of Chicago. Over 16 weeks, participants gain skills in prototype commercialization, e-commerce, branding, leadership development, and more. The program offers free resources including one-on-one coaching, seed funding, and access to a Makers Shared Workspace, all designed to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses and build sustainable, profitable operations.
This incubator is specifically for product-based small business owners who have an existing product and some sales experience, and are looking to grow their business—whether that means expanding their storefront, scaling their production, or building a stronger online presence. By focusing on entrepreneurs from Chicago’s South and West sides, we’re not just helping businesses succeed—we’re supporting the revitalization of local communities and fostering economic growth that benefits residents and businesses alike. During the run of Fat Ham, stop by the Owen lobby on Saturdays in February to check out these businesses before and between performances!
GT: What are you most excited about for this production? What sentiments do you hope audiences will take away from this theatrical experience?
JB: What excites me most about this production is the joy that Fat Ham radiates. From the rehearsal room to tech to the performances, there’s been so much laughter—laughter that makes your cheeks hurt but also leaves you reflecting on what you’ve seen. That’s something special. James Ijames, the playwright, has this uncanny ability to craft stories that move you by balancing humor and thought-provoking moments in such a beautiful way. I hope the audience walks away feeling that joy, but also reflecting on something deeper. Fat Ham celebrates softness in a world that often prioritizes being tough, and I think that’s such an important message. There’s strength in gentleness, and there are many ways to be, or not to be. I hope this show encourages people to celebrate all the complexities of who we are, and to embrace the softer parts of themselves and each other.
Alumni of Definition Innovator Incubator (Photo by Ari Craven)
GT: What’s up next for Definition Theatre?
JB: We’ve got an exciting season ahead of us! Up next, don’t miss the Chicago premiere of Splash Hatch on the E Going Down, directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce. It’s going to be a powerful production, so make sure to check it out!
And of course, I would be remiss to not mention that we’re also in the process of creating a brand new space in Woodlawn that will serve as a theater, community center, and business incubator! With the support of $1.6 million seed grant from the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, we’re building our new home at 6400 South Cottage Grove. This space will be a safe, welcoming environment for theater-making, offering professional career development for the next generation of theater artists and acting as a business incubator for BIPOC entrepreneurs. We’re deeply committed to the Woodlawn community and excited to continue developing programming that speaks to the stories we want to tell, all while creating a space that will uplift and serve our neighbors. You can learn more about the rest of the season as well as our new building by visiting definitiontheatre.org!
Gabriella Bonamici is the Marketing Assistant at Goodman Theatre.
