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Ham review – vegan take on Hamlet delivers meaty rebuke to carnivores
Ham is a riotous Edinburgh festival parody of Hamlet that uses a murdered pig’s “ghost” to confront the environmental impact of meat consumption. The review finds it deliberately confrontational and occasionally preachy, but says its comedy and personal tension prevent it becoming a simple lecture, ending with a stark warning about climate-related fires.
Created and performed by vegan Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, who plays several roles including the pig’s ghost and Gertrude, the production reframes Hamlet’s questions around humanity’s survival. It combines Shakespearean jokes with naked dancing, a pet funeral, audience participation and disturbing animal-slaughter imagery; footage of fires moving from overseas to Arthur’s Seat gives its final message local urgency. Ham is at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 30 August.
In short
- A vegan Hamlet parody targets meat consumption’s climate impact.
- Comedy balances confrontational activism and disturbing imagery.
- The production runs at Summerhall until 30 August.
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The case for
Supporters of the show’s argument would say intensive meat production has serious ethical and environmental costs, including animal suffering, deforestation, emissions and public-health risks linked to industrial farming. They may argue that satire is a legitimate way to unsettle familiar habits and encourage audiences to consider whether reducing meat consumption is necessary for a sustainable future.
The case against
Critics would say the claim that the meat industry poses an existential threat is overstated, and that responsible livestock farming can support livelihoods, food security and cultural traditions. They may argue that reforming welfare standards, cutting waste and improving farming practices is more realistic and fairer than treating all meat-eating as morally indefensible.
Explained simply
Hamlet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about Prince Hamlet, whose father’s ghost tells him he was murdered by his brother, now King Claudius. The play explores revenge, grief and the choices people make when faced with violence and uncertainty.
Veganism means avoiding animal products, including meat, and is often linked to concerns about animal welfare and the environmental effects of farming. Livestock production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and uses land and other resources, so debates about eating meat can touch on both personal choices and wider climate impacts.
Edinburgh’s summer festival brings together theatre and other live performances from a wide range of artists. Reworking a familiar play can give audiences a new way to consider its themes and how they relate to current issues.
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