3HAMS is produced by Charlie Traisman and Makena Miller. The play premiered in NYC at Triskelion Arts Brooklyn, and ran at Brooklyn Comedy Collective and Caveat NYC. Director: Billie Aken-Tyers, associate director of the hit show, Titanique (Off-Broadway, Daryl Roth Theater). 3HAMS follows Max and Ry, two friends whose bond was forged through their shared struggle with eating disorders. In the confines of their collective brain, they must confront truths of their unhealthy dynamic, and what is needed to break the cycle. In the muck of it all, the greatest insight comes from an unlikely source… a literal ham.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
Set within the confines of a collective brain, 3HAMS follows the story of MAX & RY, two friends grappling with the truth of their relationship and the changes needed for growth. Amidst the chaos, the greatest revelations emerge from an unlikely source… a literal ham. This innovative play, conceived by Charlie Traisman & Mākena Miller and brought to life under the direction of Billie Aken-Tyers (Associate Director, Titanique), invites audiences to delve into the complexities of friendship, identity, and self-discovery.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Producers: Mākena Miller and Charlie Traisman, Writers: Mākena Miller and Charlie Traisman, Cast: Mākena Miller and Charlie Traisman, Director: Billie Aken-TyersStage Manager: Rose Tablizo, Set Design: Leah Mazur, Sound: Angela Baughman, Costume: Zoë Allen
Integral to the uproarious journey into the absurd and poignant world of 3HAMS is the bond formed between Mak and Charlie as collaborators. They began writing together in the summer of 2022 and realized they were writing a play. From performing in various comedy venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan to their upcoming journey at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as queer creators, the distinct experience of LGTBQ+ people with eating disorders and body dysmorphia was important for them to address, as it remains vastly underrepresented and misunderstood.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Both Charlie and Mākena have wanted to attend The Fringe for years! The amount of theatre one can immerse oneself in is magical. They are both lovers of community within theatre and 3HAMS is the perfect play to launch their journey at the Fringe!
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
Theatre enthusiasts will delight in the clownish antics and comedic brilliance of 3HAMS as it navigates the absurdities of human connection with wit, charm, and a touch of whimsy. With a stellar cast and inventive storytelling, this production promises to leave audiences laughing, reflecting, and ultimately, moved by the power of friendship and self-realization.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
So many of these experiences remain invisible inside of our heads. With this piece, Mak and Charlie search for a way to express the “inside”. It is not always logical, but it is deeply felt. It traps us, but it also offers us incredible brilliance. It can be tragic but also hilarious and enlivening. This is their exploration of what this existence feels like to them and an investigation of what it takes to break a cycle.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
We hope anyone and everyone will delight in seeing our show…and definitely the LGBT+ community!
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
We will of course see theatre!! Drink water! Find vegetables! Touch grass… in all honesty, there’s so much to see it can be exhausting so we’ll make sure to break up attending shows and performing with a nature bath, like a trip to North Berwick! (on our 1 day off 🙂
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’