Jar of Fat

In Jar of Fat, two Korean American sisters are deemed too fat to fit in their family grave, exploring family, religion, identity, desire, and beauty in Korean American culture. The play is a fantastical, absurdist Korean American tale about the quest for beauty and thinness, combining laugh-out-loud funny and deeply troubling elements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

In a whimsical and fantastical realm, two Korean American sisters find themselves deemed too large to fit within their family grave. The weight of their community's expectations and their fretful parents' desires to shrink them looms heavy, threatening to strain the unbreakable bond they share. Will their close connection withstand the relentless pressure, or will they succumb to the relentless pursuit of thinness?

Jar of Fat, the fifteenth recipient of the prestigious Yale Drama Prize, delves into the intricate tapestry of Korean American culture, exploring themes of family, religion, identity, desire, and beauty. Written by Seayoung Yim, this play is a captivating blend of humor and profound introspection, offering a thought-provoking examination of the societal pressures surrounding anti-fat bias.

Through the captivating performances of the cast, Seayoung Yim skillfully unravels the accumulated anger and frustration caused by this prejudice, reclaiming what it takes from us daily: grace, space, possibility, and breath. The play serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering strength of sisterhood.

As the sisters navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectations and personal desires, Jar of Fat sheds light on the complexities of identity and the profound impact of cultural norms on our sense of self. It challenges us to question the values we uphold and the pressures we face in our pursuit of beauty and acceptance.

Through its absurdist and fantastical narrative, Jar of Fat offers a refreshing perspective on the human experience, reminding us of the importance of laughter, empathy, and the pursuit of true self-love. It is a play that will leave audiences both entertained and contemplative, prompting us to reflect on the ways in which we can break free from the constraints of societal expectations and embrace our unique identities.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 139 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300268010