Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames brings his artistry back to the Public Theater. Most know Ijames from his award-winning off-broadway play “Fat Ham,” a modern comedic take on Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.”

But this time around, Ijames explores darker themes like gentrification and indulges us in a heated debate about who really gets to experience the American dream in “Good Bones,” directed by Saheem Ali. It’s a play that doesn’t hide from uncomfortable topics while leaving room for comedy throughout. 

The production stars Susan Kelechi Watson as Aisha and Mamoudou Athie as Travis, along with Khris Davis as their contractor Earl and Téa Guarino as Earl’s sister Carmen. While on a work opportunity to transform the impoverished community she used to live in, Aisha and her well-off husband Travis renovate their home in that neighborhood and get into a heated debate about who truly gets to benefit from this community revitalization with Earl, who feels responsible for maintaining his hood and the dignity of his people.  

In an interview with BET, Watson and Athie discuss what makes this play a must-see.

BET: What made you want to be a part of this production?

Susan Kelechi Watson:  I saw Fat Ham, I doubled over with laughter, the way that he adapted Hamlet the way that he did, his voice was so unique and so culturally specific and spot on. And I knew this play was going to change a lot, but it has good bones. Whatever was there, I could tell if it changed it was going to be great.

BET: What do you want the audience to take away, especially when considering gentrification and its impacts on communities?

Susan Kelechi Watson: I don't think you ever get to see gentrification from two Black perspectives or three, or four very often. This is the first time you get to hear the various opinions of people that are considered part of the same community, same culture. And two people grew up in that and to hear how they feel about gentrifying, the difference in that is really interesting while acknowledging they don't necessarily have the power to gentrify it. 

BET:  What was the most fulfilling part about working on “Good Bones”?

Mamoudou Athie: I was very intent on playing characters written with dimension and very sensitive characters because growing up, I didn't see a lot of opportunity for Black actors to do that. 

BET: What do you want our readers to know about this play?

Susan Kelechi Watson: This really reflects our lives. I just really look forward to an audience because I feel like they are actually going to get it. It's so contemporary, it’s so now. These are just people who are so easy to engage with, and it's really fun. It's deeply heartbreaking, super emotional, and all the things you want those kitchen sink dramedies to be. 

Mamoudou Athie: It’s one of those plays that sticks with you. I find myself thinking about it when I wake up and look at the script. Even though there are so many things that go on with it that are really intense and difficult, there’s a kind of joy to it, and there’s a joy in performing it. 

Good Bones will run at The Public Theater from Oct 1 through Oct 27.