Attending the world premiere of My English Persian Kitchen at The Traverse Theatre is a real treat. Not only do you see a beautifully performed piece of life-affirming theatre, you also watch a live cookery demonstration that culminates in sampling the food.
Performed with passion, sensitivity and humour.
Isabella Nefar stars in this show, produced in conjunction with the Soho Theatre, written by Hannah Khalil and directed by Chris White, that’s filled with the mouth-watering flavours of Iran and fascinating insights into its people, some of which might surprise. “85% of Iranian women are well-educated. Of course we don’t cook. We work. We are professionals. As successful as the men,” says Nefar, while chopping vegetables for the pot.
The spacious auditorium soon fills with fragrances from Atoosa Sepehr’s recipe for Ash-E Reshteh whose true story is contained in her best-selling cookery book that inspired the play. The tiered seating allows us to look down on the preparations of this hearty Persian noodle soup with fresh herbs and legumes, and the warm, dim lighting adds a mood of mystery as the secrets of the dish are revealed.
There is also a narrative interwoven with the practicalities of cooking. Forced to flee Iran, with no hope of ever returning home, our heroine finds herself in the unfamiliar surroundings of London. Longing for the tastes and aromas of her mother’s kitchen, she starts to lovingly recreate the dishes of her childhood and homeland, and in so doing gathers a new community around herself, attracted by the aromas of her cooking. Soon she has a new recipe for life, a new community and a new identity with a sense of belonging at its heart. Food will always bring people together and break down borders.
Performed with passion, sensitivity and humour combined with movement sequences that portray some difficult times, My English Persian Kitchen has all the ingredients that make for a delightful theatrical experience.
