★★★★☆
My English Persian Kitchen, which has transferred to London following its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, is a beautiful, emotional fusion of culture, food, politics and identity.
Entering the theatre, or should I say kitchen, the stage is set. A wooden kitchen island, assortment of jars, and a large, sage-green fridge greet you; a strangely comforting and domestic scene.
Contently chopping fresh red onions, we are introduced to Isabella Nefar, who fronts this one-woman show. Nefar, appropriately dressed in a turmeric-coloured silk shirt (a key ingredient later used), effortlessly draws the audience in with her storytelling, the perfect host in every sense.
But as the narrative develops, Nefar swiftly builds a greater emotional complexity into her performance. Not only cooking and preparing a traditional Persian meal (more on this later), but providing an emotional, dynamic and considered retelling of the real life experience of Atoosa Sepehr.
As Director Chris White reflects, playwright Hannah Khalil has successfully “created a play that not only captures Atoosa’s story, but her voice; sometimes verbatim and at other times the essence and spirit of it.”
The script is carefully punctuated with flashbacks, as we are guided through her memories, upbringing, family life, marriage and political refuge. The routine, familiarity of cooking this meal operates as a means to ground herself in today, the urgencies and requirements of her life now. But it also operates as a source of optimism, a warm, nourished prospect within her future.
The kitchen itself operates as the perfect set. Light is effectively used to create an appropriately warm, safe and comforting environment, but also an adverse and solitary place at times. It also supports the length of the performance well, at 70 minutes long; it feels a natural place to have this story told.
The involvement of your senses brings so much more to this exploration of cultural identity. It is a creative immersion, and the slowly intensifying background scent of softly fried onions, stewing chickpeas and crisped mint really brings an added depth to the production.
What’s even better is there is meal provided to each member of the audience at the end – an aptly communal (and delicious!) conclusion to a beautiful production. Served up to the audience, with all the careful toppings, leaving them satiated and deep in thought. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with other audience members and reflect on the story told. This also makes it a wonderful production to attend solo – as a warm, reflective and insightful space.
My English Persian Kitchen runs at Soho Theatre (Soho Upstairs – Dean Street) until October 5. The entire run is sold out but you can call the theatre on 020 7478 0100 to join the waiting list and check in for returns.
Photo: Photo: © Ellie Kurtz
JADAR 