My English Persian Kitchen
"My English Persian Kitchen", written by Hannah Khalil, is based on the true story of Atoosa Sepehr, an Iranian woman who fled Tehran to escape domestic violence. The play intertwines the present-day narrative, depicted through live cooking, with a more dramatised portrayal of her past, breaking through intermittently during the performance.
It is a one-woman show, with Isabella Nefar captivating the audience from start to finish in the intimate setting of the black box studio. The performance delivers everything you'd expect, with a delightful little surprise at the end. The lighting, designed by Marty Langthorne, adds a unique touch, using the light inside a fridge to create striking silhouettes and using a handheld can with a light for an interesting uplighting effect. A particularly memorable scene involves a beautifully executed portrayal of floating and drowning, enhanced by the interplay of lights and sound.
A major highlight of the play is the live cooking, executed with precision and humour. The wonderful aromas that fill the room add to the immersive experience; however, if you're sensitive to onions, you might want to wear waterproof mascara! There were several amusing moments involving what some might consider an "excessive" use of oil and garlic. The preparation must be so perfectly timed, I half-expected the pots to boil over at any moment. Though I can't recall the name of the dish being prepared on stage, Atoosa Sepehr’s cookbook, "From a Persian Kitchen," might be a great place to explore Persian cuisine further.
Given that the show is rooted in a true story, it occasionally feels challenging to navigate some unresolved plot points. While the conclusion of the performance is warm and welcoming, I felt that greater contrast between the emotional highs and lows could have been more impactful. Additional context around elements like passports, visas, and parental relationships would have deepened our connection to the familial aspects of the narrative. I left the theatre with a few lingering questions.
Overall, "My English Persian Kitchen" was thoroughly enjoyable and held my attention throughout its 70-minute runtime, a story of survival and spices that will leave you hungry for more.
This show was reviewed on the 18th September 2024 at Soho Theatre, London where the show runs until the 5th October 2024. Tickets available here: My English Persian Kitchen - Soho Theatre
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
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