Bristol Old Vic Review: My English Persian Kitchen

Summary

Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 14th October – Saturday 18th October
Where to see it: Bristol Old Vic (and onward tour)
Duration: 70mins (no interval)

Review

Photography by Ellie Kurttz

Food plays an extraordinary role across the globe in cultures, celebration, families and friendship groups. It takes a central role in gatherings, keeps us alive and it’s stories, recipes and ingredients are interwoven throughout history. My English Persian kitchen demonstrates the significance of food in our lives exceptionally. It uses compelling storytelling and live onstage cooking to transport us to an inner-city London flat of a woman who has fled Iran for her safety. Where she has left everything including her mum’s cooking behind. 

We first meet the protagonist eating out with friends, where again the simplicity of the props is impactful enough to transport us to a group of friends enjoying food together, only to be interrupted by a phone call which turns her life upside down. 

The play, written by Hannah Khalil from the story by Atoosa Sepehr, unfolds on a simple stage set and has a cast of just one, Isabella Nefar. Despite its simplicity, Isabella is able to keep the audience captivated with a script that flits between a calm scene of cooking a dish from home and the story of her trauma, fleeing, leaving her family, friends and life behind. It uses expressive movements, ingredients, and an emotive script to weave the story together, piece by piece until we have the full picture of what she has been through.

Exploring the trauma and reality that many refugees face through Atoosa Sepehr’s story, we grow to understand the circumstances of why she had to flee but also the obstacles she faced once she reached England. Making it clear that despite reaching her destination, it did not mean it was the end of the story. 

The intimate setting allows for interactive elements, using touch and smell to get the audience connecting to the story and ingredients. Meanwhile the spectacular aroma of Ash-e Reshteh (Persian Noodle soup) cooking on stage fills the theatre. It’s an emotional and moving story but there is still room for humour, including the very justified mention (more than once!) of the polite indifference of Londoners. Isabellas portrayal of the character allows us to feel connected to her in the way she sought connection upon her arrival to England. 

It may seem like a short run time, but it is long enough to leave us feeling like we have been on a journey of discovery and emotional turmoil, ending with food shared with our theatre going comrades. The nature of the topic also indirectly encourages reflection on our own heritage, cultural traditions and privileges. In the challenging setting of today’s politically charged landscape, there isn’t a better time to get tickets!  

Standout quote or moment: When the audience are invited to eat the food that has been cooked and eat together.  
See if: You are open to learning about others experiences, cultures and food! 
Last impression: Moving and deeply poignant play, especially so considering the times we are currently living in. 

Reviewed by Megan Lee