THE TASTE AND SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS
by Kevin Landis
A couple of years ago I wrote an article for a journal on dining that argued for a deeper look at the similarities between cuisine culture and theatre. Obviously, the research was lots of fun! Consider these observations. Professional restaurant designers are placing the kitchen within easy sight of the diners, a hub of activity that acts as a contemporary stage of sorts. Molecular gastronomy, a field of study about the way we cook, has encouraged chefs to dramatically play with their food — perhaps by dropping a delicious morsel in liquid nitrogen table-side or grating frozen goose liver over a buttery pasta. The Theatre of Dionysus, the epicenter of western drama, was founded for a god of wine and revelry. Murray’s production of Our Town several years ago ended with the show-stopping coup de grâce of REAL bacon sizzling on stage. Any lecture that includes a small sample of food or drink instantly sells out! Not because patrons are famished, but because the communion between performer and audience is what we instinctively love. The reality the Greeks knew still holds: the most powerful community connections revolve around dining and theatre.
Dickens gives us a feast to explore in his classic story, and so I have decided to unpack my kitchen supplies on stage and talk a bit about my research on this topic. To my great delight, our friend Sally Hybl has agreed to help. The two of us will attempt to uncover the artistry and science of some Dickensian culinary delights. “Heaped up on the floor, to form a kind of throne, were turkeys, geese, game, poultry, brawn, great joints of meat, suckling pigs, long wreaths of sausage, mince pies, plum puddings, barrels of oysters, red hot chestnuts, cherry-cheeked apples…” We won’t make all of that, but we will get started, and hopefully have a few samples of figgy pudding and ale. But I digress, and since I must get back to the kitchen, I’ll leave it at that.
_______________________________________________________________________
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN.
At THEATREWORKS we believe in doing good. For us that translates not only into artistic excellence, but also into sharing our work with as many as we can. New outreach and education efforts have brought theatre to hundreds of young people, active duty military, and students this season. Our “good” is about provoking thought, sharing perspectives, making you laugh, letting you cry and creating a community in our intimate Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater.
We are humbly asking you to include us in your holiday do-gooding. A gift from you makes our good possible. We’re eager to do more of it, as often as we can, for our community.
Enclosed is an envelope, perfectly sized to fit your generous gift (of any size). We would be most grateful for your support. Thank you, from everyone at THEATREWORKS and the Ghost of Christmas Present!
_______________________________________________________________________
600 HIGHWAYMEN by Kevin Landis
The Theatre and Dance Program, as part of its Theatre of Ideas initiative, proudly hosts 600 Highwaymen, one of the hottest new companies in New York City, for an exclusive residency with students. We are collaborating with The Public Theater in New York and the UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA) to produce eight performances of The Fever, an extraordinary, interactive new play about communities moving forward and caring for each other during turbulent times. The work will premiere at the Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival in January, where two of our students will join the company as interns. This is an amazing collaboration and we invite you to see The Fever at GOCA for FREE! Tickets available on the website below, and details on associated events, including music concerts, dance performances, audience conversations and more.
Enclosed is an envelope, perfectly sized to fit your generous gift (of any size). We would be most grateful for your support. Thank you, from everyone at THEATREWORKS and the Ghost of Christmas Present!
Comments