Theatresauce adds flavour to Malaysians’ love affair with food

‘Come Home and Eat’ features stories revolving around food, devised and presented by the 7-member ensemble. (Siaw Boon Keat pic)

PETALING JAYA:

When theatre practitioner Kelvin Wong first landed in the United States to further his studies, he believed he was in food heaven. This was, after all, the land of bagels, hot dogs and burgers, and Wong found himself savouring all the greatest hits of American cuisine.

However, after two weeks of living deliciously, he found himself desperately craving the familiar tastes of home. Unable to bear it any longer, he bought a rice cooker and quickly picked up cooking tips from his mother.

These days, food serves as an important connection to home for Wong every time he has to travel. And with the prospect of him leaving for the United Kingdom in September to pursue his PhD, he found himself asking: “Do I really want to come back? Is it worth fighting to continue living here?”

The 37-year-old has since come to a conclusion that would surely resonate with many Malaysians: “Food – among other things – is what will bring me back home.”

And with this, Wong is directing his last production under his company Theatresauce before heading abroad (although worry not, he says he will return).

Food-related stories take the spotlight in “Come Home and Eat”, which explores themes such as identity, belonging, migration, and the different notions of home – all through the lens of what we consume.

(Clockwise from top left) Cast members Ryan Yap, Nicholas Augustin, Nabil Zakaria, Kamini Senthilathiban, Farah Rani, Sharanya Radhakrishnan, and Nephi Shaine. (Siaw Boon Keat pic)

The production is a sequel to another Theatresauce outing, “Don’t Like It Here? Then Leave”, which was presented at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) last year.

Wong provides assurance, though, that it isn’t necessary to have watched it to enjoy their latest offering, as “Come Home and Eat” will be showcasing brand-new stories.

The title, he further explained, comes from a phrase many Malaysians would have grown up hearing from their parents and guardians.

Audiences can look forward to a range of food-centred stories, all devised by the ensemble and presented in various styles, from monologues and satire to expressive movement and multimedia-based pieces.

During rehearsals, the cast had been invited to share personal stories, which were then moulded into performance pieces.

“We have works where we explore mixed identities, eating disorders, migration,” Wong teased. “Stories of children who learnt to cook from their mothers – some reluctantly, some with passion.

“Pieces that deal with people stuck to their phones at the dining table, and that explore how expensive food is for young people these days.”

Actor Nabil Zakaria and director Wong hope the show will lead audiences to widen their horizons. (Siaw Boon Keat pics)

One rule Wong imposed was “no repetitions”: if a story was told in one way, that approach could not be used again for the rest of the show. This, he said, resulted in a very challenging but fun experience.

The show will also have immersive segments where audience members can participate physically or through their phones.

Plus, the (perhaps literal) icing on the cake: real food might be making an appearance at some point!

‘A deeper understanding’

Speaking with FMT, actor Nabil Zakaria said he had been drawn to the devised nature of the production, and had particularly enjoyed the early phases of rehearsal, which involved a lot of play and exploration.

He described being in the production as “eye-opening”, and cited the example of one character he plays who is a vegetarian. “I’ve never been one!” the 33-year-old declared.

“Because of my religion, I don’t eat pork, but I never thought about not being able to eat any meat at all,” he added. “I listened to stories from vegetarians and former vegetarians, and it was very interesting.

“It was a window to a very different life.”

Ultimately, Wong hopes the production will encourage viewers to widen their viewpoints on the world.

“If people go out with not just a greater appreciation of food,” he said, “but also the encouragement to seek a deeper understanding of our nation and themselves, then I think this production will have succeeded.”