A Palestinian father and son, separated by thousands of kilometers, make a video call to cook together in this production by the American Repertory Theater.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, this play explores the dynamics of a father-son relationship through a video call. The father, living in Ramallah, Palestine, receives a call from his son in New York. Despite their strained relationship, they agree to cook together during the duration of the video call that the audience witnesses. The act of cooking familiar dishes serves as a metaphor for addressing their shared past, including the loss of the wife and mother. The format of the play is a live video call between the two actors, speaking directly to the camera, which does not directly involve audience participation. However, the naturalistic acting style aims to engage the viewers. Additionally, in collaboration with the Andala Coffee House restaurant in Cambridge, the audience has the option to order a menu inspired by the dishes prepared by the characters, creating a more immersive experience.