Step into a delectable world as “Eating Myself” serves up a personal and intimate theatrical journey that explores the deep flavours of food – and its ability to shape our lives (in the most unexpected ways). It takes you on an extraordinary odyssey through the realms of womanhood, body image, and the rich tapestry of Peruvian traditions. Don’t let this tantalising theatrical feast pass you by – it’s an experience to be savoured.
Pepa Duarte, known for her compelling performance in “A Fight Against” at the Royal Court, leads this captivating sensory experience in her debut play. As the story simmers, we discover Pepa’s poignant tale of her mom’s strict approach to diet and flavours, but also the tantalising aromas from her grandmother’s hearty, traditional Peruvian cooking. Upon arriving in England, Pepa embarks on an introspective journey, filled with food-related emotions.
From the very first bite, “Eating Myself” surprises and delights, presenting a relatable experience that resonates with the audience’s own relationship with food.
It’s a savoury mirror, reflecting the struggles we all face, particularly as women, constantly pushed into diet culture.
Be prepared for emotions to bubble up, as tears of recognition flow freely among the viewers (I mean it, the audience was sobbing by the time the show finished).
In just one hour of its run time, “Eating Myself” won’t serve you a ready-made recipe for a healthy relationship with food, or present a diet plan that promises miracles. Instead, it tackles significant themes, from the oppressive grip of diet culture to the pain of loss and self-acceptance, interwoven with beautifully depicted glimpses into Peruvian culture. Each element resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the soul as if hundreds of forks have pierced the heart.
Pepa Duarte’s monologue is a culinary masterpiece. She skilfully combines various ingredients to captivate the audience’s taste buds, whether it’s cooking a real pot of soup on stage, recreating scenes from her mother and grandmother’s past with kitchen utensils as props, or sprinkling calorie numbers on the floor with frenzied energy.
One cannot overlook Duarte’s remarkable tone of voice and impeccable pronunciation, which remained consistently sharp throughout the show. Even in portraying the roles of a grandmother or mother, her voice commanded attention, infusing the performance with a crispness that resonated deeply through the walls of Brixton House.
The post-show connection with the audience over a shared pot of bean soup provided a heartwarming and balanced conclusion to the experience. As Duarte wisely states, food is a manifestation of love, meant to be prepared and shared with others. And it was indeed an evening full of love.
About the show:
Eating Myself – Brixton House
Running Time 55 minutes
Writer/Performer Pepa Duarte (she/her)
Director Sergio Maggiolo (he/them)
Movement director Shane Dempsey (he/him)
Set Designer Laura Arroyo (she/her)
Costume/Prop Designer Carolina Rieckhof (she/her)
Sound Designer/Composer Tom Sochas (he/him)
Lighting designer Michael Harpur (he/him)
Production assistant Penelope Diaz (she/her)
Stage Manager Francisco Diaz (he/him)
Graphic Designer Alexandro Valcarcel (he/him)
Photography/Videography Hector Manchego (he/him)
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