This month Soula is once again opening her home to guests for a chance to overcome their woes and, of course, eat something.
Writer and performer, Georgina Baveas is thrilled to be doing another round of her celebrated stage show Soula’s Kitchen at this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival; though this time around the performer says she is mixing things up with a new venue and approach.
“Since the show is in a completely different space this year, it will have more of a theatrical feel,” Baveas tells Neos Kosmos.
“There will be some new additions, including more delicious food; I have pushed the show further broadening what the audience will experience, but I don’t want to give too much away,” she adds.
For those who didn’t get around to watching the performance in 2015, take it from me, Soula’s Kitchen is a real treat – and not just because she insists on feeding you.
With the stage set up as an authentic dining room, all attendees are treated as esteemed dinner guests and soon after being seated are quickly introduced to her answer to life’s problems: “καλύτερα να φάτε κάτι” (better eat something). And though she doesn’t yet speak English, food has proven to transcend language barriers.
“Last year I received lots of encouraging and supportive feedback from a diverse field of people,” says Baveas. “Whether it was through the humour, colourful characters or excess amounts of food, people truly connected with the show.”
But aside from the comedic aspects, the show also successfully manages to tug at the heart strings of each audience member, and while being entertaining, they are simultaneously thrust into a discussion about multicultural society.
How did we all end up living in Australia? And why is it important that we accept one another?
Witnessing the Soula’s assimilation into Australian society, Baveas’ show couldn’t be more timely as countries across the globe, including Australia, grapple with matters of immigration and cultural differences.
While the Greek community are able to directly relate to Soula’s story, “moved by the pathos of the show”, Baveas says the show has also resonated with people of other backgrounds and religions.
“It expanded the way people think about migrants, which was extremely satisfying as this was my intention when I decided to make a show about assimilation,” she explains.
For the artist, this show’s return is an experience she describes as “a blessing” that has helped her to develop her skills as an artist, performer and writer.
After taking a step back and looking at the show with a critical eye, Baveas noted there was room for improvement and has run with that idea and put it into action.
Meanwhile thanks to the support of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and venue space Upswing Arts, she is adding another string to her bow and learning how to produce, giving her even more input and control over the show’s direction.
“It has challenged me as I have been balancing the organisation of the show along with writing and developing it,” she says.
“It’s a new experience and as we move into bump-in next week and start performances, it will be a challenge but I am excited to venture into it.”
Soula’s Kitchen will be on from 16-24 September, 2016. To view dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit www.melbournefringe.com.au/
