Review: Upstream Theater's Stirring and Compelling Production of COOKING WITH ELISA

Upstream Theater continues to find little gems from around the globe, delivering unique theatrical experiences that cast a light on different cultures and societies outside of our own. Buenos Aires born playwright Lucia Laragione's Cooking with Elisa is their latest discovery, and is currently being staged for its U.S. premiere with a translation by artistic director Philip Boehm, who has a real knack for adapting these kind of plays for an American audience. The results are provocative and compelling, and if you take the time to read through the program notes, you'll really get a sense of the political undercurrents that run through this piece.

The action is played out in a kitchen where Nicole, the chef to a wealthy and powerful family, is preparing to leave for a much needed vacation. But, when the poor, illiterate and pregnant Elisa is chosen by her mistress as her replacement, Nicole is less than enthused. In fact, she seems to go out of her way to lord her supposed expertise over the game, but inexperienced Elisa. For instance, when she notices the baby bump that Elisa is sporting, she delves into some dishes that would make someone with a cast iron stomach nauseous with their combination of odd ingredients and peculiar preparations. But, as this plays out, you begin to see below the surface that the tension between them is reflective of the perceived differences in their classes. All of this leads to a dark and downbeat denouement.

Jane Paradise is very good as the stern Nicole, riding roughshod over her charge as she attempts to bring her up to speed. There's a palpable tension between the pair, as Paradise continually makes Elisa aware of her lowly status, delighting in watching her retch as she brings out the offal for another gourmet meal. Shanara Gabrielle is equally up to task as Elisa, determined to make good on her opportunity, even if it means she has to tortuously endure learning to prepare this most unusual menu of items.

Bonnie Taylor's direction is expertly conceived, and she makes the most of the interplay between the two very different characters. She's greatly aided by Scott Neale's incredible set design, which conjures up a completely believe kitchen, and Ann Wrightson's evocative lighting scheme. Michele Siler's costumes fit and define the differences between the characters without being distracting. Kari Ely's props provide a plethora of food items and kitchen utensils for the two actresses to utilize over the course of the play.

Upstream Theater's production of Cooking with Elisa is brilliantly executed, and once again provides St. Louis theatre patrons with the chance to explore themes and ideas that they might not be exposed to otherwise. Cooking with Elisa continues through January 23, 2011 on stage at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

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