Synopsis

The bustling streets of London’s East End, where political idealism clashes with harsh reality.

Sarah Kahn, a fiercely committed communist and matriarch of a Jewish family, fights to keep her ideals alive as the world around her changes dramatically. From the charged atmosphere of the 1930s to the disillusionment of the 1950s, Sarah’s unwavering beliefs are tested by both global events and personal tragedies.

Arnold Wesker’s Chicken Soup with Barley is a powerful exploration of political conviction, family bonds, and the crushing weight of shattered dreams. Through a series of pivotal moments in the Kahn family’s life, the play delves into the complexities of holding onto one’s principles in the face of a shifting world. Wesker’s naturalistic dialogue and keen eye for domestic detail create a rich, emotionally resonant portrait of a family caught between past and present. As Sarah grapples with her stroke-afflicted husband Harry and her increasingly cynical son Ronnie, the play raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of loyalty, the price of idealism, and the possibility of maintaining hope in a world that seems determined to extinguish it.