Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Max Stafford-Clark
Co-production with Gay Sweatshop
Dates Performed
Monday 5th November 1990
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
Kitchen Matters is a reimagining of Euripides’ “The Bacchae” and is set against the backdrop of the theatre world. It explores the challenges and dynamics of producing a show with limited project funding. The narrative centers around the experiences of a group of theatre practitioners as they navigate the complexities of their professional and personal lives, highlighting themes of artistic expression, collaboration, and the struggles inherent in creative endeavours.
The play delves into themes of artistic integrity, collaboration, and theatre production. It employs a linear narrative with realistic and sharp dialogue that reflects the pressures and conflicts faced by those working in the arts. The tone is a mix of drama and dark comedy, providing both poignant and humorous insights into the lives of the characters. Lavery’s writing style is characterised by its wit, depth, and engagement with contemporary social issues, making “Kitchen Matters” a reflective piece on the nature of creativity and the challenges of sustaining it within a competitive and often underfunded industry.