International theatre company Théâtre Sans Frontières brings its Spanish-language adaptation of best-selling Mexican novel Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water For Chocolate) to the Southwark Playhouse in May. The drama plays a short run, 13-31 May, as part of a national tour.
Set in the revolutionary Mexico of 1910, Como Agua Para Chocolate follows Tita, a woman forbidden to marry due to a family tradition which states that as youngest daughter she must care for her mother until her death. Tormented by the sight of her sister marrying her one true love, Tita finds solace in cooking. Her food intoxicates all who taste it and transports them into a passionate world of magical realism.
The play is adapted by Linda McLean from Laura Esquivel’s hit first novel which was subsequently translated into 30 different languages. Esquivel also wrote the screenplay for the Golden Globe-nominated film adaptation of the novel.
Théâtre Sans Frontières’s Artistic Director John Cobb directs the production which stars his co-Artistic Director Sarah Kemp as Mama Elena. The international cast also includes Alejandra Ambrosi, Jeronimo Best, Pepa Delgado Fernández, Alicia Martel, Leonila Argüello Chavarría and Mark Plonsky.
Since 1991, Théâtre Sans Frontières has built a reputation as a vibrant and visually exciting company, touring plays by world authors in their original language. In 17 years the company has worked with companies and practitioners including Robert Lepage, Peter Brook and the National Theatre.
MA