A Place in the Sultan's Kitchen

Ushered into the spotlight at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, this family-affair show inspired writer/musician/performer Joshua Hilton to conceive a concept based on the mixed past traditions, cultures and general influences that have shaped his identity. And what better a way than through food, that universal stimulator of our appetites and imaginations. It's a unique idea for a theatrical experience, being introduced to the ancestral journeys and adventures of his extended family whilst enjoying the whiff of spice-and-all-things-nice, our olfactory and also visual senses being aroused by a well-prepared and detailed son-et-lumiere show of historic maps, photos and memorabilia. All of this unfolds in a quasi-Persian/Indian setting designed by director Leland Kean, complete with Joshua’s brother, Dominic Hinton, at the helm of audio and visuals with both brothers also demonstrating their musical talents, closing the show with an endearing rendition of an original song entitled Evergreen.

The show begins with the story of Joshua's grandmother, displaced from Iran to India, her voice and memories interwoven with his live narrative. As he prepares and stirs her spice recipe on stage, each pinch becomes a symbol of family history — from his English-Jewish father who became a Shakespearian actor amongst other roles, to his grandparents’ eventual establishment of the popular Sultans Restaurant in Brisbane. The act of cooking becomes both storytelling device and metaphor: a pot simmering with coincidence, resilience, and togetherness.

The contrasting and effective visuals, timing, and use of theatrical nuance — even using kitchen utensils and spices as props — are ingenious. With Joshua's engaging charm along with his in-depth look at the pertinent question of multi-culturalism in Australia, he being an example of someone with a potpourri - pun intended - of cultural influences including Iran, India, Sri Lanka to South Africa, the UK and of course Australia, the answer to his deep concerns about identity is that he comes across as distinctly Australian. After all, he was mostly brought up here, despite his family's background. Currently a moot point, the question regarding concerns over those new to the country avoiding any form of integration and where the quantity and character of our immigrants is understandably under scrutiny, there is no question with Joshua: he is indeed an Aussie along with many with his kind of background and who choose to make Australia home. His strong connection to his grandmother, a constant thread through the performance, and a heartfelt reference to his father including their theatrical connection, reinforces this sense of belonging.

Forget 'dinner and a show' - this is dinner as the show. With Brisbane Festival in full swing, Shake and Stir Theatre Company in performance next door, even more 'shaking-and-stirring' with this classic one-pot chicken recipe which incidentally the audience, as 'family', can savour in the foyer after the show - pre-prepared, and fortunately without Aussie tomato sauce! - this is a warm and engaging theatrical experience with a unique idea brought to fruition by an in-depth, thoughtful, reflective and passionate artist, 

Ultimately, Joshua's show is a reminder that identity is nourished not only by the stories we inherit, but also by the cuisine, memories, and communities we create together.

Brian Adamson

Images by Tracey Leigh