Hundreds gathered at a central London theatre on Sunday evening as a cookbook paying homage to Somali culinary traditions was brought to life through performance, music and storytelling.
Side eYe productions hosted an immersive theatrical evening at Underbelly Boulevard, inspired by Ifrah F. Ahmed’s cookbook Soomaaliya: Food, Memory and Migration.
The three-part show – where filming and photography of projected materials were prohibited – featured audio recordings, readings, poetry, live music and a conversation between chef and Soomaaliya author Ahmed and culture journalist Haaniyah Awale Angus.
“Food is essentially history on a plate,” Ahmed said. “It’s really important to showcase food because it tells us not what we eat but who we are, how we came to be, what our current conditions are and so I think food is a really important way to tell our stories.”
The night explored the rich oral tradition of Somali culture, touching on themes of identity, migration, belonging and food.
The gathering gave strangers – Somali or not – the opportunity to connect, share stories and celebrate artistic storytelling.
Attendees shared food and drinks while taking part in a conversation, Q&A session and book signing with Ifrah.
Watch the video below to hear from the author of Soomaaliya, a Side eYe production team member and Angus, as well as attendees.
Featured image credit: Ikraan Mohamed
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