Angela’s Kitchen

In 1948, Angela left Malta. Having gathered up five children, she sailed out on the Strathnavar, leaving poverty and the war behind.

Her destination: Australia. In Surry Hills, she could build a bright new life.

If only she could first learn the language, finish shoring up their dilapidated house, find new friends, get the racist neighbour off her back and keep her son away from sly grog queen Kate Leigh’s kids.

Back in Malta, someone else has made a journey. Making his way along Kalkara’s glistening harbourside, a young man with flowing black hair has returned to claim his past. Paul Capsis is walking home.

A journey that begins at a kitchen table becomes a sprawling family history and a fitting tribute to a much-loved matriarch.

Told simply and truthfully, Angela’s Kitchen is an astonishingly evocative piece of autobiographical theatre from one of Australia’s most versatile performers. For this intimate and incredibly personal new work, Paul Capsis is joined by director Julian Meyrick (October) and associate writer Hilary Bell (The Falls).

Angela’s Kitchen reviewed in the Sydney Morning Herald

Angela’s Kitchen reviewed in TimeOut Sydney

Read an interview with Paul and Julian

Hear Paul and Julian on ABC 702 (recorded 7 November 2010)

(Part One) Paul Capsis on ABC Radio

(Part Two) Paul Capsis on ABC Radio