THE ARAB-ISRAELI COOKBOOK (2009)
By Robin Soans

Director: Rob Chambers * Scenic Designer: Marianna Csaszar * Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell * Costume Designer: Laura B. Kollar * Sound Designer: Brett Masteller * Stage Managers: Christina Pretsch & Chris Chapin * Dialect Coach: Eva Breneman * Dramaturg: Zev Valancy * Producer: Danica Ivancevic

Cast: Walter Brody, Maggie Cain, Susaan Jamshidi, Stephen Loch, Julian Martinez, Mark Richard, Frank Sawa, Rachel Slavick

March 7-April 5, 2009 (Previews March 5-6), Chicago DCA Storefront Theater

Arab and Israeli voices come together in the stories of ordinary people living in a rich yet divided world in Israel and the West Bank. Based on real-life interviews, this deeply human play weaves the stories and recipes of more than forty characters who reveal common culture and experiences amidst the daily conflict. In restaurants, shops, cafes, and homes, everyone has a story to tell and a recipe to cook.

Humanities Events

Post-Show Discussion with Scott Hibbard, DePaul University - March 5
Post--Show Discussion with Khalil Marrar, DePaul University - March
Post-Show Discussion with cast and director - March 29
Staging Conflict: Theatrical Narratives of the Holy Land, scenes and discussion presented in association with Silk Road Theatre Project and DCA Theater- March 16
Encounter Point, film screening and panel discussion presented in association with Public Square, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council, and DCA Theater-April 1
The Arab-Israeli Cookbook, World Kitchen cooking class presented in association with DCA World Kitchen - April 4

Press

"Director Rob Chambers maintains a nimble pace, and finely crafted, deeply felt performances by Theatre Mir's ensemble cast use unsettling understatement to convey the evening's most harrowing moments." --Chicago Reader

"Theatre Mir gives “The Arab-Israeli Cookbook” a crisp, snappy production..."--Time Out Chicago

"The end result of “Cookbook” is both satisfying and inspiring. I would definitely go back for seconds."--Edge Chicago

"Funny, heartwarming and scary. The cast is superb."--Steadstyle Chicago