Freekeh, my aunt died 40 days ago

A theatrical culinary performance from the series of culinary performances by Hiba Najem

On the fortieth day after her death, I did not cook my aunt Souad’s favorite Freekeh dish, for my mom had thought it was best to order ready-made sandwiches instead. These sandwiches that the delivery guy delivers to our doorstep are definitely classier and more proper than a Freekeh dish that many do not appreciate or know about.

I hadn’t cooked a thing that day, nor had my mom or the neighbors. We grieved my aunt for as long as it took us to consume those cold sandwiches. The catering service we indulged in, left no room for exchanging dishes or grief. We grieve quickly now; the 40th-day ceremony is as fast as the food we devour.

Today, we cook. We let the freekeh simmer for as long as it takes for us to mourn our losses.

Credits:

Text, staging and performance: Hiba Najem

Music composition, accordion and performance: Samah Boulmona

Technical director: Antonella Rizk

Copywriter and translator: Lynn Najm

Poster designer: Joe Elias

Flyer designer: Mike Malajalian

Audio documentation: Firas Anani

Farmer and Member of Buzurna Juzurna: Walid El Youssef

The performance was developed as part of “Zoukak Sidewalks - Residency Program” and the “Odyssee” programme - Chateau de Goutelas and meeting center - France

This performance is coproduced by la Garance theater - Cavaillon - France

This performance is dedicated to Hiba's aunt Souad’s beautiful soul.

For more information and to reserve your seat:

https://ihjoz.com/events/8206