RICE!
A WAYANG KITCHEN AND OMNIBUS THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION
"My life is shaped by a series of experiences at the dinner table."
1990s, Kuala Lumpur: Connie Cheng is a modern Malaysian born Chinese woman, torn between the traditional values of her grandmother and her glamourous life as a late-night lounge singer. 2021, London: Now a first generation British Chinese Malaysian, Connie realizes she’s lived longer in the UK than she ever did in Malaysia.
Rice! is a story of migration, the delicate existence of life between two cultures and the food that shapes it. How do you hold onto the past while looking towards the future?
Join an edible journey from Kuala Lumpur to London via your own kitchen. With a package of simple ingredients delivered straight to your door, our chef partners will show you how to prepare some of the food that defines Connie. Fill your home with the scent of Chinese five spice and get a taste of Connie’s life through a delicious blend of storytelling, food and song.
Rice! was a unique culinary theatre experience cooked up by Wayang Kitchen written by Vera Chok (#1 Amazon bestseller The Good Immigrant) and brought to (virtual) life in partnership with Omnibus Theatre.
This dynamic production was performed live from both Malaysia and the UK in 2021 with thanks to our partners Concubine Restaurant (MY) and 5 Foot Way (UK). Conceived, Co-Produced and Co-Directed by Hester Welch and Razif Hashim. Co-Devised by the company.
Rice! was supported by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund, which supports UK and overseas cultural partnerships to develop digitally innovative ways of collaborating.
The Langkawi Show
Following the success of The Food Play, theatre makers and foodies Razif Hashim (Fungry TV, Feel Good Show) and Hester Welch embark on a new culinary adventure, collaborating with DJ and musician Nigel Kraal to create Wayang Kitchen; a new culinary theatre company.
Wayang Kitchen presents: The Langkawi Show.
This is Malaysia's first contemporary cultural show which immerses the audience into Malaysian life one dish at a time. Hosted by the country’s legendary shadow puppets, this show features unique tales of Malaysian customs and folklore. Join us in a feast for the senses where traditional storytelling, mixed media and live performance are paired with your dining experience.
In December 2019, Hester directed The Langkawi Show in collaboration with Fat Cupid, a Peranakan cuisine inspired restaurant. For more Wayang Kitchen shows directed by Hester, see HERE
Romeoé et Juliette
A modern retelling of Shakespeare's iconic love story with Sakura no Ki no Shita - a female led French/Japanese company based in Paris.
Through live video, shadow-play, movement and a poetry from multiple languages, this epic story will be reimagined in a new evocative, international production.
By marrying Japanese, French and English culture we bring a gift for the audience; 3 languages, 2 women, 1 story.
Supported by La Maison du Dévelopement Culturel of Gennevilliers, Paris, France. 2019.
The Food Play
This performance combines storytelling, dance and delicious food for a cross-cultural experience, where sharing and creating with the audience becomes the heart of the event.
In an increasingly globalised world, cultural differences may divide us. But what brings us together? Food of course! What does food tell us about each other? What stories does it inspire?
After being developed across many multicultural cities this show premiered at the What About Kuching Festival 2018, Malaysia.
With thanks to Omnibus Theatre (London), Poplar Union (London), NOW Theatre (KL), David Glass Ensemble (UK) and WAK 2018 (Kuching) for their support.
Director/Co-Producer: Hester Welch
Co-Producer: Chloe Ling
Performers/Co-Devisers: Razif Hashim, Carmen Woo, Chiw Yi Yap
Photography by Jee Foong and Sonia Luhong Wan
Watch the promo video HERE
Read about us in the Borneo Post HERE
The Forest
Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, this immersive performance gives children the power to alter the reality of humans and change their mundane life into one full of imagination and intrigue. The audience take on the role of the fairies and, led by Puck, add magic to the human world.
After 30 minutes of performance, the children have the opportunity to participate in the experience with their parents. Playfully they can create their own magic power and determine their parents actions, shaking up normal social power structures and allowing children the freedom to make their own decisions.
Originally created and performed at Marphy's Playhouse Chengdu on behalf of David Glass Ensemble in 2017. This was the first ever immersive production in the South West of China.
Director/Co-Producer: Hester Welch (UK)
Co-Producer: Lu Fan (China)
Assistnat Director: Doreen Xie (China)
Performers: Ling Tang (Malaysia) and Rainy Ouyang (China)
Set designer: Phoebe Naughton (Gruff Theatre UK)
Colour
An interactive, sensory performance for under 4s produced by Omnibus Theatre, London. It explores colours in the garden through the use of sound, smell, gesture and tactile discovery. Christina Rossetti’s poem Colour is brought to life in this playful offering that aids language development in a stimulating and creative environment.
In 2015 it toured to 21 children's centres and libraries in South London with thanks to Arts Council England funding. By going directly into communities and not charging a ticket fee, this performance engaged with many who had never been to the theatre before and inspired them to seek out further arts provisions for their family.
"It was fantastic to see such young babies joining in with a play and it engaged them in such a clever way using all the senses ” - Abibat Olulode, Development Librarian Early Years Literacy, Lambeth.
Director: Hester Welch
Producer: Felicity Paterson
Performer: Jenny Novitzky
Designer: Alison Neighbour
Sound Designer: Edward Lewis
Child Development Psychologist Consultant: Courtenay Norbury (UCL, London)
Watch the trailer HERE
The Honey Trail
The Honey Trail was a part of Bee Conscious in 2015- a family event and environmental campaign aimed at raising awareness around the plight of bees and their importance to the global ecosystem. On this trail families rediscovered their high street by following clues in local businesses, learning fun facts and interacting with our performing bees!
Directed by Hester Welch
Produced by Omnibus Theatre
Costumes kindly donated by Friends Of The Earth
Assistant Director
