Writing the Recipe: Developing a Theatrical Adaptation of High on the Hog

American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University is developing a new theatrical experience based on High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Dr. Jessica B. Harris. The piece will be further developed this November at a Faculty Residency at the ArtLab at Harvard with A.R.T. Associate Artistic Director Dayron J. Miles and movement-based artist Mayté Natalio, who aim to engage the audience’s five senses in the history of African American cuisine while centering food in the narrative experience.

As part of the ArtLab residency, Harvard University Committee on the Arts invites the public to Writing the Recipe: Developing a Theatrical Adaptation of High on the Hog, an ArtsThursdays conversation with Harris, Miles, and Natalio on Thursday, November 20, at 6 PM at ArtLab.

Harvard’s ArtsThursdays series is a presidential initiative to offer free weekly performances, exhibitions, lectures, and other events across the University to promote access to the arts at Harvard.

At Writing the Recipe, Dr. Harris will share background and inspirations for the book, and Miles and Natalio will reflect on the discoveries—and questions—that arose during the residency and potential ways food and communal dining may be incorporated into the final theatrical experience. The November residency at the ArtLab at Harvard will provide Miles and Natalio with an opportunity to continue building an outline for the theatrical experience.

The New York Times Bestseller High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by James Beard Lifetime Achievement-winning Dr. Jessica B. Harris explores the history of African American cuisine from Africa across the Atlantic. The book celebrates the foods of the African American experience and how each came to form important parts of African American culture, history, and identity. It was previously adapted by Netflix and One Story Up Productions into the series High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Shaped America.

Parking: Please note that ArtLab does not have parking, and area street parking is limited. Rideshare and public transit are recommended.

More info at: https://artlab.harvard.edu/calendar_event/nov20artsthursdays/