Bringing together theater, music, and the aromas and flavors of food, this performance reminds us of the colonial history still at play in our kitchens.

Eva Doumbia’s Autophagies (Self-eaters), presented by Ashé Cultural Arts Center, is a journey to a place somewhere between Africa and Europe, where distinct native ingredients come together in culinary creations that delight the senses. In this place — led by a chef, a musician, a dancer, and a mistress of ceremony — we will move beyond tastes and smells into the political dimension of food, exploring the origins of select ingredients and dishes and their movement through slavery, colonization, and exploitation.

Once the stories have been told for the evening and the hidden histories illuminated, we will share mafé, a traditional West African stew prepared by the chef during the performance.

Suggested donation: $20

The production Autophagies has received the support of FACE Contemporary Theater, a program of Villa Albertine and FACE Foundation, in partnership with the French Embassy in the United States, with support from The Ford Foundation, Institut français, the French Ministry of Culture, and private donors.