Súper Chefs follows the story of six-year-old Manny as he prepares a welcome-home meal for his dad with the help of his mother, grandmother, and superhero sidekick. Along the way, the show challenges stereotypes around gender roles in the kitchen and celebrates the importance of family, teamwork, and cultural heritage. With real cooking happening live on stage, audiences will get to help Manny prepare authentic Latin American dishes like Colombian arepas and Mexican guacamole.
Ahead of the show playing on tour we chatted to writer Betsy Picart to learn more.
What can you tell me about Súper Chefs?
Súper Chefs is an interactive musical for children and families that explores intergenerational family dynamics and gender roles within a multicultural Latinx family. It pulls the audience in with its upbeat Latinx music and colourful setting, inviting them to take part in the show's adventures. The audience get to cook and dance along with the characters as the story unfolds. It's a great show that will have you moving and smiling the whole way through.
Where did the inspiration for the piece come from?
Mi familia -- my family. I'm a firm believer in writing from what you know. I had recently moved to the U.K. and wanted to write about my family and culture to feel closer to them.
How did you approach the writing and development of the piece?
The musical was written as part of my master's programme, and I worked closely with Suzanne Gorman, my mentor on the playwriting module. With every draft, Suzanne posed questions and gave feedback that helped me dig deeper into the story and eventually, I had a completed, yet simpler version of the show. It wasn't until many years later, when Suzanne approached me again to develop it further that I got to work with an incredible team to create the show you see today. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to create such a special story that has resonated with so many people.
How important was it to bring a sense of your own background and culture to the stage?
Massively important. I didn't see much Latinx representation on stages or screen when I was growing up, so I knew that's what I wanted to write about. I wanted to share the beauties of our culture. There needed to be fierce, strong women, delicious foods and the kind of music that makes you get up and sing. Those who know the culture will recognise it in the show, and those who don't will get to experience the love and passion Latinx people have for their culture and their families.
How has it been seeing the piece come to life ahead of the production?
At times, I still can't believe it's really happened. The workshop process was a joy. It was the first time in a long time that I wasn't the only Latinx creative in the room. Sharing our Latinx experiences and cultures is ultimately what gave the show its final form and life. Now, every time I'm in rehearsals or see the show performed, I'm filled with immense gratitude for everyone who contributed to making Súper Chefs a reality.
The piece is aimed towards children in Years 1 and Years 2, why do you believe this piece is impactful for children of that age?
Children this age are incredibly curious and often fearless, and that's who you want in the audience of a participatory musical. It's a great age for them to learn about new cultures, foods and languages, so I hope that after watching Súper Chefs kids leave the show knowing a bit more about Latinx foods, about familial love and maybe even a few words in Spanish.
Where did your arts career begin and how did you go about following that career path?
I started my career as an actor. I studied musical theatre in university and worked as a performer in TIE (theatre in education) and children's theatre for many years. I've always loved how theatre can be a medium to teach young people new things, but also a way to bring families together, so I chose to get my master's in Theatre for Young Audiences so I could learn new ways of creating theatre for children and families.
What keeps you inspired?
Everyday life is inspiring. People are fascinating. Everyone has their own story. If you observe it long enough you'll realise life itself is a drama. We can learn so much from each other, and if you stay creatively open you can be inspired by the simplest thing.
What would you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
That love and acceptance can overcome any issue or problem we encounter.
Súper Chefs is touring throughout the UK in October in November, including several dates at London theatres. Dates and ticket links below. For more information, visit: https://mayaproductions.co.uk/productions/super-chefs/
2024 AUTUMN TOUR DATES:
10th-13th October – Polka Theatre, LONDON
19th October – Wardrobe Theatre, Papaya Fest, BRISTOL
20th October – Cambridge Junction, CAMBRIDGE
28th October – Brixton House, LONDON
30th October – Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library, LONDON
2nd November – Sutton Family Hub, Wonder Arts, ST HELENS MERSEYSIDE
3rd November – Midlands Arts Centre, BIRMINGHAM
7th-9th November – Half Moon Theatre, LONDON
17th November – Friargate Theatre, YORK
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