Elmina's Kitchen

Infobox Play
name = Elmina's Kitchen


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writer = Kwame Kwei-Armah
chorus =
characters = Anastasia, Clifton, Ashley, Baygee, Deli, Digger
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setting = Hackney
date of premiere = May, 2003
country of Origin = England
original language = English
series =
subject = Crime
genre = Drama

"Elmina's Kitchen" is the fifth play from the British actor, playwright and broadcaster, Kwame Kwei-Armah. Set in a West Indian restaurant, Elmina's Kitchen tells a tale of family, drugs and crime on Hackney's Murder Mile. The play in centred around the character of Deli, the owner of a West Indian restaurant and father to Ashley. Ashley is a misguided teen who can't help but be seduced by the gangster culture that surrounds him. Deli tries to run a successful restaurant while attempting to keep his son on the straight and narrow particularly when his son gets closer to a well known local gangster, Digger.

Major productions

On Stage Productions

Elmina's Kitchen premiered in May 2003 at the National Theatre, London where it ran until 25 August 2003. During its stint at The National Theatre, Elmina's Kitchen was directed by Angus Jackson and starred Dona Croll, George Harris, Emmanuel Idowu, Oscar James, Paterson Joseph and Shaun Parkes.

In 20 April 2005 Elmina's Kitchen began its run at the Garrick Theatre, London where it was directed by Angus Jackson. This particular production starred Dona Croll, Oscar James, Shaun Parkes and Don Warrington all of whom starred in in the premiere production. It also featured Michael Obiora and the writer, Kwame Kwei-Armah as Deli.

Television Productions

In June 2005, Elmina's Kitchen was televised on the UK's BBC. The show took place in authentic settings separating itself from the stage performance. The televised drama featured the cast that initially performed the play at the National Theatre.

Awards

For the National Theatre production Kwame Kwei-Armah won The Evening Standard Award for the Most Promising New Playwright of 2003. Kwame Kwei-Armah was also shortlisted in the "best new play" category at the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award's.