In his autobiographical one-man play, Paul Capsis pieces together childhood memories, snapshots of family history and anecdotes about immigrant life to create a stirring and emotional tribute to his late grandmother Angela. She left a war-torn Malta in 1948 with her five children to reunite with her husband in Surry Hills, NSW, where they began a new, very different life.
Capsis shines as he slips in and out of numerous characters, acting out scenes around Angela's kitchen table; from the unimpressed-with-everything Aunty Doris to grumpy, stern Nannu and Capsis' chirpy, over-eager young self, he embodies them all. While challenging to keep track of at first, soon enough Capsis' portrayal of each family member becomes so clear and vivid we almost forget there is only one man on stage.
Projected images and words on the stage wall signal each new chapter, and while the non-chronological order of events confuses at times, everything is pulled together through overarching themes of familial love, Capsis' connection to Malta through Angela's impact on his life, and Angela's inspiring generosity of spirit.
Capsis' acting is often understated and occasionally exaggerated in all the right parts, but rarely digs at heart strings trying to elicit a feeling, rather letting the story speak for itself. Honest, hilarious and touching, Angela's Kitchen is a joy to visit.
