Interactive Latin American Musical Cooking Show ‘SÚPER CHEFS’ Comes To London

An immersive, entertaining and educational event for children aged 4-8 and their families will be coming to the Half Moon Theatre in Putney from 7th-9th November

“With catchy songs and a consistent theme, delicious Latino food, everyone was mesmerised”
★★★★ Latino Life
“The audience was invested and responsive, dancing … calling out to warn the characters”
★★★★ Lost in Theatreland

Maya Productions is delighted to announce that Súper Chefs will be rounding off their UK tour with a short run at London’s Half Moon Theatre.

Directed by Maya Production’s Artistic Director Suzanne Gorman, the show is a lively bi-lingual culinary adventure; a unique and interactive theatre experience inviting young audiences to explore Latin American culture and to celebrate the joys of family, food, and togetherness, written by Betsy Picart with original music by Ariel Cubría.

The show challenges traditional Latin American stereotypes of male and female ‘roles’ by showing that the kitchen is a space for everyone to enjoy and participate in. Súper Chefs is a participatory, entertaining and celebratory event for children aged 4-8 and their families.

At the heart of the show is six-year-old Manny, who is eagerly preparing a special welcome-home meal for his dad Tony. He enlists the help of mum Valeria (a professional chef), his superheroine sidekick Mighty Mujer, and his traditional grandmother, Alma. Manny’s grandma believes that the kitchen is a ‘woman’s place’ but Manny feels differently. When things go awry in the kitchen, Manny must prove to himself, his family and the audience that he can not only be a chef but also a superhero, all at once.

Through the power of music, dance, and real-life cooking on stage, audiences are invited to participate in preparing a delicious meal whilst joining Manny on his journey of self-discovery in a fun and engaging way. Together, Manny and the audience will cook Colombian arepas and prepare Mexican guacamole while learning about family values, teamwork, and cultural heritage.

Súper Chefs also serves as a catalyst for discussing gender roles in the kitchen. Traditionally, whilst it’s been accepted that men can become professional chefs, the role of preparing family meals is still often associated with women, and the ‘mum’ of the household. But in today’s world, everyone can and should have the chance to enjoy and excel in cooking in the family home.

Latin American communities are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the UK and Súper Chefs offers a unique and important opportunity for audiences to see Latin American stories in the UK theatre scene. With an authentic portrayal of Latin American culture, the show introduces audiences to the richness of Spanglish, Latin rhythms, and the significance of, and passion for, food that binds families together. Súper Chefs offers a unique and important opportunity for audiences to see Latin American stories in the UK theatre scene.

Súper Chefs hopes to inspire and encourage young people to discover the joy of cooking. The kitchen is a place where everyone can contribute, share and thrive equally. Plus, it’s fun to cook with and for your family!

Súper Chefs shows young people that the kitchen – and the world – is a place for everyone.

National Curriculum:
Súper Chefs is a tool for learning as well as a celebratory show. Aimed at children in Years 1 and 2, the show aligns with the national curriculum across a range of subjects including PSHE, Science, Geography, and Drama.

Accompanying educational resources for teachers such as lesson plans and interactive workshops are also available, and they provide a deeper dive into the play’s themes, making Súper Chefs an enriching experience for both schools and families.

Cast:
Juan Galeano | Manny
Juan is a Colombian actor based in London. He has an MA in Acting for Screen (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and a BA in Dramatic Arts (Universidad Central in Colombia). He has won six awards for his dedication to performing arts in Colombia, appearing on screen and stage in productions by Cervantes, Shakespeare, and García Lorca.

Natassia Bustamante | Valeria
Natassia is a recent graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. She has quickly landed roles in the multi-award-winning Police Cops: The Musical, and Chriskirkpatrickmas. As an American, she is excited to tour England for the first time. As a Venezuelan, she is pleased to share Latin American culture and see that Guacamole is finally getting the limelight it deserves.
[All photo credits: Maya Productions]

For tickets, visit: https://www.halfmoon.org.uk/events/super-chefs/
7th – 9th Nov 2024 at the Half Moon Theatre, Putney, London