Claron McFadden goes in search of the common roots of our various cultures by focusing on one of the most iconic ingredients on the culinary scene: the aubergine. 

Despite the huge migration that it has experienced, this age-old fruit has always managed to adapt to its culinary surroundings, without losing its striking identity. Documentary maker Lisa Tahon and McFadden are retracing this epic migration back to its origin. During her journey, starting in The Mediterranean, McFadden spends a few days with a host  in different countries. At each stop, she is taught a traditional dish and a song, and she takes the recipes and melodies with her. Together with a group of musical colleagues she is contributing a new chapter to the tradition of migration.

Nightshade: Aubergine shows how mutual cross-pollination can strengthen our common identity, and allows the audience to experience the rich tradition of aubergine-based cuisine, in combination with live music and a “road-movie” travel documentary. 

See also the BLOG

 

“In her latest performance, soprano Claron McFadden larked about with aubergines and travel stories. She made mouths water, caused her voice to wander through different cultures, and moved her audience almost non-stop.”

Annemarie Peeters - De Standaard**** - 22 February 2017

“... the real power of Nightshade: Aubergine lies in the music. The group of musicians is of an unparalleled quality. ... The way they trace the aubergine’s voyage in musical form is compelling and extremely intelligent. ...”

Kester Freriks - Theaterkrant**** - 31 March 2017

“McFadden herself starts very modestly. ... What she performs are travel songs, as magnificent as they are impressive. Her musical style lies in between jazz and gospel, while flirting fabulously with classical music and eastern influences. ...”

Kester Freriks - Theaterkrant**** - 31 March 2017

“Overall, Nightshade: Aubergine sends you out into the night in a good mood and with a warm wish … Because she has made clear beyond doubt that food and music are the perfect catalysts for true human contact.”

Mischa Spel - NRC**** - 2 April 2017

“A good idea of Tahon’s: blur the boundaries in the editing as well. Her camera closes right in on what those she portrays are doing, without turning this into cookery television.”

Persis Bekkering - Volkskrant**** - 3 April 2017

Credits

Location Dates Hour  
Zomer van Antwerpen (Antwerpen)
+32 3 224 85 20
www.zva.be
4/7/2017
5/7/2017
6/7/2017
7/7/2017
8/7/2017
11/7/2017
12/7/2017
13/7/2017
14/7/2017
15/7/2017
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00
20:00










Theaterfestival Boulevard ('s-Hertogenbosch)
+31 73 61 245 05
www.festivalboulevard.nl
6/8/2017
7/8/2017
20:30
20:30


September Me (Amersfoort)
+31 33 4 229 229
www.september-me.nl
16/9/2017
20:30

CC C-mine Genk (Genk)
+32 89 65 50 00
www.c-minecultuurcentrum.be
3/11/2017
20:15

Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam (Amsterdam)
+31 20 624 23 11
www.stadsschouwburgamsterdam.nl
15/2/2018
20:30

Handelsbeurs Gent (Gent)
+32 9 265 91 60
http://www.handelsbeurs.be
17/2/2018
20:15

Theaters Tilburg (Tilburg )
+31 13 543 22 20
www.theaterstilburg.nl
7/4/2018
20:30