Amphibian Stage, with an earned reputation for incubating artist development, will host the homecoming of a project born at the troupe’s annual SparkFest for new works. After its brilliant start and extended run in New York City, Zoe Kim’s Did You Eat? features Fort Worth talent in acting, choreography, and direction, mixing together profound sensory concepts behind food, generational trauma, and love of family.
“This is what we hope the festival can do for artists,” said Evan Michael Woods, Amphibian Stage artistic associate, “not only give them an opportunity to come and do the work they planned to do but to make integral connections with the other artists who are flocking to Fort Worth for the festival.”
The support for Kim’s project produced flavorful results. Opening March 25 and running through April 12 on the main stage at Amphibian, Zoe Kim’s one-woman show runs for an hour and a nibble, with Kim powering through an autobiographical expression of life with her family and how we express love.
As in many cultures, Kim’s Korean-American family shows love through food. Created, written, and performed by Kim, Did You Eat? earned accolades from its stage debut in Boston to its lengthy run in New York. Her multigenerational depiction is poetry in motion through her storytelling skills and movement. Choreographed by Iris McCloughan and directed by Chris Yejin, the show first came together behind the scenes in Fort Worth. Seeing this work find acclaim has to feel like dessert for Kim, Yejin, and McCloughan, especially when returning to the site of its genesis.
“What is rare is getting to bring those people home — back to the place where it all started — and proudly show the culmination of their joint artistry,” said Jay Duffer, Amphibian artistic director.
In the show, Kim depicts each member of her family, inspiring chuckles and a few tears, painting a picture of the Korean-American experience through milestone moments and the ebbs and flows of the needs of her inner child. Containing a buffet of thought-provoking conversation starters and savory words of wisdom, Kim’s introspective work is entertaining and captivating.
Amphibian Stage supports the arts for all, with a tiered ticketing price system as a garnish. The three-weekend run, including an ASL night, AAPI night, and Devonian opening night, has varied pricing and times.
Did You Eat?
From Wed, Mar 25, thru Apr 12 at Amphibian Stage, 120 S Main St, Fort Worth. $7-60. 817-923-3012.
