Food has a way of bringing people together and teaching us about each other’s lives. That’s why we were thrilled when Samaneh Faramarzi, the Cultural Advisor for our upcoming production of A Distinct Society, offered to cook a traditional Persian meal for our cast and crew.
The star of the meal was Ghormeh Sabzi, a cherished stew that Samaneh learned to make from her father in Southern Iran. It’s also a dish that features prominently in our production of A Distinct Society. Made with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and spinach, plus dill, beetroot, and leek, the stew gets its heartiness from pinto beans (Samaneh’s preference over the more commonly used kidney beans) and tender lamb.
She served it with basmati rice topped with bright orange saffron and tahdig—a layer of crispy bread at the bottom of the pot that everyone fights over. The spread also included Salad Shiraz, a refreshing mix named after Samaneh’s hometown, and doogh, a cooling yogurt drink. For dessert, she surprised us with cream puffs filled with a Persian-inspired blend of saffron, cardamom, and rosewater, sprinkled with walnuts and pistachios.
About A Distinct Society
Set in a library straddling the U.S.-Canada border, A Distinct Society unpacks the unexpected ways people’s lives intersect. Written by Kareem Fahmy, this heartwarming and humorous drama reflects on the significance of community and human connection during divisive times.Show Details
- Dates: FEBRUARY 5 – 16, 2025
- Location: The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Dayton, Ohio 45402