Grandmothers, food, old black and white pictures on the wall, stories of a difficult past and a busy kitchen. In Cyprus, these things go hand in hand. If you come from a Cypriot family, or if you know of a Cypriot grandmother, then you will have experienced the loving force-feeding, the endless supply of food and care, and you will have also noticed a trace of unspoken pain on their faces.

The Yasemin collective presents a brand-new performance this season, a theatrical reading on post-war and generational trauma with the focus placed on an everyday household item – the tupper.

Titled as such, the Taper performance takes place at the end of March in Nicosia, and explores trauma passed down through generations – consciously or unconsciously – with a focus on women’s voices. Continuing its research into Cypriot identity and contemporary society, the collective has created a new work-in-progress that delves into post-war trauma, its impact on personal and collective memory, and the ways it shapes relationships.

“Memory is deeply tied to the senses – images, sounds, smells, touch,” comments Yasemin. “And, of course, taste. A mother’s food, a grandmother’s recipes. The tupper (food container), as a symbol of this bond, is not merely a vessel for food but an act of passing down family ties, history, memory – and trauma. As humorous or peculiar as it may seem, the relationship with food and the tupper is deeply embedded in Cypriot culture, linked to a lingering fear that something essential might be missing tomorrow.”

Three performances are set to take place at Dancehouse Lefkosia on March 28, 29 and 30, held in Greek. Following the performances, an open discussion will take place with the creative team, mental health professionals and the audience.

“Eat. Have you eaten yet? You’ve gotten fat. I’ll put you some more food.” The Yasemin collective leaves this note in their event synopsis, describing a Cypriot reality that is all too similar to many people reading this. What can a mere food container hold beyond a meal and what more can it symbolise? All will be unveiled this month at the three upcoming performances.

Taper

Theatrical reading performance by Yasemin collective on post-war and generational trauma. Supported by the Ministry of Culture. March 28-30. Dancehouse Lefkosia, Niosia. Friday-Saturday: 7.30pm. Sunday: 6.30pm. €12. In Greek. Tel: 97-681858. www.yasemincollective.com/reservations