Telling a cross-cultural story in London through a bowl of fried rice

A Chinese actress recently staged a play in London, collaborating with five partners from Europe, the Americas, Singapore and China. The performance, using the language of food and social media, aims to further explore cross-cultural works combining East and West influences, bringing more authentic stories to the international stage.

Initiated by Chinese theater practitioner Mary Emma He, who also served as both producer and leading actress, Taste Like Egg Fried Rice brought her personal experiences to the stage, reflecting on the growth and choices of cross-cultural youth through the language of food and social media.

The play tells the story of Annie, a Chinese student in London, struggling between pursuing a law career and working in a restaurant. It depicts her pressure from parents, her differences with her partner over food-related values, and her roommate's journey of self-identity.

Egg fried rice ran throughout the story — a recipe passed down by Annie's father, a point of conflict in her relationship, and a symbol of food intertwined with memory and emotion.

"This is a story about the present, about choices, and about courage," she said. "I dedicated it to all the women who have inspired me along the way."

Shifting between a shared flat, an Italian restaurant, and online video calls, the narrative portrayed the dilemmas of three young people in love, facing family expectations, and navigating future decisions.

The show ran from Aug 20 to 22 at London's Bridewell Centre, attracting large local audiences.

The production also marked a new step in her career. For the first time, Mary Emma He balanced the dual responsibilities of producer and actor.

"One moment I was rehearsing lines, the next I was coordinating budgets and promotion. It was incredibly challenging," she said. "But when I heard the audience say, 'This is my life,' or 'It actually inspired me, I think I should get to think what do I want,' I felt it was truly meaningful."

She believes that different cultural experiences bring different perspectives. She organized open auditions and selected five actors from Europe, the Americas, Singapore, and China.

The year 2025 proves to be one of rapid growth for her. Her other work, Here Comes Gudong, inspired by Chinese and Western mythology, won the "Keep it Fringe" Award at the Edinburgh Fringe and was named "Best Family Show" by Theatre Weekly. She was also shortlisted for the ICI (Intercultural Connections Initiative) "Personal Achievement Award". The play is set to be staged at London's Lyric Theatre on Oct 4. Previously, she was nominated at the Ealing Film Festival for her performance in a short film.

This September, she also took another leap forward, serving as the sole producer for a cultural exchange project that brought the renowned UK-based Temper Theatre company to China.

"I made significant breakthroughs in acting," she said. "But I also hope to be recognized not just as an actress, but as an artist with creativity and leadership. In the future, I will continue exploring cross-cultural works that combine East and West, bringing more authentic stories to the international stage."

For her, the message of the play remains clear: gratitude and courage. "It was about accepting everything life gives you, being grateful for the people who shape you into who you are today. And above all, it was about the courage to step outside your comfort zone, to prioritize yourself, and to make bold choices for the future."

Please contact the writer at yinmingyue@chinadaily.com.cn