On a recent Friday afternoon, Devon Avenue in West Ridge thrives with families and individuals bustling in and out of various storefronts, reveling in the joy of shopping and dining.
Arya Daire and Anish Jethmalani serve as tour guides for this vibrant cultural hub, known for its South Asian community, which will be depicted on stage in the upcoming play “Dhaba on Devon Avenue.”
The play, directed by Chay Yew and written by Madhuri Shekar, is set to premiere at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, in collaboration with TimeLine Theatre Company, from June 19 through July 27.
“Dhaba on Devon Avenue” narrates the tale of a family-owned restaurant facing financial struggles while navigating generational divides within the family.
Jethmalani, who plays the role of Neeraj Madhwani, the patriarch of the family, describes the central character as a traditional chef dedicated to the preservation of his Sindhi culture and cuisine.
“He has two daughters,” Jethmalani explains. “He is trying to keep his restaurant alive and preserve the food that is dear to him. One daughter works at the restaurant and aspires to take it over, while the other is somewhat estranged and seeks opportunities to sell the business.”
The road to bringing “Dhaba on Devon Avenue” to life has been a lengthy journey. Originally commissioned by Yew in 2018 during his tenure at Victory Gardens Theatre, the play’s world premiere was previously scheduled for spring 2020 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This delay transformed the play into a deeply personal project for Shekar. Although not a Chicago native, she formed a special artistic relationship with Yew while studying at the University of Southern California.
“I met Chay when he responded to my thesis play, ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ which he produced at Victory Gardens in 2015,” Shekar shares.
After years of anticipation, the team is excited to revive the production, with Yew returning as director and many cast members, including Daire and Jethmalani, reprising their roles.
“It’s rare for South Asian actors to portray their own culture authentically on stage,” Shekar notes, highlighting the significance of this opportunity.
Daire, who grew up in the western suburbs and frequently visited Devon Avenue, reflects on the nostalgic connection she has with the neighborhood.
“This area was integral to my childhood,” she reminisces. “We came here to eat at Udupi Palace, which still offers delicious food. My mother used to buy sarees here, and it was a gathering spot for the community.”
Jethmalani shares a similar sentiment, recalling his upbringing in Chicago and the importance of Devon Avenue to his family.
“Regardless of where we lived, we always returned here,” he says. “My mother had a strong bond with this community, and weekends often meant visiting friends and shopping in the area.”
The pair enjoys lunch at Sukhadia’s, where they indulge in South Asian cuisine, mirroring their characters’ experiences in the play.
Jethmalani recommends trying dosa, a thin savory crepe filled with spicy potatoes, while Daire prefers a sweet treat.
“My go-to food is pistachio kulfi,” she says, describing the frozen dessert that reminds her of home, as her mother used to keep it frozen in silver containers.
As the production progresses, Shekar acknowledges the heightened significance of telling stories about immigrant families against the backdrop of current events, including protests against immigration policies.
“Storytelling that affirms our shared humanity feels especially radical in the current climate,” Shekar states, emphasizing the importance of a narrative that champions decency and connection among people.
As the curtain rises on “Dhaba on Devon Avenue” in just a few days, Daire, Jethmalani, and the cast are eager to share a piece of their culture with the world, hoping audiences will resonate with the family’s journey of struggle and resilience.
image source from：wbez
