Nachtschade: Aubergine

Nachtschade: Aubergine is the first part of a diptych (2017 and 2019) in which Claron McFadden traces the shared roots of our cultures. She does so in a very special way: she follows the trail of one of the most iconoclastic ingredients in the culinary arena: the aubergine, or eggplant. Although this ancient vegetable – a relative of the potato – has migrated across the world, it has always been able to adapt to its environment. Followed by documentary filmmaker Lisa Tahon, Claron travels the aubergine’s migration route in reverse, tracing it back to its origin. In every culture she encounters, she is welcomed by the locals and invited to learn a traditional recipe and song. By taking these recipes and melodies away with her when she leaves, she adds a new chapter to the aubergine’s migration saga. Her musical travelling companions as varied as the world’s aubergine eaters: a Roma, a Belgian, an Iraqi, a Greek and a Turk. After the performance, the Concertgebouw lets you to taste the aubergine.