New York, NY – Choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat’s new dance work, Of dishes and Dreams, premiering this fall, offers a deeply personal exploration of family, immigrant experience, and the vibrant world of a family-run restaurant. The piece, presented in partnership with Baryshnikov Arts, draws directly from Jinakunwiphat’s upbringing immersed in her parents’ and aunt’s restaurant, a cornerstone of their community.
Jinakunwiphat, a proud child of immigrants, intends the work to highlight her family’s story and the contributions of immigrants to American culture. The choreography incorporates the physical layout of the restaurant, structuring movement phrases around stations like “noodles” and “rice.” She has also integrated authentic sounds recorded directly from her family’s kitchen into the score. “I learned a lot about how people work together,” Jinakunwiphat told Dance Magazine. “I learned to be near chaos. But also, sometimes in the boredom of sitting there, I feel like I was able to tap into my inventiveness.”
The work reflects a multigenerational family commitment to the restaurant; Jinakunwiphat’s parents and aunt are currently head chefs, while her grandmother, now retired, continues to visit daily, sometimes assisting with readiness or simply observing. Jinakunwiphat notes the dedication to work is a common trait within immigrant families.
Jinakunwiphat describes the experience of leading the project as akin to her father’s experience managing the restaurant, emphasizing the importance of care, respect, and ensuring everyone feels heard. While her father admits to not fully understanding dance, Jinakunwiphat hopes he will connect with this particular work. Of Dishes and Dreams will be performed with Claude ”CJ” Johnson and Ryan Yamauchi.
