My underlying question for these blog postings - “What is it about tea that inspires art?” - is also played out in theatrical offerings. We have dramatic writers creating humorous melodramas for tearoom entertainment as well as some very serious dramatic plays incorporating tea themes. In each of these venues it is the experience of tea that takes center stage. While the leaf, our beloved Camellia sinensis has yet to be cast as the main character in a serious role, it is certainly the inspiration and foundation for the following works. It is the experience of tea rather than the leaf that sets the stage.

“Tea” by Velina Hasu Houston

In our small town, Nevada City, our Asian Theater Company - C.A.T.S. - performed the play, “Tea” by Velina Hasu Houston. Using Chado as a frame of reference, the story explores the experiences of Japanese war brides after World World II. Four women gather for a traditional tea ceremony to mourn the tragic suicide of their friend. While this is not light-hearted fare, there are some humorous moments. From a tea perspective, we are reminded that one of the purposes for this tradition is to restore peacefulness and balance. The balance they seek is individual and for their small group. They mourn their friend and what they have compromised as they have become assimilated into U.S. culture of the ’40’s. And in this case, their experience of sharing tea informs and helps us understand another piece of our shared history.

This play has been and continues to be performed in many cities.

The poster at the right is from a January 2007 production by the Community Asian Theater of the Sierra in Nevada County, CA.

This production was directed by Stewart E.W. Smith. The actresses pictured in the photo are Lisa Moon, Jeannie Wood, Linda Puliatch, Melissa Ferrari & Patty Lum-Ohmann.

“Cecilia’s Last Tea Party” by Russell Davis

Interestingly, “Cecilia’s Last Tea Party” is also woven into a war theme. The story begins after Cecilia’s parents have been kidnapped by soldiers after a takeover of an island paradise. Cecilia, the daughter of a princess, serves a British style tea and biscuits to her aunt, a soldier and two puppets - playing ‘mother’ as they discuss how her life and her behavior must change. It is a coming of age fantasy with a dark side as Cecilia and her animal puppets discuss their fears over tea and her determination to resist the implied changes that the military Colonel brings into her life.

On A Lighter Note . . .

Two playwrights are creating amusing short performances pieces designed to entertain at private tea parties and for special tearoom events. Their works remind us of the more whimsical side of tea and the opportunity to celebrate the art of tea as a lighthearted social experience.

Gilded Lily Publishing - Two Original works by Laurie Nienhaus

Laurie Neinhaus of Gilded Lily Publishing recently published two short plays designed for interactive special events. “Tea-A-Ria” is a lighthearted comedy. As a young woman’s dream of opening a tearoom comes true, her well-meaning family turn opening day into comedy central. Her second one-act mystery, “A Teatime Travesty - It’s Murder & Mayhem at Teatime!” is no less comedic.

Playwright, Laurie Neinhaus is known in the tea industry for her Gilded Lily Website - Where tea and History Collide - and her Sweet Willa Review. But with these two new features, she offers tearoom owners a complete package to entertain their guests. Neinhaus’s knowledge of tea is evident in her writing as he playfully sprinkles dashes of tea humor into her character’s dialog.

Maxine’s Mystery Tea Parties - Performances Packages by Maxine Holgren

Maxine Holgren has crafted nine different short plays with the private tea gathering in mind. Two of her titles are specifically tea related. “Who Killed The Darling Duke of Darjeeling?” and “Murder At the Earl of Grey’s Hound Manor?” make the obvious connection to tea while we are certain to note the intention of the author to create an experience sure to have guests laughing out loud.

The stereotype of tea lovers being stuffy is shattered in these melodramas.

I humbly suggest that part of the answer to any question about why tea inspires a variety of creative endeavors lies in the range of ideas and experiences that it affords us the ability to express. From the terrifying results of war to the sublime spoofs intended only to entertain, tea has been our world-wide companion for thousands of years. Ancient and modern - tea continues to inspire.

Popularity: 51% [?]