In 2009, Ripple Productions created Nordo with the goal of reinventing the theatrical experience into one that was immersive, daring, and most importantly integrated food and service. Over five years we produced seven original productions that incorporated the history, mythology, politics and science of food and paired them with five course meals designed to help tell the story. Due to the success of these productions, we were able to open The Culinarium at Nordo, a venue dedicated to the intersection of food and art, in April of 2015. Since opening we have looked for innovative ways of providing opportunities to emerging artists. In 2016 we launched the Pressure Cooker New Works Series.  

THE PRESSURE COOKER is a new works program that exists to give emerging local artists the opportunity to take risks in the Nordo playground with a limited budget and time constraints. The Pressure Cooker invests in the innovation of writers, directors, and designers cultivating new work that bends the genres of dinner theatre and performance, and pushes the limits of experimental theatre. We provide rehearsal time, feedback sessions, stage construction aid, marketing, menu development, and one week of unfettered access to Nordo’s and staff for tech and performances.


Previous Pressure Cooker Works


O Succulent! (2019) | In a live-acting homage to role-playing games, Professor Archie McDinklethorn and Sister Sandwich travel from the relatively safe confines of the Waylan School of Botany and Herbalism into the quicksands of the The Southern Gir…

O Succulent! (2019) | In a live-acting homage to role-playing games, Professor Archie McDinklethorn and Sister Sandwich travel from the relatively safe confines of the Waylan School of Botany and Herbalism into the quicksands of the The Southern Giraffa Desert, in search of succulent plants and accompanying adventure. Written by Butch Alice + Anya Knees and Directed by Butch Alice.

Kiss Me Cake (2018) | From "The Buttercream Duet" to "Cakemenco", Kiss Me Cake was a full sensory exploration of the female psyche told through dance and cake. Cake recipes become arias, and the voice of Julia Child provides the backdrop for an unfo…

Kiss Me Cake (2018) | From "The Buttercream Duet" to "Cakemenco", Kiss Me Cake was a full sensory exploration of the female psyche told through dance and cake. Cake recipes become arias, and the voice of Julia Child provides the backdrop for an unforgettable union of bodies and buttercream.Written and Directed by Kristina Dillard.

Please Open Your Mouth (2017) | In this experimental work, diners were invited to a clandestine supper club, where they explored their fantasies, fetishes, and taboos around food, sex, and society. Written by Joanna Garner and Directed by Norah Elge…

Please Open Your Mouth (2017) | In this experimental work, diners were invited to a clandestine supper club, where they explored their fantasies, fetishes, and taboos around food, sex, and society. Written by Joanna Garner and Directed by Norah Elges Schneyer.

Sundown at the Devil’s House (2016) | It's the Devil's last night on Earth, and she and her cohorts will titillate, beguile, and entertain the audience with stories of the Devil's greatest triumphs and darkest secrets. Sundown is a capricious and fa…

Sundown at the Devil’s House (2016) | It's the Devil's last night on Earth, and she and her cohorts will titillate, beguile, and entertain the audience with stories of the Devil's greatest triumphs and darkest secrets. Sundown is a capricious and fantastical pieces of anarchic theatre, live music, and strange goings-on that sinuously interlaces into a story about the Devil's love for music and mankind. Written and Directed by Eddie DeHais.

 

Banner Image: Joe Iano | Pressure Cooker 2017, Please Open Your Mouth