About the Play:

Finalist for the 2007 Governor General's Award for Drama (Canadian equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize)

In Gabriel's Kitchen is a full-length play by Salvatore Antonio. What happens when our world is irrevocably shaken? After the suicide of his youngest brother, the surviving son returns to the family home for Christmas. He discovers the reason behind his brother's death

In Gabriel's Kitchen follows a tight-knit Italian-Canadian family as they attempt to navigate through the storm of grief and denial, following the suicide of its youngest member; the vibrant Gabriel. The surviving son, Marco, dutifully returns to the childhood home he left after his brother's death, to spend Christmas with his mother and father. This year's visit is almost over, but something snaps Marco's restraint. He confronts his mother, unleashing a torrent of unexpected emotions. Years of rage, neglect, and fierce blame come to surface as mother and son try to piece together a new existence, without Gabriel. Through highly theatrical flashes to different times in the family's veiled history, the true Gabriel is revealed; and with that revelation we experience his effect on all those he loved… and ultimately, the challenge he has left each of them with.

In Gabriel's Kitchen premiered in 2006 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto. It has been produced in Italian translation, at Teatro Della Limonaia in Florence, Italy, and had its US premiere at The New Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 2008.

Cast: 1 woman, 4 men

What people say:

"…compelling to watch … offers a message of tolerance and understanding." — The Globe and Mail

"…an extremely touching relationship … dialogue that is subtle and sweet." — Toronto Star

About the Playwright:

Salvatore Antonio is a Canadian actor and playwright. He trained as an actor at the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada, where he is now a guest instructor. Known primarily for his work on stage, screen and television, In Gabriel's Kitchen is his first full-length play.