Why You Not Eat

2026, Birds of a Feather Festival, Sydney, Australia

Created in response to losing both parents within two years, Why You Not Eat explores how grief lives in the body, and the stillness it leaves behind. Anchored by the haunting memory of her father’s inability to eat, the work unfolds around the dining table of her parents’ home.

Loke blends her familiar spectacle with the unexpected, absurd rhythms of family life. Seated at the table, food becomes both symbol and prop as she charms audiences with her feeding ritual, leaving them unsure of their role — guest, family, witness? Through the delicate acts of feeding and being fed, Loke guides us into moments of care that falter, endure, and hold both humour and sorrow.

This is an intimate, playful work shaped by time: past pressing into present; present rubbing against grief.

Credits:
Concept and performance: Lian Loke
Dramaturg and director: Michelle St Anne
Musician and composer: Liz Jigalin
​Photos: Liz Ham
​Videography: Ben Gageler

​Duration: 1 hour
Performance dates: 13th and 14th March, 2026
Venue: 21 Shepherd St, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia

Created in residence at The Living Room Theatre 21 Shepherd St in collaboration with Michelle St Anne in the role of director, dramaturg and vocal coach within a Composed Theatre methodology. Produced by The Living Room Theatre.
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Thank you to Peter Keogh, Jo Elliott (lighting advice), Ira Ferris, Kate Goodwin and Dave Hayes (dance research and development), Rex Cramphorn studio University of Sydney (lights).

Review: 
https://www.thatshowblog.com/2026/03/review-why-you-not-eat-lian-loke-finds.html