The Public Theater in New York will present the premiere of "Did You Eat?" (밥 먹었니?), a deeply personal solo performance exploring Korean-American identity, family bonds, and the multifaceted nature of love. The production will run from October 14 through November 16, 2025, at the Shiva Theater, offering audiences an intimate theatrical experience that bridges cultural narratives.
Written and performed by Zoë Kim and directed by Chris Yejin, the autobiographical work represents a collaboration with Ma-Yi Theater Company in Residence. The performance takes its title from a common Korean greeting that translates to "Did you eat?" – a phrase that embodies care and concern in Korean culture. Korean open captions will be available for the November 8 show at 7:30 PM, making the performance accessible to Korean-speaking audiences.
"Did You Eat?" presents Kim's personal journey through various forms of love – examining how love is learned, given, and reflected inward. In what is described as a nimble and tender solo performance, Kim transforms into different family members, creating a landscape of memories where tears and laughter intersect. The performance goes beyond simple storytelling to become what the creators call "a reckoning," weaving together the complex threads of Korean-American identity, belonging, and healing.
The production explores themes that resonate with many immigrant families and their children, particularly the experience of navigating between two cultures. Through shapeshifting portrayals of family members, Kim creates a multi-generational narrative that speaks to the universal experiences of family dynamics while highlighting the specific nuances of Korean-American life.
Tickets for the production are priced at $80, which includes a $10 per ticket service fee. However, patrons purchasing tickets directly at the Taub Box Office can avoid the service fee. The Shiva Theater at The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in New York. The creators describe the work as "a poetic love letter to the inner child, and hopefully yours too," suggesting the performance's potential to connect with audience members' own childhood experiences and family relationships.
This premiere represents part of The Public Theater's 2025-26 season programming, continuing the venue's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories that reflect contemporary American experiences. The collaboration with Ma-Yi Theater Company, known for supporting Asian-American theatrical works, underscores the production's significance within the broader landscape of multicultural American theater.
