Starting tomorrow, and through all of September, I’ll be deep in research as a Folger Artistic Research Fellow (alongside some really incredible artists and practitioners, including Michael Twitty, one of my favorite voices in the world of food and an incredible person as well).
My proposed project is on fermentation: And specifically, how people in Shakespeare’s time would have thought about it. By diving into the records, I want to gain a more nuanced understanding of what ‘ferment’ meant in both culinary and sociocultural terms. I also want to explore how fermented foods themselves are talked about in the historical record dealing with Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Are we seeing these foods show up in plays? In information surrounding the plays (it’s a long shot, but what if we could know whether people were eating anything fermented in connection with their attendance at performances? Presumably people were drinking fermented alcoholic beverages, but I’m curious if I can find other references too).
To be honest, I’m not really sure where this research will take me, and part of what I love about doing a deep, dedicated research project like this is the chance to explore, be surprised, and be informed and new and unexpected ways. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learn with you!
Other places to find me this month and next
Mostly, you’ll find me doing research (hopefully at my house, once my nearly month-long internet drama is resolved. I apologize if I owe you an email or anything else computer-y, I promise I’m working on it!)
This means I’ll be minimally doing events this month so I can focus on the job I’m being funded to do, which is my research! However, I do have a few things coming up:
September 4: Uncial calligraphy workshop at Kilkenny Medieval Mile Museum (sold out!)
October 2-4: Mushrooms and Roses radical herbalism fair at Common Knowledge in western Ireland, where I’ll be leading the group in a guided Mycelial Meditation.
TBD events and activities: A couple fermentation and mindfulness/sensuality workshops, a symposium in Dublin, and more. Details soon!
As always, you can bring me on to speak at your school or workplace, or just do an intimate, low-key and fun workshop for you and a small group of friends. I also lead writing workshops! Find some ideas here, or email me (julia@root-kitchens.com) and I can make something special just for you.