As part of a commitment to integrating conversations around the arts and food systems, Food Tank is developing Catalyst Coffee, a play that pulls attendees behind the counter and into the high-stakes world of a barista union campaign.
The play, named “one of the best new shows of 2024” by The Arts Fuse, was written by Bernard Pollack. Catalyst Coffee features a script that blends sharp drama with bold questions about power, solidarity, and survival.
“I believe the best artists are truth tellers, and the best actors live truthfully in imaginary circumstances. Catalyst Coffee, while deeply inspired by real unionizing efforts, is a play created by Food Tank. The imaginary circumstance in this play explores what’s best for the humans that serve us what we want and need,” says Director Lakisha May, who has been integral to the long-term development of the project. “During the pandemic, we all became aware of what jobs were essential. I love art that reminds us of what’s essential in this fleeting life.”
May hopes the play inspires a sense of deep questioning. For example, when grabbing a cup of coffee, May invites the audience to ask: “How do I engage with the person serving me my latte/tea/juice? Do I see them as a human being with needs and desires? Where did my beverage’s ingredients come from? What resources were needed to contain/hold the beverage that’s now in my stomach? Who cleans the toilets in the bathroom that I just ran into and used quickly?”
Catalyst Coffee was written by Bernard Pollack, with dramaturgy by Elena Morris and coaching by Jeff Crockett. A previous staged workshop reading in Boston received standing ovations from audiences, which included special guests including U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Presley. Pollack and Food Tank are hopeful the play will be developed into a full theatrical production in the future.
Click here for Food Tank’s full lineup of events at Climate Week NYC 2025.
