To Dine For with Kate Sullivan Season 2 Episode 5 Katori Hall

To Dine For with Kate Sullivan is a television series that explores the lives and stories of various guests over a meal at their favorite restaurant. In season 2 episode 5, the show features Katori Hall, a playwright known for her work on Broadway and off-Broadway.

The episode begins with host Kate Sullivan introducing Katori Hall as a "force to be reckoned with" in the theater industry. Sullivan explains that Hall is known for writing stories that center around the black experience in America, and that her work has been recognized and celebrated by both critics and audiences alike.

The scene then shifts to the restaurant where Hall has chosen to dine, a cozy Southern spot called Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, California. Hall explains that the restaurant's menu reminds her of home and the food is both comforting and delicious.

As Hall and Sullivan sit down to eat, they discuss Hall's upbringing and how it has influenced her work. Hall explains that she grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, a city that played a significant role in the civil rights movement. She talks about the importance of storytelling in the African-American community and how her upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for the power of words.

The conversation then turns to Hall's career. Sullivan asks her about her Broadway debut with the play The Mountaintop, a fictional account of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last night on earth before his assassination. Hall talks about the challenges she faced in bringing the story to the stage and the critical acclaim it received.

They also discuss Hall's more recent work, including the play Pussy Valley which explores the lives of strippers in the Mississippi Delta. Hall explains that she wanted to tell a story about women who are often dismissed or overlooked, and how the play has started a conversation about the complexities of female sexuality.

Throughout the meal, Hall and Sullivan discuss not only Hall's work, but also the broader themes of race, gender, and representation in the arts. They talk about the importance of diversity in storytelling and how Hall's work is bringing new voices and perspectives to the stage.

As the meal comes to an end, Sullivan asks Hall what advice she would give to aspiring writers. Hall emphasizes the importance of perseverance, saying that rejection is a natural part of the creative process and that it's important to keep pushing forward. She also encourages writers to stay true to their own voice and to write from a place of honesty and authenticity.

The episode ends with Sullivan reflecting on her conversation with Hall, saying that she was blown away by Hall's passion and wit. She praises Hall for her work in bringing diverse stories to the stage and for inspiring future generations of writers to follow in her footsteps.

Overall, To Dine For with Kate Sullivan season 2 episode 5 is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the life and work of Katori Hall. Through their conversation over a meal, viewers are given a glimpse into the mind of a truly talented and innovative writer who is making a profound impact on the world of theater.