How to Use a Knife

by Will Snider

In the chaotic hustle and bustle of a Wall Street restaurant kitchen, Chef George is trying to stay sober. In between yelling at a pair of trash-talking line cooks and a pot-smoking busboy, he befriends Steve, an East African immigrant who seems to be a humble yet dignified dishwasher. But Steve played a shocking role in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide, and immigration authorities are on his trail. Set...

In the chaotic hustle and bustle of a Wall Street restaurant kitchen, Chef George is trying to stay sober. In between yelling at a pair of trash-talking line cooks and a pot-smoking busboy, he befriends Steve, an East African immigrant who seems to be a humble yet dignified dishwasher. But Steve played a shocking role in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide, and immigration authorities are on his trail. Set during busy dinner shifts and filled with a cast of unforgettable New York characters, HOW TO USE A KNIFE bursts with grinding suspense, energy, and surprise.

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How to Use a Knife

Recommended by

  • Vincent S. Hannam: How to Use a Knife by Will Snider
    “

    Saw a production of this play at Mixed Blood Theatre and was completely captivated the whole time. The pace, rhythm, dialogue and characters all synchronized into a wonderful concoction of drama. One of the best shows I've seen!

    Saw a production of this play at Mixed Blood Theatre and was completely captivated the whole time. The pace, rhythm, dialogue and characters all synchronized into a wonderful concoction of drama. One of the best shows I've seen!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: How to Use a Knife by Will Snider
    “

    The oven is on and this crew may clash over cultural differences and power stations, but somehow through it all there's a love that endures under fire. Fantastic!

    The oven is on and this crew may clash over cultural differences and power stations, but somehow through it all there's a love that endures under fire. Fantastic!

    ”
  • Sofía Palmero: How to Use a Knife by Will Snider
    “

    I saw this play performed at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta, GA. It was stunning! There is something both inherently political and deeply emotional about food, and even more so food service. Snider does a great job of taking power dynamics that are much bigger than the kitchen and making them fit in that cramped, hot space.

    I saw this play performed at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta, GA. It was stunning! There is something both inherently political and deeply emotional about food, and even more so food service. Snider does a great job of taking power dynamics that are much bigger than the kitchen and making them fit in that cramped, hot space.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, NNPN/Kennedy Center MFA Playwrights Workshop, 2015
  • Reading, NNPN National Showcase of New Plays, 2015
  • Workshop, MCC, 2014

Production History

  • Professional, Florida Studio Theatre, 2018
  • Professional, Shattered Globe Theatre, 2018
  • Professional, Mixed Blood Theatre Company, 2017
  • Professional, Phoenix Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play
    Winner
    2017
  • PEN Center USA Literary Award
    Finalist
    2017