Nina Atesh: Dining with the Devil

What happens when history itself becomes a magic trick?In this episode of A Curious Appetite, I am joined by writer, director, and Artistic Director of Pither Productions, Nina Atesh, to discuss In League with the Devil, her fascinating new play inspired by the extraordinary life of Erik Jan Hanussen: illusionist, clairvoyant, celebrity showman, fraudster, political opportunist, and one of the most enigmatic figures of twentieth-century Europe.Together we explore the challenges of researching a man who spent his life reinventing himself, blurring the boundaries between fact, fiction, performance, and belief. We discuss historical truth, psychological horror, charismatic manipulators, cults, scammers, influencers, and why audiences continue to be drawn towards certainty, spectacle, and the promise of hidden knowledge.We also delve into the theatrical process behind the production, including Nina's collaboration with legendary illusionist Simon Drake and mind reader Graham Jolley, whose work helped recreate some of Hanussen's techniques on stage. Along the way we discuss theatre-making, pub theatre culture, the changing economics of performance, and the enduring magic of gathering together in a room to experience a story unfold in real time.Because this is still A Curious Appetite, we also talk food memories, childhood kitchens, Cypriot family meals, smoky bacon crisps, Sunday roasts, and the surprising connections between cooking and theatre. Both rely on ritual, timing, community, and a little bit of everyday magic.We also touch upon horror theatre, GrimFest, Kim Newman, creative collaboration, and the strange power of performance to make us believe, if only for a moment, in something impossible.Erik Jan HanussenIllusion, magic, and performanceHistorical research and unreliable sourcesPsychological horror and theatrical storytellingCult leaders, scammers, and charismaSimon Drake and stage illusionGraham Jolley and mind readingPither Productions and GrimFestKim Newman and horror culturePub theatre and creative communitiesCyprus, Canada, and EnglandFood memories and family kitchensSmoky bacon crispsTheatre, ritual, and beliefSpecial thanks to Nina Atesh, Simon Drake, Graham Jolley, Kim Newman, and everyone at Pither Productions for their generosity, creativity, and for helping bring one of the most intriguing theatrical projects I have encountered in recent years to life.Hosted by Dr Alessandra Pino.A podcast exploring how food shapes memory, identity, longing, fear, culture, and storytelling.📩 Contact: [email protected]: @medusazzzAudio Production: @thedeliciouslegacyMusic: @manu_pino_1111Useful LinksPither ProductionsGrimFest London Horror Theatre FestivalSimon Drake's House of Magic