MOVING AMERICAN STORIES
Parijat Desai
Artist / Scholar — Moving American Stories from Page to Stage
Tales Pulled from the Archives
Parijat Desai is an award-winning choreographer, writer, and educator who brings archival research to life for live audiences. Drawing on training in cultural anthropology and history, she translates rigorous scholarship into engaging talks marked by clarity, humor, and an engaging speaking style.
At the Denver Art Museum
Signature Presentation
SETTING THE WHITE HOUSE TABLE
Women, Food, and Power in America's Most Famous Kitchen
Parijat Desai is collaborating with James Beard Award–winning historian Adrian Miller to bring culinary histories to new audiences through dynamic live presentation.
Adrian’s extensive research on the women—Black, white, and Asian—who shaped the culinary life of the White House across American history—forms the foundation of this talk. Through vivid storytelling and contextual framing, Desai brings out women who labored in that famous kitchen—often hidden from public view.
This presentation is delivered by Parijat under a licensed collaboration with Adrian, pairing deep scholarship with dynamic delivery.
Books by Adrian Miller
Ideal Audiences
• Libraries and literary organizations
• Museums and historical societies
• Universities and colleges
• Cultural centers and civic groups
• Food history and humanities festivals
What Audiences Appreciate
• Research-based, but lively and accessible
• Grounded in archives, delivered with personality
• Adaptable for general, academic, and community audiences
• Combines historical rigor with compelling live storytelling
Format
• 45–60 minute talk
• Q&A
• Suitable for in-person or virtual presentation
About the Collaboration
This presentation is offered through a licensed collaboration with culinary historian Adrian Miller, ensuring fidelity to original research while expanding opportunities for institutions seeking diverse and engaging speakers.
Contact: info@parijatdesai.org