Revolutionary cooking 101 The host of the theatrical production "The Cooking Show Con Karimi & Comrades" could be called the Rachael Ray of revolutionary cooking. Well, if Ray were an Iranian-Guatemalan man with a penchant for bold political tangents.

This imaginative night at the Bedlam is part comedy, part theater and all cooking show. Written by Twin Cities multidisciplinary artist Robert Karimi, it stars revolutionary chef Mero Cocinero Karimi -- who looks suspiciously like Robert Karimi, but he insists they're two different people. "Mero hopes you don't think all Iranian-Guatemalans look alike," chef Karimi said.

During the show, chef Karimi takes the audience on a cooking experience for the "heart, mind, stomach and funny bone." Being a revolutionary, chef Karimi thought there was no better time to perform the show than during the week of the Republican National Convention (RNC). For this chef, the politics of food are at the forefront of his show, from revolutionary bits on going organic to his thoughts on the current food shortage.

"If ever the food supplies are diminished, we can't just go offshore and start drilling for them," he said.

And now about the food. Chef Karimi cooks a mixture of Iranian and Guatemalan dishes -- a tribute to his heritage. The audience will sample everything and is even encouraged to come early for a warmup snack. In an effort to be as green as possible, the show is BYOB -- bring your own bowl.

A self-described idealist, chef Karimi said he wants his food to bring people together during these politically divisive times. He compared the current red state/blue state division to the Bloods and the Crips.

"The different parties have adopted the same gang mentality," he said. "Food [can] bring everyone together. Look at the Minnesota State Fair: You don't have to be a Republican or a Democrat there. No, they say 'You like something on a stick? Come in!'"

Chef Karimi hopes to provide the same community spirit -- but hopefully with a culinary touch more daring than hotdish on a stick.

(8 p.m. today, Sat., next Fri. and Sept. 6 and 7. 1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. $20. 612-341-1038. bedlamtheatre.org.)

More RNC comedy Comedy club This Place Is A Joke is hosting a political debate -- between comedians. With "Unconventional Comedy," Jeff Gerbino (representing the left) and Jeff Wayne (representing the right) present a show that both sides of the aisle can agree on. (8:30 p.m. today-Sept. 7. 2201 Burns Av., St. Paul. $15. 651-789-4503. unconventional comedy.com)

TOM HORGEN