At the age of fourteen, Lyda took her grand prize winnings from the state's annual jambalaya contest and bought a ticket out. Leaving behind her mother (Miz Min), her newborn child (Coby), and her abusive cousin (Bingo) - the father of her child - she headed for New York City. Now, 21 years later, Lyda returns to the same Louisiana kitchen that was the vehicle for her escape and to the family she deserted so long ago. But it's Coby's turn to win and start over, and Lyda - as the celebrated food critic for American Chef - has the assignment to judge the daughter she abandoned. The kitchen is immersed in heat and spices, as Lyda must confront her past and decide the future of the young woman cooking before her.

Roux has a very unusual and unorthodox origin. Modeling their efforts aft the " Joint Stock method " of the renowned British theater company, Central Works began the development process early in the year. The first task was for Central Works to unanimously agree on the subject or topic. Many ideas were presented and discussed, before the company decided on " Women Who Kill. " During the next several months, the ensemble members spent many hours each week collecting and sharing research findings from a variety of resources: newspapers, television, film, books, and the Internet. On June 1st, 1997, the playwright, Samantha King, gathered together all the scraps and pieces and barricaded herself in - only a completed play could regain her freedom. Roux is the key she cast.