“Kitchen Chronicles” is an astonishing piece of theater on multiple levels.

The Feb. 13 performance of “Kitchen Chronicles” was seen for this review at Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem, where the play continues in its world premiere through Feb. 20.

“Kitchen Chronicles” is an original work directed by Emma Ackerman and created and performed by Mary Wright and Katie Willmorth as mother and daughter in the play, and, as we learn early on in the approximate one-hour and 30-minute play, in real life.

Wright, in direct address to the audience, gets right to the point, disclosing the mother-daughter detail before we’re whisked away to the familiar (or is it?) world of a realistic-looking kitchen set (complete with running water at the sink). The big reveal at the start takes nothing away from the journey that unfolds in the two-person play. On the contrary, it brings the audience into the confessional nature of “Kitchen Chronicles,” adding layers of meaning.

The play is an exploration of family at its most basic unit, that of mother and child. You will never look at, or step into, or hang out in, a kitchen in quite the same way.

Wright, as Martha, the mother, and Willmorth, as Cassie, the daughter, portray the bicker and banter, the give and take, the highs and lows of most any mother-daughter relationship, here under-girded by a mutual support system of unconditional love. Their story, while quite personal, is quite universal.

In one of this remarkable play’s many amusing, but thoughtful scenes, Wright trudges though the kitchen for her first morning cup of coffee. The action is repeated several times, with Willmorth at several ages, and each of them in some kind of moods. It’s at once hilarious, poignant and revelatory, just like the play itself, which sparkles, and is warm, affectionate and thought-provoking.

Personal theater such as this could not be brought off without actors of the highest intensity, expressiveness and performance.

Wright has somewhat of an impassive presence, with a Pirandellian twinkle of the real and imagined. Wright conveys the wan resignation of a life well-lived and with the knowledge and understandable pride that her heritage will be carried on by her daughter.

Willmorth, in contrast, is all angles and arches, her body often akimbo as she scurries and scrapes, and bends and stretches, a body in motion, and she tends to stay in motion, and emotion. Her wide eyes and rubbery face is transfixing. She has a Puckish presence and charm.

Ackerman keeps the actors grounded with well-thought-out blocking, movement and in-the-moment direction.

The production design by Ackerman and Chris Egging is one of the more realistic for Touchstone, and to good effect. Lighting is at times startling and evocative with a wash of red in one scene and flashlights and candles in another

Wright and Willmorth provide costumes and properties, seemingly from their own wardrobes and lives.

Original music is by Bill Schachter, Sam Thompson and Ben Wright. Booth operator is Jenny Pacanowski.

I loved this play. I loved the concept. I loved the dialogue. I loved the actors. I loved the love that Wright and Willmorth share with each other and allow the audience to share.

Though my schedule probably won’t allow it, I would like to see the play again. “Kitchen Chronicles” is worthy of an off-Broadway production or touring production by Wright and Willmorth, productions by other theater troupes, and a presentation by Wright and Willmorth on a streaming service. This is world-class theater. Don’t miss it.

“Kitchen Chronicles” talkback via Zoom, 7 p.m. Feb. 22, with Mary Wright, Katie Willmorth, Jp Jordan (director, “Kitchen Chronicles” 1, 2, and Emma Ackerman, (director, “Kitchen Chronicles” 3). RSVP: adam@touchstone.org

“Kitchen Chronicles,’ 8 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, 19 and 2 p.m. Feb. 20, Touchstone Theatre 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem. Tickets: http://www.touchstone.org; 610-867-1689