Unusual is the standard experience at The French Door, right from its cuisine, to its ambience everything is class apart. Established by a young chef, Shreeya Adka, the place is an apostle of authentic European food complimented with a few tit-bits of Indian cuisine.
Last evening the place was congregated with giggles and awes, thanks to a spectacular dramatic performance put by the Coimbatore Book Club Theatre Group.
Two beautiful plays were put up, each showcasing a different theme, while the first play explicated the plight of a blind soldier, who is challenged by the bitter realities of life; the second play was a sardonic portrayal of food friends and fat.
The play got out mixed emotions of the audience, while the first play left the audience with a sparkling tear in their eye, the second brought tears of laughter and smiles.
“I wanted the people of Coimbatore to enjoy a different cuisine with some entertainment, we have tried this concept for the first time in French Door and intend to do more. Even the food pre-plated for the audience is out of the usual menu, we have tried to bring in more authenticity in our taste and ingredients too, and I hope they have enjoyed it.” expressed Shreeya, the Founder of French Door.
But what was more inspiring than the concept of food and play, was the cast and crew. The play was directed and written by two renowned theatre artists, Mrs Shashi Gulati and Dinoo Hataria. Their age though past 80, was juxtaposed by their enthusiasm and fervour that could compete with any young soul.
“I came to Coimbatore in the 1950s, I had done dramatics in Bombay under the guidance of Adi Marazban, he was a fabulous man, his insight to human emotion was beyond explanation and what I brought from him was his style and perseverance to this theatre club”, quoted Ms Dinoo.
Though the cast were not full time actors, some were entrepreneurs, students or busy with their domestic work roles; their performance was nothing less than a proficient artist.
“The play was an absolute treat that got complimented with great food, the first play was emotional and beautifully expressed, the second play of three fat ladies struggling to survive with their weight issues and farce ideologies was an insight about a different section of women and their perspectives. In all it was a fabulous show and something really different for the Coimbatore denizens”, as quoted by Gravit, one of the audience.
The show put up collectively by the Coimbatore Book Club Theatre Group and the French Door has set a new parameter of entertainment and dine. It has seeped in a culture that makes ground for talents to gain a platform and a global gastronomy to explore.
