The Word for Word Production of "Sorry Fugu"

T.C. Boyle's short story "Sorry Fugu" was adapted to the the stage by the Word for Word Performing Arts Company a professional San Francisco theater ensemble. This interesting production really tried to stay true to the original text written by Boyle, so much so that at times characters would speak in the first and third person to describe the actions taking place on stage. The quirky characters all were brought together over the world of fine dining. While the eager-to-please cook does everything in his power to impress the harshest of food critics for a coveted good review, we learn of the characters unique personalities. While a few minor mishaps in the production occurred the cast played it off seamlessly leaving the audience enthralled by their comical exploits.

 At the end the audience finds out if the cooks seductive efforts to impress pay-off, as the critic becomes almost erotically aroused by a dish presented in front of her. This brings up themes of lust and indulgence, and the interesting topic of food porn- "a glamorized spectacular visual presentation of cooking or eating". While the play was well done and had its amusing scenes I doubt I would have much interest in the story if I had not read the short story previously. Maybe my overall contempt for plays comes from my generation's general lack of an attention span for anything that is not a flashing screen, but I still have respect for the quality of this production.