A SLICE OF CHHENA PODA by Chris Plumridge features Roopa - a mother questioning her grown son Samir about his love life - both curious and curiously impervious as to his identity. I love the stage directions of Samir holding a food and a drink in each hand, both of which he hates - neither of which he can put down. Fine comedic writing from this prolific and talented playwright. In the end I feel that Roopa is taking baby steps in getting to know her son, or maybe I'm looking at the glass of Aam Panha half full.

Plumridge turns expectations upside down. What a delight!

I haven’t had Chhena Poda but I looked it up and what idiot wouldn’t like sweet baked cheese? (Though washing it down with a Diet Coke is giving the the shudders.)

But Samir’s gonna like what Samir’s gonna like whether Roopa likes it or not. This tale of mother/son acceptance goes both ways. It’s as effervescent as a cool soda on a summer day and sweet as its titular dessert without the least bit of cheese. A delight!