Mario Jerome, actor and co-director of Pachak Productions, says, “Bebinca is prepared with very simple ingredients, but the coming together of these simple ingredients is what makes this dessert incredible. It represents everything that is culturally Goan, including Portuguese and Indian influences.” Goa is a babinka This is their elaborate food and theater production, which is scheduled to take place on October 25 at Nowhere, Bengaluru.

Originally conceived and commissioned for the 10th Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, the play revolves around the many layers of Goa’s history, society and heritage, following the metaphor of the many-layered sweet, Bebinka.

It is a creation of Pachak, a comprehensive theatrical food initiative founded by Diva Rani and Deepa Rani. The inspiration for the title and Goa setting was easy as their presentations usually rely on the regional traditions of the places where they perform. The play is written by Shubhra Chatterjee and directed by Divya Rani.

Divya says, “When one looks at Goa, they only see beaches and huts. But there is more to Goa than that. There is a deep history, different cultures, traditions and people. We wanted to represent all these layers through this production.”

During the one-hour play, the audience will be served authentic Goan food prepared from original recipes. In a tavern-like setting, participating spectators will be immersed in a realistic atmosphere. . Mario says, “Wherever we are performing this, we want to bring that part of Goa to the audience. There is no one right tradition or culture, one does not replace the other and this balance is there in the content of Bebinka as well.”

“If you’ve been to Goa, going to a bar will feel like you’re actually there.” The smell of Goan vinegar and spices has been integrated into the setting. The drama is based on 1986 and revolves around the story of a father and daughter. With strong female characters and evolving Goan social structures, the play challenges patriarchy and old ways.

Goa’s past performance is Bebinka

Talking about the writing process, Shubhra says that her connection with Goa started long ago while shooting for a food show. His meeting with a fellow actor and a Goa-based entrepreneur introduced him to the history of Goan culinary tradition. The play is the result of research, lived experiences and visits to spice farms, villages and homes.

“At Pachak, we have always loved storytelling, food and people,” says Divya. She recalls her nursery days when children would gather around a big table at lunch time, “It didn’t matter where we came from or what our parents did, the only thing that mattered was what was in our tiffin boxes, which we shared with each other.”

PaChaak was started with a common goal – a desire to bring people from different walks of life to the same table and tell them stories.

‘Goa Ek Bibinka Hai’ will be staged on 25th October at Nowhere, Bengaluru from 12:00 noon. Tickets start at ₹2,500 and are available on district.in.