A new production hitting the stage at Saskatoon’s Emery Jones Theatre unites the flavourful world of French cuisine and the touchy topic of body image.

Elizabeth Nepjuk, who plays main character Blanche, says the play, titled ‘The Art of French Cooking’ uses comedy to break the ice into deeper conversations about beauty, identity, and the fear of becoming invisible.

Elizabeth’s character’s body begins to betray her, and she is forced to find her true self-worth.

“It’s a deep dive into the subconscious of a woman who has hit that point in her life where her entire career and self-identity is based on her body.”

Nepjuk adds that the play is something that all people born into a female body can relate to, however it is incredibly suggestive, so young children are discouraged from attending.

“It is absolutely absurd. it is really weird. It is incredibly sexual. It is super funny.”

She adds that although the play uses comedy to discuss tough topics, such as body image, the underlying message is still quite sad.

“That’s the part where I think a lot of people identify, is because a lot of it hurts. It’s all interior, it’s all her subconscious, and it’s just the things you say to yourself. It’s the voices you’ve heard your whole life that you’ve turned into your own.”

The play was written by Madeleine Blais-Dahlem 20 years ago, so Nepjuk says although it still applies to society, it applies in a different way.

The production runs until May 12th, and tickets are available at 25thstreet theatre.org.