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| Old & Elegant |
The last play we attended was at Theâtre du L’Oeuvre, which seems to specialize in classics. JJ bought the tickets as an afterthought when he saw that Molière’s Le Misanthrope was running. If memory serves me well, I think that on this day we went to Le Vesinet for déjeuner with some relations we've known dating back to our early marriage....even before we had kids. Our hostess, Marthe, lost her erudite wheel-chair bound husband a few years back, and she resides in their elegant house. At age 88 she presides over their thriving progeny. Lunch was arranged by her two adult daughters, Claudine and Nadine, both accomplished professionals with 9 university-aged children between them.
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| Deux Soeurs Claudine et Nadine |
The meal included every traditional course; entrée, plat de resistance, and dessert were prepared by the three women. Claudine’s husband, an M.D., is mayor of Le Vesinet, dealing presently with a flaw in procedure which might turn him out of office and push him back into (Quelle horreur!) medical practice; he could not be among us. But, Nadine’s husband, a high level photographic editor for a big news service, was there. We were able to learn from him about the way photos are chosen and processed for big publications. Actually, the paparazzi & photographers on the beat approach him with their photos. As usual, it’s never a simple thing in France, as droit d’image has become quite an issue since the new century began. Permissions must be granted from a string of people, the first being the person in the photograph, before an “image” may be published.
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| Nadine's husband, always at work |
The reason I go into this is that to participate in a luncheon of this kind, it occurred to me that I really need to know my French. These relations of a certain standing cherish their language and culture. I count myself as fortunate to be included in so many discussions and debates in their home. I can’t say that I am a major participator, but it is a "play" to take in while a delicious meal is consumed in grand style. I never recall a meal when Robert would not say, “Marthe, ma cherie, fetch the dictionary so that we can find out the complete meaning of this term!” She dutifully brought to table a very heavy, used Robert (yes, his very name!), a dictionary which will give all the possible meanings for expressions & word usage.
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| Robert before his ordeal |
There would then ensue a discussion. This was especially for my benefit when I was learning French, as I dug out English & Spanish words to concoct my sentences. Moreover, I was always invited to defend myself. (Gulp!) Learn, I did!
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| Exciting beverages with something salty, nuts or crackers with sweet wines like Porto, Banyuls, Dubonnet. I notice that Ricard, an anise drink is very popular at this gathering. With cool water it turns pale, milky yellow. Marthe is to the left in this photo. |
My lessons are still a work in progress & even more rigorous than understanding a play or movie. At least for a classic play one can read it beforehand, or for a movie there are usually subtitles when comprehension fails. But right here at this family table, la langue de Molière is de rigeur. Debate requires a slow, ponderous rhythm, with every last “e” (uh) pronounced for emphasis. Presto is the tempo for “The Women Discuss Practical Matters.” The only difference between a proper stage production and this one is that this one isn’t scripted.
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| Sisters make a last minute check |
There are an abundance of characters, entrances and exits, off-stage characters, tales and news bulletins, subjects of conversation great and small, surprise theatrical effects… which are mostly in the form of wonderful dishes and exciting beverages. I'll say it again: a meal is just as much as performance as the performance.
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| These stuffed eggs and green salad are the way we begin. |
Having enjoyed a full meal, the excellent company of our hostesses & their guests, with my wits sharpened, I’m now ready to take in Le Misanthrope….without ever having to re-read the play. Allons-y!
