by Jean D'Souza

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Kuwait : Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) staged one of the best konkani Tiatr ever performed in Kuwait, on 27 July 2012 at the Indian Community School hall (Salmiya).  The Drama appropriately titled ‘Tiatristanchi Moladikh Kala’ showcased the rich talent of Goan Konkani stage artistes in Kuwait while sharing the stage with renowned visiting artistes like Prince Jacob, Supremo Humbert, pearl of Konkani stage Annie Quadros, and child artiste Baby Muriel.

Promoted as a Mega TIATR to commemorate the tenth anniversary of KGTS, the more than 450 audience of the ‘Sold Out’ Tiatr were treated to an evening of wonderful solos, duets, trios, comedy skits and above all a superbly scripted play.  As is the norm in KGTS, although the play was jointly scripted and directed by two senior KGTS veterans, the credit was collectively shared by all and kudos to KGTS for organizing such an evening that transported the audience right into an emotional and laughter filled roller coaster ride.

The curtains opened exactly at 4:30pm with an especially composed twelve piece opening chorus paying homage to the Konkani Stage Artistes and sung by KGTS members. The song was beautifully rendered and choreographed , and set the stage perfectly for what was to follow for the rest of the evening.

The story of the play set in Goa, revolves round a stage artiste’s trials and tribulations after she marries and faces hardship and constant nagging from the mother- in-law and desertion by her husband.  Unfortunately I cannot give out too much of the story line as I believe there is tremendous interest for this play and there are plans to stage it in other Gulf countries and even in Goa.     The selection of cast played a vital role in ensuring the huge success as everyone gave their best performance… including outstanding performances by  Cajetan de Sanvordem, Annie Quadros, Sylvester Vaz, and Irene Vaz, while  Laurente Pereira, Laurie Miranda, Martinho Martins, Clara Rodrigues, Dominic Araujo and Julio Cardozo set the stage on fire with cameo roles.  Comedian Nelson & upcoming star Comedian Simla added the comedy touch to the play with their perfect comic timings and facial expressions ,and were very much applauded by the packed audience.

Visiting artistes Prince Jacob and Supremo Humbert proved just why they are considered to be the best comedy pair of all time with some rib tickling comedy skits that had the audience in splits every now and then.  Their trio with Cajetan de Sanvordem titled ‘Shakira’ was an enormous big hit and the pair also delighted the audience with tongue in cheek song titled “Margai” highlighting today’s high cost of living.

The tiatr had many noteworthy songs including trio “Cajetan, Micheal & Mario ” with their superb song on “Rev. Fr. Dominic Santamaria”, - truly applaudable !  And not forgetting the young visiting artiste Muriel who won our hearts with her melodious voice with absolute confidence.  Both her songs “Maim Pai” and “Ghanti” were well received by the audience.  Cajetan-Michael-Mario’s second trio ‘Goencho Serkar’ was also well received.  Katty-Jose Anthony-Seby rendered one trio titled “Modlolo Kuris” which was a huge success.  The duet “Bevisvaxi Ghorkarn” by Annie & Bab Agnel was very well appreciated.  Sylvester and Laurente rendered a superb duo “Devachem Dennem”, while the duet “Competition” by Alex & Agnes was a treat to the ears with their melodious voices and mind blowing music.  The Lopes brothers gave some piece of advice to the audience with their duo “Zhodlelem Sambau”. Laurie M and Peterson sang on the side-effects of gambling with their duet ‘Jugar’.  The solo singers were electrifying namely Sylvester Vaz with “Alexander the Great”, Michael D’Silva with “Jevon’,  Katty de Navelim with “Noxib”, Annie Quadros with “Politics”, Micky Fernandes with”Mogachi Ghodsan”, Comedian Simla with “Iskolacho Burgo”, Anthony D’Silva’s “Kalzantlo Sintiment”, and Agnelo Fernandes sang on ‘Sant Jose’.

On the musical side, Maestro Shahu stood firm like a rock, sharply focusing on the numerous songs in order to maintain a smooth flow of music throughout the evening. Ably supporting Shahu was none other than the flamboyant Matias who was flown in all the way from London, and he did not disappoint the crowd.  Many in the audience were mesmerized by his brilliant skills on the drums. Due mention is to be given to Rafio Gonsalves on the lead guitar, Flaviano Furtado on the base and KGTS member Menino on the bongos. The entire light effects for the show were perfectly handled by KGTS member Milagres Cardozo, and unarguably superb sound system provided by Samson.

During the interval a beautiful souvenir was released, KGTS General Secretary Dominic Araujo thanked the management of Indian Community School, all the sponsors and well wishers.  Araujo along with Laurie Miranda also hosted a bingo game which was won by  Sharon Fernandes , where she received a Kuwait-India-Kuwait  air-ticket sponsored by Air-India. Mementos were also presented on behalf of KGTS to Prince Jacob by  Janet Franco, Humberto by  Clemmie Pereira, Annie Quadros by  Fidelis Fernandes, Sylvester Vaz by  Lorry Pinto, Meuril by Michael Fernandes, Drummer Matias by  Effie Martins, comedian Simla by  Maria Santos.  KGTS hard working member Clara Rodrigues was also honoured with a memento and a shawl by Joseph and Elvira D’Souza.  Very often the people working backstage are ignored, but KGTS honoured long time Stage & Lights Setter Thomas Fernandes with a memento and a shawl presented by KGTS president Francis De Verna.

KGTS has truly kept its mark by generously supporting  ailing and old Konkani stage artistes with financial grants – as announced by Cajetan de Sanvordem during the presentation ceremony, KGTS has so far honoured 24 stage Artistes, the first being the Shakespeare of the Konkani Stage the Late Dr.  Rosario Rodrigues and the latest one to receive such honour is ailing tragedy queen of the Konkani Stage  Antonette de Calangute; whilst also keeping alive the flame of Konkani tiartist talents, which we   Kuwait Goans  appreciate and cherish.  Keep that fire burning KGTS !!!  Well done..

Finally, Kudos to Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha for their superb Tiatr, and wishing them all the best for their future events.

Long Live KGTS – Long Live Konkani.

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