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Bahrain, June 2009: Old is Gold. The musical show 'Hem Tanchea Ugddassak Korat' proved the ancient proverb right.

A capacity crowd flocked to watch the Bahrain based Konkani artistes perform in a musical show of songs of admired Konkani artistes of yesteryears at the Pakistan Club auditorium in Manama on June 5.

A few had to return back as tickets were sold out. Those who got inside had more than their money's worth with a superb display of talent by approximately 31 artistes under the direction of popular Goan community leader G.R.Crasto.

Tribute to Konkani artistes of bygone era

The show in tribute to tiatrists of bygone era was organised by Bahrain Goans under the patronage of Young Goans Club. Scheduled for 6.30 p.m the show started an hour late and a minor flaw in the sound system were the only grievances one could vent for, otherwise, it was a superb show that kept the full house glued to their seats for 3 and half hours.

The curtain opened with the Director G.R.Crasto paying rich tributes to the past tiatrists who have left their indelible mark on Konkani music and have contributed immensely to Konkani stage.

A minutes' silence was observed in memory of the departed souls of tiatr personalities. Slides of the last rites of Padmashree M. Boyer were projected on screen in this one minute that brought tears to many in the audience.

The program commenced off with an opening chorus by Santan, Comedian Luis, Claude and Menino singing four lines each from the songs of Kid Boxer, Anthony Mendes, Ulhas Buyao and Robin Vaz that set the stage ablaze.

Overwhelming Response to Yesteryear Songs

An overwhelming response with thunderous applause from the audience for every song was a testimony of how much people still love the songs of yesteryears.

The artistes picked up by the Director did justice to the songs entrusted to them. Among those who excelled in their singing were Anthony with Bikechi Kotti (Alexinho De Candolim), Slenzita for Bhurgheaponn (Babli), Bab Peter's Mog Boom Boom by Lorwin, Bomboi Kitu Chokchokit (Rosita) by Chitikita, Valanka/Quixote/Pequeno/Claude with Gheun Nachotam (Mendes Bros), Comedian Joana's Mapxeam Bazarant by Lurdin and Anthony/Lorwin/Ivan with C.Alavres' Sao Joao. All had to oblige the cheering crowd with a repeat performance.

The show featured four songs of Alfred & Rita Rose – Bahrainkaranchem Lisanv by Albino, Santan and Lurdin rendered Khobro, Valanka and Benny sang Agent Fotkire and Quixote/Ophelia presented Kazar Zainam.

Padmashree M. Boyer was remembered with another four songs Pap Saib by Benny, Goenche Konvent by Menino, Bhurghim vo Baulim. Benny rendered Put in typical M. Boyers' voice and style.

The other notable tiatrists remembered with their songs were Miguel Rod (Bobor) sung by Pequeno, Antonetta (Pitti Pitti Mog & Bebdem) presented by Norita & Valanka respectively, S. Lemos (Poilo Gontt Vattai) sung by Ceasar, H. Britton (Pandu Lampianv) by Claude, Lorna (Bebdo) by Chris, C.Alvares/Ophelia (Vantto) by Menino and Lucy, Wilmix Trio (Noman Noman Tuka Goa) by Benny/Pequeno/Quixote, Jacint Vaz (Nylonachem Lugott) by Claude, Bab Peter/Ophelia/Babli (Dolleachi vat) presented by family Quixote/Slenzita/Ophelia, and Remmie Colaco (Ankvar Moriechem Dukh) presented by Quixote.

Onstage and Backstage Crew

Iggy (Keyboards) of Aryan Fame and Chagas (trumpet) arranged the music with Rocky (drums), Bernard (Saxaphone), Menino (Rythms) and Bobby (Base) supporting the band. Boss & Moss arranged the sound and lighting.

Jehad Electronics provided support to Gavin Crasto in projecting slides of past tiatrists as their songs were rendered. Cyndi Crasto and Pio Fernandes compeered the programme.

The Director G.R. Crasto was presented with a memento by the organisers in appreciation for his work among the Goan community of Bahrain. Francis Correia, President of Young Goans Club and member of the Bahrain Goans Social Group spoke about various works being undertaken by them towards the Goan community.

A comedy skit by Comedian Luis and party in 5 parts in-between the songs kept the crowd rocking in their chairs with laughter.

The show ended with all the actors led by the director assembling on stage singing Alfred Rose's Viva La Goa. It was awesome to see the entire audience joining in the chorus with a loud, cheerful applause which said, “We enjoyed the old songs -- 'Old is Gold'.

:::Sidelights of the show:::

- Canteen ran out of Chouris-panv in minutes.
- Many of the actors who sang with collar mikes, forgot to switch off their microphones once down the stage and could be heard in the audience asking colleagues 'Mhojem kantar kexem zalem..!'
-The Director in his speech said all his family had worked towards the success of the show. The daughter Cyndi was a co-presenter, son Gavin produced the video slides and jokingly introduced his wife Cathie sitting in the crowd, saying that he wanted atleast one person to watch the show incase no one turned up.
-The 21 inches colour television in the inhouse lucky dip was won by Kristle D'Souza.
-A group of Goan tarvottis whose ship was in nearby Asry Dry Dock heard of the show and turned up at the venue only to learn that it was houseful and no tickets. One of the sailors happened to know one of the actors and used his influence to get inside.
-Around 30 people agreed to pay the entrance and watch the show standing.
-After many years in Bahrain, a Goan show was held at a venue where drinks (liquor) were not allowed. People enjoyed the ambience free from remarks-influenced-by-liquor that are normally heard during tiatrs in Bahrain.

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