Kuwait: Konkani dramas normally depict social, religious and political themes. Often a platform for raising issues in a humorous manner, it is a mirror of contemporary Goan society.
Artistes acting in Konkani dramas have enriched the stage with their appealing presence and excellent acting abilities. They give a life to the character, thus creating a real atmosphere in the play and capturing the hearts of Tiatr lovers.
One such actor is Kuwait-based Xavier Furtado – an unsung hero in the art of drama for quite a while now. The striking actor will be seen in yet another vital role in in the mega show 'SATH PANVDDE' scheduled to be staged Friday 7th November 2014 at the American School Hall, Maidan Hawally starting 4.30pm sharp.
During his college days, Xavier was motivated to step on Konkani stage or any public platform after attending an intensive one-week Public Speaking Course conducted by the Rachol Seminary priests at the Velim Parish.
“That was a turning point, my acting on stage turned out to be a passion,” says Xavier. Strange but true Xavier come from a family background which has no connection in acting, even remotely.
Recollecting his past memories Xavier adds, “I still cherish the trophy that won me the Best Actor for my acting in Fr. Neville’s play ‘Annie’ at the All Goa One Act Play Competition held in Ambelim - 1985.The competition was judged by Patrick Dourado and incidentally it was Xavier’s only act in one act play competitions.
Xavier first acted in a drama of Fr. Neville Gracias in the late 80s. He featured in a number of popular dramas of Fr. Neville including the most famed ‘Futleli Boxi’ which was staged all over Goa.
The flamboyant artiste is an alumni of St. Xavier’s Velim and Damodar College, Margao, and holds an MBA in Finance. Academics have always been a major factor in Xavier’s life till today.
“If I was not working in the Gulf, perhaps I would certainly continue acting in Goa,” states the soft spoken actor.
Xavier first landed in the Middle East in 1991 and served in a British construction firm Taylor Woodrow Int’l in Saudi Arabia till 1998. His services found him deputed to countries such as Qatar, Oman, UAE and Bahrain on lengthy assignments. He arrived in Kuwait in June 2000 and now heads the finance department of Gulf Dredging & Gen. Contracting Co.
Xavier Furtado acting in Rosary Ferns drama 'Kuwait Soddun Vetana'
Xavier Furtado in another scene of 'Kuwait Soddun Vetana'
File photo: Xavier presenting a trophy at the finals of an AVC-organized football tournament held in Dubai
Xavier's passion to act on stage saw him act in various dramas in Kuwait, prominent among them being Rafael de Majorda’s ‘Hanv Noko Zalom’ and ‘Tukai Tench Rauta’; Donald’s ‘Pallam’; Joe Ferreira’s ‘Amche Modem Jielo’, and Rosary Ferns last 3 shows ‘Bhurgim Maim Paichem Sukh’, ‘Ghor Bandlem Ghorabo Moddlo’, and‘Kuwait Soddun Vetana’.Acting apart, Xavier was selected for hockey to represent Goa State at the Madhya Pradesh Nationals in 1985 while studying at Damodars, and also represented Goa University in 1986.
In Kuwait, Xavier is involved in football and has been Vice-President of AVC Overseas Association, a champion club of Kuwait known for organizing International tournaments in Dubai and Kuwait, apart from other social events of such as dance nites, dramas, etc. Xavier remains one of the highly respected persons in Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) having been on the federation's managing committee on numerous occasions.
Happily married to Clansy, Xavier is blessed with 2 kids - daughter Jade and son Lyle.
'Sath Panvdde'
'Sath Panvdde' (Seven Steps) is a Special Tribute to Rosary Ferns, a celebrated Goan singer who passed away in 2011. The drama is written and directed by Rosary's brother Fidelis Fernandes and features a galaxy of well-known artistes from Goa and Kuwait.
The show with a full-fledged play befitting the title 'Sath Panvdde', comedy sideshows, solos, duos, trios, quartets, etc, promises supreme entertainment to the Kuwait audience.
Star artistes from Goa will consist of Lawry Travasso, Xavier Gomes, Francis de Tuem, Chitra, Andrea, Marcus Vaz, Comedian John D’Silva, Comedian Sally & Comedian Joana.
Kuwait-based artistes include Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mario de Majorda, Michael D’Silva, Katty de Navelim, Laurente Pereira, Bab Agnel, Xavier Furtado, Lopes Brothers, Clemmie Almeida, Esparansa & Gasper Crasto.
Music for the show will be provided by Kuwait’s Magical Maestro – Shahu Almeida accompanied by his Jolly Boys consisting of Rafio Gonsalves (Rhythms), Dennis Gonsalves (Bass) and Franky Fernandes (Keyboards). London-based Goan drummer Matias Rosario Sequeira will team up with the band.
DJ Marlon will provide the sound while Lekinsons will be in-charge of stage setting.
Hall Management will be done by Derick Gomindes & Julio Cardoso while Laurente Pereira & Katty will be Stage Managers for the show.
The director Mr. Fidelis Fernandes hails from Colva, Salcette, Goa.
Fidelis is President of the Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) which has, in the past, presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions, singing competitions, and Konkani ‘songit sanz’ (musical) shows in Kuwait under his able direction.
Chief Guests and other dignitaries
Ms. Kyoko Matsukawa, a Japanese Researcher based in Goa will attend the show as a chief guest. Special guests that will be in attendance are Francis Correia (Bahrain), Simon D’Silva (Qatar), Tony Gonsalves (UK), Anthony de Varca (Dubai), Raymond D’Sa & Bosco Leitao (Kuwait).
Mauricio Pereira from Qatar will be among a number of other distinguished dignitaries expected to attend the show.
Gate-passes for the show can be availed from Benny – 66533229, Joe – 66625567, Derick Gomendis – 99659749, Julio Cardoso – 99519439, Nazi – 99663252, Katty – 96961548, Gasper – 99699514, Bernard – 55514282, Martha (Raja Stores) – 97634408, Rock Music – 50192530.