Report by Gasper Crasto/Kuwait
Kuwait: Konkani dramas, music and dance are some of the things close to Goan people’s heart in Kuwait. With a number of restrictions on social and cultural activities, passionate Goans in Kuwait try to make the best of every opportunity they get...
Kuwait Konkani Mogi (KKM) organized a lively show of 2 short plays – the traditional ‘Khell’ that displayed a sense of Goan art and identity -- a kind of a history in Kuwait.
The program was held Easter Sunday at Asia-Asia Hall, Souk Al Watya. Credit goes to the organizers – Kuwait Konkani Mogi and its committee - President Shri Domnic Fernandes, Salazar Menezes (Vice President), Gennifer Marshall (Gen. Secretary) and Agnelo Rebello (Treasurer), and coordinator Nixon Fernandes.
A capacity crowd flocked to watch the Kuwait based artistes perform. The show commenced with the traditional ‘modd’ music (check video above) which is heard before the start of any Goan 'khell’ in Goa.
The first play ‘Mhozo Soiro’ written and directed by Shri Domnic Fernandes was a customary tale akin to 'ancient' suspense where a character turns out to be a 'C.I.D Inspector' in the end. The artistes who played excellent part included Gennifer Marshal, Severina, Marico, Tadeo, Manuel, etc. Gennifer Marshall, in particular, looked glamorous in her performance.
The second play ‘Fulam ani Girestkai’ written & directed by Agnelo Rebello consisted of established Goan stage stars Braz de Parra and Laurente Pereira who ‘shook’ the stage with their powerful voice and 'dialogues'. Other actors in the play Miss Zelita, Rahul, Manuel and Peter were played wonderful acts. Zelita and Rahul played their parts to perfection. By and large, a number of 'hidden talents' were seen on stage.
While the first play kept the crowd rocking in their chairs with laughter, ‘Fulam ani Girestkai’ had a meaningful message specially for the youth. The short ‘cantos’ of both the plays sung segund-premier from backstage brought a symbolic 'folk' flavor to the show.
There were special songs added to bring more spice. The select singers were Felix Dias, Jose, Esparansa, Gasper Crasto, Michael (Micky) Fernandes, and the celebrated Kuwait Trio Kings Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva. Jose & Felix sang the opening chorus, followed by Esparansa & Gasper singing a song on dance steps. Micky’s song ‘Maim’ was marvelous while the Trio Kings captivated everyone with their singing style and emotional lyrics on Goa.
Shri Marcos Gonsalves, a well-known Konkani writer from Goa, was a special invitee at the event. Fr. Simon Ricoh Fernandes, a visiting priest from Goa also graced the ocassion. Others present included Mr. Fidelis Fernandes – President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation, Mr. Carmo Santos, and Miss Siham Nuseibeh, etc.
Marcos Gonsalves speaking on the occasion thanked the organizers for extending him the invitation to visit a foreign country and said he was amazed to see so many Goans in Kuwait, and friendly faces.
“There is a need of true identity in our Goa, only our language can give us that...” he concluded while appreciating the efforts of Kuwait Konkani Mogi in organizing the show which demonstrated strong, truthful traditions and identity of ‘our motherland’.
Fr. Simon Ricoh too said a few words of wisdom. Earlier, Shri Marcos was given a warm welcome. In a vote of thanks, President of KKM Shri Domnic thanked all the well-wishers, sponsors, special invitees, etc.
Gasper Crasto compered the function. Cheslee was on the sound sets while Rivon Gomes captured the images on camera.
A Video CD of songs produced by Custodio Coutinho was released on the occasion at the hands of Nazi Azavedo.
At the start of the event, it was revealed that the best 'Khell' would be awarded. However, the winner was never announced and no presentation done although trophies were on display. Later it was declared that ‘Fulam ani Girestkai’ was voted best play while ‘Mhozo Soiro’ bagged the second best prize.
:::Photo courtesy: Kuwait Konkani Mogi; Video of 'modd' by Clemmie Almeida:::
