Post by Gasper Crasto.
Kuwait: The dramatic art form of Konkani ‘Tiatr’ is unique to Goa and is popular for its high entertainment values.
Success of any ‘tiatr’ is mainly due to the fact that the themes chosen are modern-day and contemporary. Tiatrs have focused on drug problems, alchoholism, the false sense of values of Goans who strike it rich in the Gulf, the fall in values that lead to the neglect of parents, problems of inter-caste marriage and the like.
The drama ‘Uzvadd’ written by Lawry Fernandes & directed by Laurie Miranda, two Kuwait-based artistes, was recently staged in Goa by Sanquelim Dramatic Troupe of St. John of the Cross.
The drama has all ingredients of a super hit -- love-tragedy-suspense-comedy -- blended into a balanced performance.
:::The Story:::
The story is of a young boy and a girl who are in love. Father of the girl objects to the relationship as the girl’s family is rich, while the boy is very poor.
As the story goes, the girl goes blind with some sickness and is taken to hospital. On the other hand, the boy is also brought to the hospital in a dying state after someone attempts to kill him. In a tragic ending, the boy’s eyes are given to the girl before he dies.
A revolting twist is witnessed when another boy resembling the dead boy appears. The whole village thinks he is a ghost of the dead boy. Apparently, both boys are twins; they were separated for many years.
The suspense of who killed the boy, who marries the girl, and what is the ‘Uzvadd’ meaning of the story needs to be seen to be enjoyed. DVD of the tiatr will be released in Kuwait and all across the Konkan world soon.
A huge contingent of artistes can be seen in the drama.
:::About the Director:::
The director, Kuwait-based Laurie M has played an important role of a father with a style as dynamic as any professional star. The evergreen actor is a well-known face in Kuwait seen in many cameo roles on Konkani stage.
Right from his young age, Laurie has been fascinated with dramas and has to his credit many dramas and memories. He has performs mini but very unique roles with great excellence putting his heart and soul into the character he plays.
Highly noticeable by his French beard, Laurie is one the senior members of the Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS), Goan Welfare Society, and a member of Kuwait Cathedral’s St. Joaquim & Anne Holy Family Choir Group, and is also actively involved with St. Daniel Comboni’s church in Kuwait.
Apart from acting and directing Uzvadd, Laurie sings a song about the miracles in his life, especially about the recent trauma he faced due to bad health. The song is sure to bring tears to rocks.
If Laurie Miranda has staged ‘Uzvadd’, it is due to his revived health and the passion he holds towards Konkani language and stage.
On his performance and direction, the soft-spoken director states: “I have acted in and directed many tiatrs in my town (Sanquelim) for the last 30 to 35 years and introduced many new artistes to my heart’s content. No doubt I got tremendous support from all my old and new cast.
This time, since I was down with bad health I was in Goa for about ten long months. Some of my friends approached me and requested me to have a drama during the Christmas season and ultimately we decided to have ‘Uzvadd’ on 30th of December 2014, which was a great success.
There were some ups and downs, mistakes here and there but still I feel this is the best drama under my direction as most of the actors and singers were first timers on stage.
I am grateful to my writer Mr. Lawrie Fernandes from Quepem (working at Kuwait’s Mercedes Company) for assisting in staging this drama. If everything goes well, our next attraction will be ‘Dubau’. There are other tiatrs in line too such as ‘Kallo Dhag’ and ‘Rakhnno’, also written by bab Lawrie Fernandes.
Lastly I would like to thank the Almighty God, all the guest artistes (singers), sponsors especially from Kuwait, for supporting me financially to stage ‘Uzvadd’.
:::Other Star Cast:::
Francis (Pompis) Fernandes shines in the role of the twin boys while Neeshel Fernandes has performed wonderfully in the role of the heroine.
Other cast of the play include Joaquim D’Cruz, James D’Souza, Robert D’Souza, Fidelis Miranda, Mario Fernandes, Joe Dias, Anacleta Lobo, Menino Fernandes, Blossom Rodrigues, etc.
The comedians of the show John De Britto and Maria Pinto have given a highly commendable performance.
Singers of the show Muriel Estibeiro, Lysandar Fernandes, Valanka Soares, Bernard Fernandes, Willy Goes, etc.
Budding singers introduced in the drama consist of Osborn Rodrigues, Trison Pinto, Mikayla Pinto, Jane D’Souza, etc, while Honda Carols Group also showcased their talent.
Missing in the video, according to the director, are Mr. Alberto Cardoso and Cyril Almeida.
The opening chorus of the drama is sung by a host of singers that consist of Veronica Fernandes, Shirlyn Rodrigues, Pinky D’Mello, Simon D’Mello, Agnes D’Cruz, Conrad D’Souza, Savio D’Souza, Jennifer D’Souza, Lourdina Fernandes, Gracian Fernandes, Bella Fernandes, Sophia Fernandes, Maria Pinto, John De Britto, Joe Dias, Jestina Albuquerque, Fidelis Miranda, Lizette Miranda, Cynthia Fernandes, Ernesta Fernandes and Laurie M.
The writer Mr. Lawrie Fernandes had kept two beautiful prizes for Best Actor and Best Singer of the drama which were claimed by Francis (Pompis) Fernandes and Muriel Estibeiro respectively.
Sanquelim Church Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel Lobo was the chief guest at the show and spoke on the occasion.