~by Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Kuwait: Konkani drama and musicals have entertained Goan masses in Kuwait for a long time. Many enthusiastic directors have come up with renewed ideas over the years to enhance the art, promote kala and Konkani.
Nazy Rod is one such passionate director who arranged his much acclaimed drama ‘Ghonvddo’ (Mason) in a ‘Live’ & ‘Screen’ show on 3rd June 2016 at Carmel School Auditorium, Kheitan.
A colorful souvenir was released on the occasion in the midst of a very friendly and cooperative crowd.
SEBY DE DIVAR ENTERTAINS
Well-known Goan singer Seby de Divar was the star attraction of the show. The famed singer energized everyone with 3 powerful solos and his trade-mark orations between the songs. Seby sang on different themes and was encored repeatedly for all his songs.
This is perhaps the first time that a single star from Goa (other than Lorna and Remo Fernandes) was brought to entertain Kuwait for a show and Seby de Divar, for sure, lived up to everyone’s expectations.
Much admired Kuwait Trio Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva were at their supreme best with a song that had melodious rhythm, brilliant voices and a modern subject applicable to all generations. The trio received thunderous applause and encore; they acknowledged singing a different version each time they came back.
Melodious voiced Michael (Micky) Fernandes sang the opening solo while Esparansa & Gasper Crasto performed their song in a distinct style.
Pitu Ferns sang a ‘decent’ solo on miraculous St. Anthony while Balthazar Pontes solo was much applauded by the crowd for a repeat performance.
The absence of ‘Lopes Brothers’ – singer brothers Alex and Michael, a part of the production, was definitely felt.
Musical score for the ‘live’ show was single-handedly provided by Maestro Shahu Almeida. Sound & Lights were arranged by Anand.
Gasper Crasto compered the show along with Nazy Rod’s son Anson Rodrigues which kept people guessing what will come next. Anson kept everyone absorbed with his unique compering in English and distributing prizes galore.
A special prize for the souvenir was won by Mr. Rocky.
Stage manager Lawry Miranda was engrossed behind the stage while other volunteers and supporters did their part well.
TIATR ON SILVER SCREEN
The show began with ‘live’ songs followed by the screening of the ‘tiatr’ that was earlier staged in Kuwait back in 2012.
It was no surprise some of those who watched it earlier came to see it again.
While a ‘live’ show is fascinating any day, the screening of ‘Ghonvddo’ was graciously respected by the audience especially for the efforts of the director in organizing a show for an entertainment-short Kuwait audience.
Perhaps it was the title ‘Ghonvddo’ (mason) that left everyone stuck to their seats till the end. The drama conveys a message that everyone is accountable to be a ‘Ghonvddo’ of their own homes, a master of their own fate for the success or disaster, happiness or failure in life.
Stars that featured in the drama included Sylvester Vaz, Irene Vaz, Agnes Rod, Cajetan de Sanvordem, Sylvester Vaz, Micheal D’Silva, Mario de Majorda, SaluFaleiro, Edward Estibeiro, Lopes Bros, Laurence Miranda, Luis de Sanguem, Micky, Braz de Parra, Francis, Seby Mascarenhas, Manuel, Bab Joshua, Nazy Rod, Comedian Simla and Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha.
AWARD, MEMENTO, BOUQUETS & A DICTIONARY IN PRESENTATION
During the break, Kuwait’s magical Maestro Shahu Almeida was awarded ‘Most Natural Goan Musician’ at the hands of visiting artiste Seby de Divar and director Nazy Rod.
The award, a glass trophy, was bestowed upon the maestro on behalf of the Kuwait Goan community.
Earlier, Fr. Franco Pereira sdb, Maestro Shahu, etc, were introduced to the audience by compere Anson Rodrigues while Agnes Rodrigues presented a bouquet of flowers each to star artistes of ‘Ghonvddo’ - Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha and Cajetan de Sanvordem.
A modern English-Konkani Dictionary devised by Isidore Dantas and Joel D’Souza was released during the break at the hands of Bab Lino Dourado, Konkani poet and writer. Domingos Araujo and Gasper Almeida of Goa World were also present during the release.
In his statement, director Nazy Rod thanked the Arab Times, Indians in Kuwait, Times Kuwait, the entire star cast that performed in the ‘Live and Screen’ show of ‘Ghonvddo’, and for the presence and support of all audience.