~By Gasper Crasto/Kuwait; special inputs G.R. Crasto (Bahrain)
There have been a number of siblings rocking it out in various acts together on Konkani stage. Among them, there are a handful of husband-and-wife duos.
From stage acting to song performance to sheer presence and participation: each action is different, but individually brilliant. Sometimes intimate, sometimes vibrant..!
Even though their performances are few and far between, husband-wife collabs of Ophelia & Quixote D’Cruz, based in Bahrain, are sure catch the eye of viewers.
QUIXOTE D’CRUZ - STORY OF HIS LIFE
Quixote first visited Bahrain in 1989 with the troupe of well-known Goan director Pascoal Rodrigues; the troupe was in Bahrain to present ‘Bazar’, a non-stop drama.
The visit proved to be lucky for Quixote as he was able to find a job of his trade in Bahrain.
Quixote returned back on a residence visa to take up employment with Ahmed Mansoor Al Ahli where he worked for a pretty long time; he is presently employed with Carlton Heavy Machinery.
A person with high qualities of acting and singing, Quixote ‘dressed-up’ for Pascoal Rodrigues’ acting in non-stop shows such as Batli, Borvonso, Bazar, etc, staged all over Goa in the late 80’s.
Soon after taking employment in Bahrain, Quixote got himself involved with the cultural activities of Goans in Bahrain. He was ever willing, supportive and active participant in Goan Konkani programs.
‘DON’ QUIXOTE MEETS HIS MATCH
Later, Quixote achieved a ‘lifetime’ award through his participation in Goan cultural programs. It was at one of the ‘Kunbi Group Dance’ put up by Young Goans Club, Bahrain that he was partnered to dance with sweet Ophelia, a talented and naturally gifted artiste.
By the time the rehearsals were over and the program concluded, Quixote had conquered the heart of his partner Ophelia thus earning himself a partner for life. The couple tied knots in the year 1992.
Besides their huge contribution towards Konkani cultural songs and dances, the couple has displayed excellent traits in acting and singing. Ophelia and Quixote have acted in almost all tiatrs presented in Bahrain ever since they got married.
Though Quixote sings solos and trios in Bahrain dramas, he never misses out to sing a duet with his beloved wife.
‘DONNA’ OPHELIA & THE FAMILY
Ophelia, employed with Al Bahar Caterpillar Company, has played a ‘characteristic’ role supporting her husband and keeping up their love for Konkani song and culture.
The couple, hailing from Cansaulim-Goa, deserves compliments for bringing up their children with the love of Konkani acting and singing too.
Daughter Slenzita, crowned Bahrain Young Goans May Queen in 2017, has excelled in singing in Bahrain Konkani shows besides participating in Goan cultural programs.
Pursuing her graduation in Goa, Slenzita recently made a trip to Kuwait where she was much appreciated for her singing in Laurente Pereira's tiatr 'Mhojea Kalzant Tumchem Ghor'.
Son Sprenzil is well recognized for his memorable character role in GR Crasto's muiscal show 'Hem Tanchea Ugdassak Korat' staged in Bahrain in 2009.
SEE THE STARS IN ‘TUMKANCH LAGON AMI’
Quixote & Ophelia will be starring in Maestro Shahu’s musical ‘Tumkanch Lagon Ami’ singing at their best.
The show organized by Young Goans Club is set to provide top entertainment to Bahrainkars on 5th April 2018 at the Indian Club Auditorium, Manama starting 8.00pm.
The musical, with select artistes from Kuwait, Qatar, Goa, UK, etc, was a ‘Broadway’ hit in Kuwait few months back; the audience were treated to ‘rocking’ entertainment in a variety of songs and hilarious comedy.
‘Tumkanch Lagon Ami’ is the second musical of Maestro Shahu to be organized by YGC; his last show 'Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem' staged in 2016 was greatly entertaining.
ENTERTAINMENT-ENTERTAINMENT
Comedian John D’Silva, dubbed as the ‘Emperor of Goan Stage’ and ‘Prince Jacob’ will be major attractions of the show apart from a select cast including local artistes from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Star performers include mimicry artiste Amresh Kamat (from Qatar), Bab Agnel (UK), Gracy Rodrigues, Clemmie Almeida, Esparansa, Laurente Pereira, Katty de Navelim, Gasper Crasto, Seby&Seby, and the famed Kuwait Trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva.
Other prominent artistes will include Raphael Noel from Cayman Islands, Sanio (Dubai), Quixote - Ophelia, Menino Fernandes, and latest political sensation from Goa Alison Gomes best known as Junior Francis de Tuem.
The show is directed by Maestro Shahu who will handle the music all by himself.
ORGANIZERS
Young Goans Club (YGC), one of the premier clubs of Bahrain, will host the show.
The club’s history dates back to 1953, and is famed for its sports, social and cultural activities of great excellence.
Young Goans Club continues to maintain and foster the Goan fraternal identity by welcoming, connecting and uniting the Goan community in Bahrain with its all-inclusive approach, thus helping to make its activities and events much fun and joy, and its programs meaningful.
‘Tumkanch Lagon Ami’ is the second musical show of Maestro Shahu to be organized by YGC.
