KHK's One-Act Konkani Plays & Solo Singing competitions in Kuwait on 8th August
2003:
When a Konkani
one-act play competition is announced, the organizers have the tough time to
select among a host of writers and/or directors. Due to various factors and time
constraints, not everyone can be accomodated. Often the tidious job of going
through the script and theme of the writers/directors' offerings..... So has
been the case of Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) and the Youth Recreational
Centre.
Upon the personal invitation by the KHK President, Fidelis Fernandes, I took
time off today of my busy schedule and was privileged to enjoy five one-act
Konkani plays and the Konkani songs singing competitions. At the start, the KHK
President welcomed the audience and for the cooperation extended to KHK and the
artistes. A one-minute silence was observed in fond rememberance of late Rosario
Rodrigues. The five plays titled "Sombond", "Besaum", "Resped Diat", "Xantichem
Hatear", and "Ek Zadd Vhoddachem" were enacted one after another. Each group had
perfected their acts to their best abilities as was very evident on stage to the
hundreds of Konkani lovers among the audience.
These writers/directors have worked up their scripts and details to
comprehensively have a maximum performance in the time allocated. The select of
their best performers and back-stage helped to be one up for the competition.
Preparing for any stage competition starts with the same fire and determination
of the reigning football champions defending their title, but becomes intense
and very grueling as the weeks progress. During the rehearsals (yessai) the
Directors critiques go from "don't turn your head, just cut your eyes toward
him!" or "use your left hand for that gesture and make it slower and more
contemplative" to "make that sound forceful and natural".
Minute details become deciding factors in the way a judge will read the
performance. Critical moves and small, intricate gestures can be the difference
between going home with pride and satisfaction for both the Director and the
selected cast.
The actors and stage assistants were given ample time to set their stage and
props and prepare for the performance by KHK. And what I observed was a perfect
stage setting upto the minute detail. The lights in the audience faded, the
curtain rose, and the stopwatch clicked the start of the performance. In between
the two plays, songs by guests artistes - a variety of talents among the Goans
and Mangaloreans - kept the vivid song lovers encoring for more!
Wow! You immediately think that theatre can not be any good under those
strenuous time constraints. Not at all. And indeed, with the participants from
different walks of life, and having different work timings, it's the dedication
and the love for the Konkani stage, that matters the most, when it comes to
getting together for the act as well as for the 'practices' before the actual
competition.
Together with the audience, I was very entertained with superb performances by
five very professional-level shows produced by our very own Konkani stage actors
from the community - a mixture of Goans, Mangaloreans and others. The variety
from serious social subjects to light farce, punctuated with hilarious comedy to
heavy drama with a moral conclusion made a full evening of theatre, and
introduced the audience to some spectacular theatrical talents that have great
tremendous potential and a bright future.
The solo Konkani songs singing competition kept the audience focused on the
performers. The comperes - Sylvester Vaz and Rosary Ferns - did the job to
perfection. And the judges had a tough time giving their judgement.
In the Play
“Sombondh” by Arif Kazi, the role was played by George D’Souza as an handicapped
on wheel chair had class in it. Director Arif Kazi showed his talent of
his involvement in filmi world with only three artistes in the play. The
Mangalorean Play “Bessaum” was well appreciated by the audience in which
director Lancy Rodrigues excelled. First prize winning Play “Ek Zadd
Vhoddachem” by Ignatius de Xelvonn captured the hearts of the audience.
Felix de Merces showed his silky brain by focusing on a moral values in his play
“Xantichem Hatear”. Felix Gonsalves' play “Resped Diat” was based on how
to manage and value time. Simon Gonsalves played the lead role. The
backdrop scene and the emphasis put in on the stage settings, light effects and
flawless acting will long be remembered.
The guest artistes, Michael D’Silva, Marcus Vaz, Sanny de Quepem, Roney D’Cunha,
Vishwas Remimbus, Rosary Ferns, Sylvester Vaz and Querobina Carvalho rendered
their songs and were well applauded. The opening chorus “Goa-Goa” in praise of
greatness of Goa composed by Rosary Ferns and rendered by him along with Sanny,
Sylvester, Michael, Marcus and Querobina was liked by the audience with a
colourful backdrop scene.
The trio “Englandache Goykar” composed by Rosary and rendered by him along with
Sanny and Sylvester gave strong hint of parents losing their hold over their
children and a great loss to Goa once they go to West. Sanny de Quepem
solo on "Kuwait" was well applauded. Captivating songs by Roney D’Cunha and the
charming Jyoti Colaco, the dancing sensation, captured the attention of the
audience while Vishwas Remimbus’ Rock-N-Roll created uproar in the hall. A
large Mangalorean dancing troupe was an added delight to the audience. Rosary
Ferns paid glowing tributes to the late Dr. Rosario Rodrigues while Querobina
Carvalho rendered a solo on death of another tiatrist comedian Luis Dias.
This song was composed by Rosary Ferns and Querobina's rendition had many among
the audience in tears. Sylvester Vaz and Querobina's duet on Goans
and Michael D’Silva two solos and Marcus Vaz solo song were well received.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
ONE ACT KONKANI PLAY:
1st Prize ……. Ek Zadd Vhoddachem by Ignatius de Xellvonn.
2nd Prize ........ Resped Diat by Felix Gonsalves.
3rd Prize ........ Xantichem Hatear by Felix de Merces.
Consolation Prizes: Bessaum by Lancy Rodrigues and Sombondh by Arif
Khazi.
Best Actor .....Simon Gonsalves.
Best Actress: Jessy.
Best Character Actor: Ignatius de Xelvonn.
Best Character Actress: Suhas.
Best Stage setting: Resped Diat.
(Since all the above plays got equal points, the decider was declared thru
lots).
Best Director: Ignatius de Xelvonn.
SOLO KONKANI SINGING COMPETITION (female category):
1st prize ..... Sandra Fernandes.
2nd prize ..... Joyline Gonsalves.
3rd prize ...... Conchita Cardoso.
SOLO KONKANI SINGING COMPETITION (male category):
1st prize ...... Domnick
2nd prize ...... Bab Agnelo.
3rd prize ....... Nelson de Benaulim.
Consolation prizes: Savio, Milagres & Jacinto.
All the participants including guest artistes, musicians, as well as the
chief guest and guest of honour were given commemorative plaques, cash prizes
and gold coins by KHK.
The chief guest and the guest of honour for the function was Prince Jacob and
Francis Correia respectively, who were specially flown in from Goa and Bahrain.
As the organizers collected the judges selection on the barrage of theatre they
had just witnessed, the announcement of their choice for the Best Play of the
entire evening was awaited with even breath. The tension became palpable as the
comperes got to the centre stage enlisting the competition winners.
To the cheers with the audience and the artistes alike at this point, the
winners of the competitions were read out. As the prizes were declared and the
audience gave a thunderous applause to directors and the winners of the Konkani
songs competition stepping on the stage to claim the honours. The scene repeated
itself with the next following announcements.
The natural impression at this point as was observed was that the evening was
for the audience, an exceptionally entertaining one, at the Indian Arts Circle (IAC)
auditorium. For the participants and the directors, the evening was chilling,
exciting, and ended in an educational exchange that would help them develop the
skills and techniques to improve their talents further. Such avenues offer
opportunities even to the audience with the critique to the participants. This
was indeed a theatrical performance at its finest! Even the chief guest praised
the artistes.
KHK President, Fidelis Fernandes, as I observed, is a man of few words, and has
an eye for details when it comes to organizing an entertaining evening.
Experience, both on and off the stage, has seasoned him well as an organizer.
Putting up a programme with a perfect blend of comedy, staging of serious
performances and suitable songs rendition and the selection of artistes is his
forte. With the support of A.Veronica Fernandes, KHK General Secretary, KHK
marches ahead - organizing competitions and aspiring to do more for entertaining
tiatr lovers. A. Veronica Fernandes, also on centre-stage, keeps the Goan NRIs
and the Konkani lovers abreast of the events and happenings in the cultural and
sports arena via the internet and print media. Well assisted by Rosary Ferns and
friends, KHK have undoubtedly sprinted ahead with determination and pride to
give the ever-awaiting Konkani lovers in Kuwait, something different, and often
wholesomely entertaining programmes. No doubt, like-minded Konkani lovers flock
to compliment their activities by way of sponsorship (as is evident from the
names of the sponsors printed on the entry passes as well as read out during the
programme), support and attendance (as witnessed at the IAC today as well as for
past KHK presentations).
Congratulations to all the participants of the one-act plays as well as the solo
singing competitions and the winners! For those who lost by a few points, good
luck next time. Specials thanks were appreciately acknowledged to the sponsors -
Santurino Pereira, Tony Correia, Salvador Dias, Joseph Rebello, Shane Services,
Luis Cardoso, Raymond D'Sa, Joe Fernandes, John Gracias, Severine Afonso, Albano
Pinto, Hilton & Rafael, Celine D'Souza, Anselmo Furtado, Rosario D'Souza, Archie
Vaz, Norberto Pereira, Chequinho Fernandes, Tiburcio Fernandes - for offering
prizes in cash and kind. Also a big thanks was conveyed to Mr. & Mrs. John C.
Vaz and Lawry Pinto and their families for the valuable contribution.
A bright future awaits the organizers, KHK and a hearty congratulations to the
Youth Recreation Centre on the silver anniversary and YRC President, Lawry
Pinto. Much can be potrayed and learned from the participation and competitions
to enhance the Konkani stage to reach its peak and the young talents need to be
nourished. If we open up and both the Goan and Mangalorean community take up the
challenge of the cherished dream of uplifting Konkani, through the theatrical
arts and other avenues, a lot can be achieved.
Prince Jacob belted out a Konkani number with the catchy 'Main chali, main chali'
chorus to the delight of the audience. Querobina's specially composed song in
rememberance of late Comedian Luis Dias had a profound effect on the audience.
With the different organizations and individual tiatr writers and directors -
both profesional and new comers in Kuwait - equally venturing to stage Konkani
plays and competitions with a bold step, together with Konkani lovers (the
audience), we can provide suitable exposure to newly exposed talents as well as
those not exposed, to live up to their aspirations. And as Prince Jacob said,
history is made not in Goa, but in the Gulf, for the Goan NRIs have done and
shown their love for their mother tongue, over the years, patronizing Konkani
and the tiatr, to the Goans back home and worldwide. He lauded the efforts made
by KHK & YRC to get the Konkani artistes from Goa and Mangalore joining forces
together to provide a 'complete entertainment'. The guest of honour seconded his
views and praised the organizers for a job well done. The audience applause
echoed the sentiments!
All participants as well as the band members were given mementos. So also to the
chief guest and the guest of honour.
All articles related to this competition archived at
www.goa-world.com/tiatr/ with photographs by popular Rewon Gomes & KHK.
Special thanks for Fidelis Fernandes.
Gaspar Almeida
Associate,
www.goa-world.com
11:00 p.m. Friday, 8th August 2003
On Friday, 8th August 2003 Konkani lovers will witness a grand show to be
organized by
KONKANI HERITAGE KUWAIT in association with YOUTH RECREATION CENTRE at Indian
Arts Circle (IAC), Funaitees, Kuwait.
This show will comprise of"One Act Konkani Plays and Solo Singing" competitions.
This show will consist of 5 Plays by top directors and a galaxy of Kuwait-based
Konkani stage artistes. One of the the well known TV Star coming from film world
Arif Kazi who willpresent his Play “Sombondh”. Mangalorean stage artiste and
Konkani shows promoter Lancy Rodrigues with all his seasoned artistes is ready
to dazzle the audience with a wonderful Play “Besaum” which will give lot of
lessons for the present generation. The youthful Merxekar, Felix de Merces with
his “Xantichem Hatear” with the topmost artistes will surely steal the show. The
Play “Ek Zadd Vhoddachem” by Ignatitius de Xelvon should definitely give some
moral lessons especially in the current turbulent society of ours. Mr. Ignatius
is known on Konkani Stage as a good character actor and a good singer.ThePlay
“Resped Diat” by Felix Gonsalves will deliver special message in which the
director along with his selected cast will emphasize on the avenues for the
humility and respect for each other.
The second part of this show is Konkani Solo Singing competition in which young and energetic singers will participate.Milagres, Savio, Domnick, Bab Agnelo, Nelson,Jacinto,Sandra,Conchita and Joyline will grace the stage and compete for the honours.
The third partwill be the presentation of songs such as solos, duos & trios by all the guest artistes namely Querobina Carvalho, Rosary Ferns, Marcus Vaz, Sanny de Quepem, Sylvester Vaz, Roney D’Cunha & Michael D’Silva. Later, the presentation of Comedy skits will follow by well-known comedians Nelson and Salu; and a comedy solo number by the Chief Guest Prince Jacob (as a special gesture to the audience he has volunteered to sing) flying all the way from Goa with his wife Cynthia.Goan activist Francis Correia from Bahrain will be the Guest of Honour. Francis Correia has done yeomen services from Bahrain for the promotion of Konkani and Goan causes. He will be accompanied by his wife and daughter.
Vishwas Remimbus
- a golden voiced singer from Mangalore,son of Wilfy Remimbus who is known as "Konkan
Kogul" in the Konkani world. Vishwas will sing an attractive song that will keep
everyone on their toes.Michael D’Silva will release his second audio cassette
“Ghorkar” during the event. Gate passes available with Raja Stores & the
organisers -Contact Tel. 6583537. Buses will leave at 2.30 p.m. sharp near the
Church.
Since this is going to be a lengthy programme, it will start in time and hence
the organisers request everyone to be in time and also not to miss a fine
opportunity of listening to the excellent opening chorus especially composed for
the occasion.
Sponsors for the event are:
John C. Vaz & fly. Lawry Pinto & fly.
Santurlino Pereira Tony Correia
Salvador Dias Joseph Rebello
Shane Services Luis Cardoso
Raymond D'Sa Joe Fernandes
John Gracias Severine Afonso
Albano Pinto Hilton & Rafael
Celine D'Souza Anselmo Furtado
Rosario D'Souza Archie Vaz
Norberto Pereira Chequino Fernandes
& Tiburcio Fernandes.
(Info courtesy: A. Veronica Fernandes & Organizers: Konkani Heritage Kuwait
and Youth Recreation Centre - Kuwait)
- Report compiled by
www.goa-world.com