Hectic preparations are on, rehearsals are conducted at a feverish pitch. There’s no time for complacency for the clock is quickly ticking by. The stage is all set to witness yet another exciting konkani drama season. All the top directors of konkani stage are giving the final touches to their new ventures, with a hope to go a step further than the last attempt. The competition is tough…. Every new season, every new venture is a challenge of sorts. It’s a test where only the fittest survive. That’s because the audience is also well matured and selective and so they get what they actually demand. We had a brief interaction with some top directors of the konkani stage on their new releases all lined up to hit the scene this month.
Prince Jacob Productions is set to release Rontto on 2nd Nov’2002 with a super star cast. Jacob who has a penchant for creating records has 5 female artists in his latest release, which in itself is a record on the stage viz., Annie Quadros, Diana, Joana, Antonette De Mello & Olga. Besides, his usual cast consisting of Menino Mario, Jacinto Gracias and Peter. Stage pair of Olga & Anil Pednekar have both jumped on to his bandwagon this season. With Comedy Supremo Humbert, Prince Jacob, Joana and Antonnette D’Mello spearheading the comedy quartet, it looks like this show is gonna be a laugh a minute riot, which otherwise also is the hallmark of Prince Jacob shows. Speaking to this writer, Prince Jacob was a little reluctant to spell out the story line and when asked this is all what he had to say “ Rontto is a bold story projecting the age old social evils of greed and doubt that are prevailing in today’s society. Man’s greed for money and the ever-powerful destructive energy that spills forth from ‘doubt’ have been cleverly handled to form the basis of the plot. It’s an enchanting plot with a lot of food for thought and message for all”. Jacob’s specialty though are his impressive opening scenes. His fans can expect to feast their eyes on something new this time too on a contemporary subject though he was cautious not to speak much about the same. Philip & his Jolly Boys will provide the music, while John Fernandes will handle the lights effects and veteran settings man Chari will do the stage sets.
Rose Ferns, the King of Centuries, has selected a rather strange title “MITT” for his new venture, schedule for release on 30th October’
2002. This being his golden 50th production obviously, numerous of his fans can certainly expect to see the unexpected. Shouldering the responsibility in his 50th production is versatile Tari, Antonette de Calangute, veteran Bonny, talented Aplon, Jaju & Rose Ferns. Comedian Augustinho leads the comedy pair of Vitorino and Crizon to provide the hilarious moments. Carefully selecting his words, Rose Ferns had this to say about the central idea of the plot “ The main plot revolves round a sweet girl who dies soon after her marriage. Her widowed husband goes into a second marriage to fulfil the wishes of his parents. It is here that the plot opens up in full intensity. The title “MITT” is so chosen to metaphorically bring out the human qualities in a person, in this instant case the girl playing the lead role. There is an iota of suspense running through the plot, which will keep the audience in a guessing mind. A part of the play is projected with a flash back effect to enhance the depth of the play.” When asked to comment on any special props or scenes, the
director was not so forthcoming in his admission, but, all he said was “ there’s certainly going to be a treat for the audience, appropriate to the plot- that’s all I can say”. His regular Music Director, Juju has scored the musical score for the play and Juju’s Naughty Boys will churn out something nice assured Rose Ferns. Stage sets, which always are beautiful and appealing in Rose Ferns show will be designed by Tony de Ribandar.
Playwright John D’Silva who has over the years cornered admiration from his fans for his good script writing ability making him the obvious choice for the GULAB Award 2001 for the best script is certainly going to make some loud noise this season with his latest venture “BOVALL”. The show will be released on 1st November 2002. The cast includes, Ida, Carmen-Elvis, Antush, Mathew, Jose de Velim and Selvy. John himself together with Selvy will provide the laughter pills in the comedy roles. Says John sumarising his plot “ Bovall is a family drama with an entirely different theme so far not projected on the konkani stage. Special emphasis is given to the script and the story line is with an intellectual finish. The presence and supremacy of God the creator is greatest of all and this is what is highlighted in this play. Though mankind has made tremendous progress in every field with science and technology bringing about a new revolution, yet, the power of prayer and faith in God is something that has no parallel. This is a different story a challenge between an atheist and a God fearing man with an off-beat ending unlike my other plays.” Not elaborating much on any special scenes, he quipped “ special scenes significant to the plot will be presented”. This incidentally is the 13th production of John D’Silva, and whether it’s going to propel him upwards to the top position and be a Lucky 13 for him, only time will tell.
The 3 show old new director in town Mario Menezes winner of the GULAB 2001 Best Director Award has a unusual title ‘MHOJI MAIM MHOJI DUSMAN” for his latest venture releasing on 26th October’2002. He was a little reluctant to give us the story line but assured that the story is very much appealing with Rosy Alvares playing the lead role. It’s a family drama, was all that he said. Mario also claims that Rosy’s role has all the potential of fetching her the Gulab best actress award. Incidentally, Mario plays the father and son of Rosy Alvares and Rosy plays the mother and daughter of Mario Menezes. Quite puzzling isn’t it? Ali and Lawry make up the other artists.
The comedy is a triangular affair led by versatile comedian Ben Evangelisto together with Ambe and newcomer Fernando who makes his debut as a professional comedian in ‘MMMD’. Unlike his earlier shows, Mario this time plays a major role. Another new comer into his troupe is Agnes who created ripples a few years ago after making her debut in Agostinho’s ‘Suseg’. Agnes makes an attempt at a comeback after lying low for some seasons. The music is composed and arranged by Norman & Diniz while the audience is certainly going to feast their eyes on some 5 special scenes. Knowing that his earlier shows had some really appealing scenes, one can surely look forward to expect a better presentation this time.
2 photos of Marion M & John D'Silva.
Photos by: Daniel F. de Sousa
- Presented by Uly Menezes & Gaspar Almeida
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