URKU  A LITMUS TEST FOR MARIO MENEZES


         If Mario Menezes' 'He Chukik Bhogsonnem Asa?' was a runaway hit staging close to 117 shows last season despite it's negative ending, then his current show 'Uprant Roddon Kiteak Upkarta' (URKU) was a litmus test for this Tragedy King who has taken over the mantle of Writer/Director. And the test I must say is a sure success, proving all his critics wrong. His earlier show bagged him the prestigious 'GULAB Award 2001' for the Best Director, an award that has received wide recognition from the konkani speaking masses. Many however may not know that in 1994 Mario had also bagged the Best Director Award for his tiatr 'Goa Bandh' staged at the Kala
Academy drama competition with the drama itself clinching the first place at the competition. This only goes to show that Mario's inherent talents as a progressive Director are blooming at the right time.

Considering the above, his current production under the banner of Menezes Theatres is his third venture and this Director who has taken a vice like interest in scripting plays is already working on his next venture. 'Uprant Roddon Kiteak Upkarta'? is a plot woven round the maxim 'No point crying over spilt milk'. But it has the necessary ingredients of comedy, tragedy, and finally a message to the viewers. It's a story that has 9-year-old child artist Eunazia at the center of the plot. And for a school going
nine year old,  Eunazia has given a memorable performance doing full justice to the focal point role in the play. She exudes a lot of confidence and emotes well in a very touching and defining role.

The play has as at the time of reviewing already crossed the half-century mark and steadily moving ahead with shows lined up at regular intervals in the major towns of Goa. Besides, the show is scheduled to do a lengthy round of the Gulf States soon. The Director informs me Mumbai and surrounding areas are also on his itinerary. URKU, highlights the plight of middle class family, where the father (played by Lawrie) a retired Seaman is totally irresponsible and negligent towards the welfare of his loved ones. He is deep into gambling and drinking. His elder daughter  Reina, (Rosy Alvares) a State Ranker aborts her further studies to take up a job to augment the family income and more so to meet the medical expenses of her younger sister (Eunazia) who is to undergo a heart surgery. It is a tale of sacrifice centered round the life threatening sickness of Eunazia, but I do not wish to give a further insight into the plot, for it may spoil the charm of enjoying it live on stage.

Performance: The cast has given a good account of their professional  abilities. While Lawrie is natural and realistic in his character role as the father, Meena as the mother excels as a middle class housewife. Her costumes are befitting her role throughout the play. Rosy Alvares is as inspiring and full of life as always. Another good performance comes from dashing actor Ali in the role of a villain. His portrayal of a stinking rich spoilt and boisterous young brat is realistic. He deserves a pat for his flashing outfits, suiting the character he plays. The Director Mario plays a rather small supportive role alongside Rosy Alvares, this I feel is perhaps to concentrate more backstage. Nevertheless, his contribution is equally important to the plot.

Comedy: The comedians Ben Evangelisto and Ambe weave out a interesting issue based comedy tale throughout the play. There is no overdose of comedy, nor is there a stalemate.  The comedy sequence progresses steadily keeping pace with the main plot. Here, Ben takes the cake for his imaginative characterization and natural flair as a comedian. However, at the end of it all one feels there was ample room for a little more of  the comedy substance. But, finally it is the Director's prerogative afterall.

Music:  The Music by Norman Diniz is something that you will talk about with interest at the end of the play. Besides, the pleasing musical scores, the background music deserves high rating.  Optimum intelligent use of the keyboards is clearly audible, and the drummer Manuel has done an excellent job with his timely effective interludes. This further enhances the overall performance and is a very encouraging change.

Direction: Mario has taken pains to bring forth an above average presentation. Having been voted the best Director, he has proven his worth once again. Good care is taken with respect to the costumes worn by all the  characters in the play. They match with the characters they depict.  The stage sets are okay, as also the special effects scenes that are presented are quite artistic.

         Overall the play is fairly good and considering it is certainly  heading for the Diamond mark, one can say Mario  Menezes  as a Director has stood the test well.  Because, for a new Writer/Director 75 plus shows is no mean achievement, it is a proof good enough to justify that the audience has accepted him in his new 'avatar' specially when the present audience is intelligent and will not settle for anything below the standard. Though the future looks bright for Mario, he has to certainly strive to maintain the standard of his script and improve even further.

Daniel F. de Souza