'Konkani drama 'Ghonvdho' to be staged Friday 18th May 2012
Kuwait: Unless you are just obsessive about Tiatrs, the name 'Nazy Rod' might not ring any bells. And that's totally understandable. The most widely recognized Tiatrists tend to be ones who've consistently worked in the mainstream. Ask any casual Joe or Jane, or Pedru or Ladru to name some Tiatr directors, and they'll most likely cite giants like Roseferns, Prince Jacob, Comedian Agustine, and—at least we should hope—Jose Rod and Rosary Ferns.
"Konkani tiatr" in Kuwait is popular for its high Entertainment value. It is a Konkani play that is combined with songs which usually runs to packed houses and is eagerly awaited.
The tiatr lasts for about two to three hours and usually has songs and 7 acts of roughly 15 minutes duration each and has elaborate sets and professional lighting effects. The songs sung in-between were actually meant to fill the gap between the acts however as they are supported by a Western-style band today, many people go to see the songs rather than the main play. The songs are usually independent of the main theme and are based on controversial, current and local issues.
History tells us that the tiatr form was introduced by Lucasinho Ribeiro from the Assagao Village in Bardez who went to Mumbai when he was 27 in 1890 and got a job with the Italian Opera Company. He soon left the job and by translating an Italian Opera word by word he created 'Italian Burgo' the first ever Konkani tiatr. On January 1, 1894 the first performance of the tiatr was held at his native village in Goa.
On April 17, 1892 with four of his friends as actors at Mumbai's New Alfred Theatre, Ribeiro directed the first performance, which was a big success. It spread in Goa after January 1, 1894 when he had the first performance.
After this, many drama groups were formed in Goa and Mumbai and many writers wrote plays especially for tiatr. Ribeiro the creator of Konkani tiatr mostly translated English play into Konkani but Joao Agostinho Fernandes who wrote 27 Konkani tiatrs got the title of Father of Konkani Tiatr as in the first half of the 20th century he put his drama from on a firm footing.
According to the director Nazy Rod, the drama 'Ghonvdho' is woven with a social message and has all the ingredients for a great entertaintment. The best talent in town has been selected and promises to be the most exciting plays Nazy has written till date.
Writer-Director Nazy Rod
Francis de Tuem, the admired Goan singer blessed with a clear and pleasant voice, has carved a niche for himself on Konkani stage. The top-most singer, best known for his political songs, is expected to sing 3 enchanting solos.
The music for the show will be provided by Maestro Shahu and his troupe. Stage-sets and lights will be provided by Thomas while John Furtado will be in charge of the sound system.
