TIATRO "IN OR OUT" BY SIMON GONSALVES.

Yesterday at Kala Academy Hall in Panjim, at 7.35 PM I saw the new Tiatro “IN OR OUT” written by Simon Gonsalves who unfortunately was not present to direct his own Tiatro since he had to rush back to London on emergency basis entrusting the task of directing it into the hands of Willy. Though the hall was not packed yet the attendees who attended this Tiatro yesterday were happy to witness this Tiatro and enjoy it.

Singing opening song: Philip Almeida and Comeian Jannet 

Simon Gonsalves is a good script writer whom I know in Kuwait where he worked a number of years before migrating to UK a few years back.  His specialty lies in a Premkumarian manner in decorating his Tiatros which he staged in Kuwait, in the beautiful Scenes.  This is exactly he does also in this Tiatro where he showed some beautiful and impressive scenes namely the Plane flying in the Sky and the accident of the Van.

In Kuwait he beautified a few Tiatros of the late Rosary Ferns with the excellent scenes of which type none has showed before.  Though Rosary Ferns Tiatros were really excellent scriptwise and of which type none of the current Tiatrists scripts yet Simon Gonsalves’ beautiful scenes gave an added booster to those few Tiatros.

Xavier Gomes singing his solo 

In the photograph printed in the Tickets, the faces of some of the tiatrists printed there did not participate in this Tiatro even though from the photos published they were bound to participate unless the director wants to fool the audience or cheat those tiatrists by simply publishing their photographs without their consent to pull the crowd.  This should be stopped henceforth because  this is nothing but cheating with intentional chicanery.  The organizers and directors  of such Tiatros should not think Tatro goers are idiots like them who take the Tiatro goers for granted.  And secondly  it is also the responsibility of those Tiatrists whose photos are published in the advertisements to see to it that their photos are published with their consent in which case they are obligated to be present for the Tiatros on the stipulated dates. Otherwise they too become the partners in the crime.

Singing his solo "Airportar Pulic Meeting"

Some Tiatrists have dirty habit to accept 2 or even 3 Tiatros  on the same day and even at the same time but when their time come to perform they make mess of a their performance thus spoiling their own image and that of the director and organizers. 

The story of this Tiatro is nice which gave lot of information of the life in London.  It also tells the greatness of Portuguese government of giving Portuguese Passports facility to Goans. The story dwells more time in London and in simple terms it conveys the message saying “if you do good you will go IN Heaven and if you do bad you will go OUT in Hell.

Scene where Willy and Jessica are seen

All the artistes played their part well but Willie and Jessica Gomes gained the hearts of the audience.  Jessica played the double role but in the second part of her double role she goofed at many counts. First of all she failed to indicate her status of the mother by not even applying little white powder to her black hair to give a semblance of her advancing in age, neither she did remove her make-up of her first part because of this she looked more younger. While speaking her  voice did not sound her to be an elderly woman a mother of a grown-up daughter and her walking posture and pace looked like that of an athlete.  Otherwise her role as a spinster and epically in the hospital bed along with Willy was excellent deserving the Rs.2000/- present given to her by a member of the audience.

Singing a quarter: Jannet-Caetan-Philip -Benny

Similarly the role played opposite to her as her husband also the second part in the double role commits the same type of goof otherwise his first part was ok.  The role played by attractive Willy was appreciated specially the part he played as a lover of Jessica slipping himself in the arms of his dying lover was excellent. 

Cajetan de Curtorm singng his solo

Bunty whom I saw for the first time played his role opposite to Nelishe was good however Nelishe was not audible with clarity and because of this much of her excellence disappeared. Philip Almeida’s role of a Hindu was excellent especially when it reaches to its crescendo where describes his action of killing the politician.  But among all, Juju playing the role of a Minister gains the tremendous limelight in this role, his expressions, actions and dress code were superb befitting the Minister’s character. He brought an extra colour to this play. 

  

The comedy part played by all the three ace comedians namely comedian Jannet, comedian Agostinho Temudo and comedian Bach’chan was superb especially in the later part where Bach’chan was at his best while comedian Agostinho was more of a philosophical and comedian Jannet was the supreme in all respect. The most seasoned and experienced comedian she is deserves highest accolades.

Benny de Aldona singing his solo

The director of this Tiatro as per my information was Willie who in the absence of Simon Gonsalves who had to fly back to UK due to unavoidable circumstances deserves compliments for shouldering this responsibility with care and discipline.  In this connection, let me recount one most  memorable incident of how in an emergency case  a last minute substitute director staged a Tiatro in Bombay. It was an incident taken place about 80 years back. The legendary Minguel Rod after getting drunk in Bombay slept on the ground only at Cross Maidan keeping the script with him while going to stage his Tiatro. After waiting for the director Minguel Rod for long and having no other choice and to pacify the restless audience, his right hand man Master Vaz – father of Marcus Vaz – took the responsibility on his shoulders and started the Tiatro under his direction and that too even without the script which was lying with Minguel Rod who was woken up by some of the Tiatro goers returning home after watching this Tiatro.

                                         














A comedy scene where Bach'chan-Jannet-Agostinho are seen

The Side Show songs were good in which both the solos of Benny de Aldona were nice especially the second one “Surprise” so also his quarter along with comedian Jannet, Philip Almeida and Cajetan de Curtorim; after a long time I saw a quarter and it looks the revival of quarters is come.  Earlier, Alexinho de Candolim used to introduce quarters in his Tiatros.  The solo “Tiatrist Director” by Caetan de Curtorim was worth admiring so also “Nossai” by Marcus Vaz and “Tarvotti” by Bunty. But among all the solos, Xavier Gomes’ solo on “Goenchem Ghor” was the best and very informative and meaningful which he rendered with perfect clarity.  But the only thing which is not palatable of him was the way he takes his entry with a sprint of an Olympian which I feel not necessary. I am sure he must have noticed how gracefully M. Boyer, Alfred Rose, Remy Colaco and Alexinho de Candolim used to take their entry on the Stage.

Anther scene where willy & Nelishe are seen

My congratulations to Simon Gonsalves for scripting this nice Tiatro and Willy for directing it.

  

                                                  Bunty is seen singing his solo


A.Veronica Fernandes.

THREAT ALSO FOR LEGAL CONSTRUCTION IN CANDOLIM?

In Candolim at Dando, yesterday, there was much noise when North Goa Planning and Development Authority headed by Calangute constituency MLA Michael Lobo, sent its representative R.K Pandita to check the construction done in the Compound of Mrs. Mathias the mother of Mr. Roshan with an intention to facilitate punitive action since according to this Authority this construction  was built illegally in the CR Zone.

One of the locals seen discussing with Mr. Pandita

According to my information this construction was done in 1989 much before the CRZ came into being and since this is the case the term illegality does not apply to this construction. However, it is surprising that how the authorities concerned remained silent for such a long period over this issue and suddenly now only got up so shamelessly?  Is it a sign of revenge and vindictiveness against Mr. Roshan who is a member of local Forum that is fighting against those people who are with the help of their official status in the elected bodies are doing corruption by usurping the land from the Comunidade and other sources?   

Where are all the Candoikars gone now especially the prominent ones and why they are silent on this matter when the PDA is all out to harm  the constructed piece of Mrs. Mathias who is a genuine Goan?  For Ghanttis the Goan Ghattis in the Panchayat and Legislative Assembly close their eyes for illegal construction they do but for Goans they immediately oppose.  These Goan Ghattis are so corrupt that for the greed for bribe money they will do anything even they will dole their wives for these Ghanttis. Most of our Panchayats and Sarpanches are Ghanttis including the one below my nose who is threatening a local from his village that he will use Goonddas to beat him!! From here you can make out the quality of our elected village leaders. Is it right for a Sarpanch to use such threatening language?  Is it right for a Sarpanch to talk such a rude language? 

Roshan and Dalvi seen in discussion with Pandita

It is really surprising to note here that so many constructions are done and still under construction which are illegal but why there is no objection?  Is the local political leader unaware of all these illegal  constructions?  Why he is silent over these? And by the way, are all his constructions which he already erected done with due legal process?  Is he  not responsible to allow mushrooming of illegal constructions by the Ghanttis in his village by paying the Panchayat bribe which is shared among all the members?  In this way thru the bribe money these Ghantti local leaders amassed huge wealth and with the help of this illegally acquired wealth these rascals are threatening the locals like the one mentioned above.  This bloody rogue when he came to Goa a few years ago from Ghanttar he had no place even to sleep but he is now after 2/3 terms in the local Panchayat by looting became a crorepoti. There should be thorough investigation to know from where he amassed his wealth when he was always a “Bekar Loudi".  It is this type of rogues who should be reprimanded and not the persons like Rohan Mathias.  And even if Rohan is guilty (that he is not is a different matter) he should be allowed to go scot free because he is a Goan and being so he should be accorded preferential treatment.

Personnel seen measuring the so called illegal structure

Now according to my latest information, the local Panchayat Body in collaboration with the local MLA is targeting all the local Goans with the notices of illegal constructions in order  to frighten them from opposing of wrong-doings by the elected representatives in the village. If this is the case then I feel Salazar Raj is still prevailing in Goa with the help of elected Salazars though the original Salazar was not elected.  

In view of this, all the justice lover Candoicars must join together to oppose this type of arrogant policy of revenge and vindictiveness exhibited by the elected Salazars.  I am surprised how an unknown entity named Samir Krishna Govekar residing at Khobravaddo Calangute complained to the authority concerned that the construction of Mathias is illegal? Is he not implanted by the interested persons?  What is his interest in this construction in Candolim? And did anyone checked if this same Govekar is totally free from any illegality?  This should be probed. All my friends, colleagues and acquaintances especially from Khobravaddo, Calangute must ask this Govekar why he is working against Goans.  By the way is this Govekar first of all, a Goan?  All the Goa lover Calangutkars especially known to me must question this Govekar why he interfered in this matter.  If today in Candolim then tomorrow he will do the same thing in Khobravaddo and elsewhere in Calangute.  Cngttkars must be ready to face this Govekar.  This construction that was built in the Compound of Mathias is not a hindrance and obstacle to anyone.  If he is so conscious of such matters then why he cannot do the same in his own Khobravaddo and elsewhere in Calangute where there are innumerable illegalities?  Can he display his courage by doing similarly in Calangute?  

Now I would also request the local Church  authorities and church leaders to come out of its silence and broker a peace in this conflict because Church leaders can do anything to eradicate the bad blood currently existing in our village where Catholics are the centre piece and since our local Church leader is  like  fatherly figure, he should come forward.  Besides,  it would be better if all the persons involved in this confusion are brought to their senses especially the Catholic elected representatives who by being revengeful and vindictive are bringing disgrace not only on them but also on the Catholicism. They should be told in bold words that they are a shame on Catholicism because Catholicism does not allow such ideas, these ideas are sinful and and as such they should not be implemented. These ideas of revenge and vindictiveness are meant only for the Satanic persons and not for true Catholics especially those who are having priests in their families. It is a shame for the priests to have people in their families who on the strength of their official position are taking their personal revenge which is not correct, they are elected not to take their personal revenge on others. These revengeful elected representatives must think what was the fate of their colleagues who were acting revengeful when they were in power but once out of power they were fish out of water - big jokers.

A.Veronica Fernandes.           

      

                                                               

MEMORIES OF OPINION POLL.

51 Years back exactly during this time, the mergerists of Goa with Maharastra were very certain of their victory. My eldest brother Cheddo by name was an employee of Goa Police and an ace footballer of Goa Police team.  A few weeks before the Opinion Poll, Goa Police football team went to participate in the All India Police Cup Tournament held at Bhopal. In the encounter with the Maharashtra Police team, thru the dazzling game of my brother, the Maharashtra team was sent home earlier. 

After the match, the team Manager of Maharastra a ranking officer requested my brother to join them immediately but my brother like me being a fanatic Goan, refused to join the Maharastra Police.  For this, the team Manager of Maharashtra Police Team told my brother with pride and certainty that “very shortly you will have to join us because in the Opinion Poll, your Goa will be ours since we will  surely  win the Opinion Poll”.

Mr. Sujay Gupta, The Group Editor of Herald Group, on Edit page 2 of Herald dated 14.01.18  makes an excellent reference to my work during the time of Opinion Poll. 

Now, I will add one incident here to tell how I risked my life along with others.  It was a week before the Poll when we were heading in the Cycle Rally to Mapusa on Friday at 11.00 AM to demonstrate our solidarity with the slogan “Goa for Goans”  Our dynamic leader Pedro Coutinho from Calangute who has contributed more than anybody else from that area for the victory of anti-mergerists, was leading the Rally in his Car. Suddenly, one friend of Pedro, Mr. Govind from Arpora and a strong supporter of mergerists sensing something terrible will happen, came from Mapusa where he saw with his own eyes Goondas with Swords brought from Maharastra to frighten the Goans. Along with them, the mergerists headed by Dayananda Bandodcar also brought from Maharastra the live Lions.

Knowing Pedro was a deadly guy giving “jivak Jiv”, Govind pleaded with Pedro near the Bodweswar Temple not to proceed to Mapusa Market and begged with Pedro to return to Calangute with all the young boys like me who took part in that Cycle Rally. I also saw some fisherwomen from Calangute returning home  on foot without even selling fish of one paisa saying “Jiv aslear bhik magon khait” and adding further “ why to risk our life”. In this situation they said why to put their lives into danger in front of hired Goondas by the MGP.

    

I joined that Rally by bunking my class at St. Joseph’s High Scool, Arpora where the next day I was punished with 2 canes on each of my palms.  That was the only once I received the corporal  punishment about which I still feel proud though this punishment is very small compared to the magnitude of Opinion Poll. 

  

A.Veronica Fernandes .

     

PROTEST BY MUSICAL WARRIORS IN OLD GOA.

On Sunday, the 14^th of this month, at 10.30 AM, a protest meeting was held by the followers of the late Fr. Bismark under the banner of Musical Warriors, at Old Goa next to the monument of Gandhiji where it was quoted Gandhiji saying “Religions are different routes leading to the same destination”.  Incidentally, all those who gathered there on behalf of Musical Warriors and their supporters according to my observation belonged to the different religions even the passers-by halting there to listen to what was spoken there. 

Some of the tourists who gathered there were from Karnataka knowing not that this gathering was for stopping Parricar government from sharing  River Madhei water with Karnataka thereby depriving Goans of their rightful share of water. Listening to the speeches by the speakers Dalvi and Kennedy, these Karnataka tourists expressed their view to me saying “you are right in fighting for your rights”.  

The protest meet started with the speech of Dalvi expressing their purpose to gather there. Unfortunately, it is very sad that for every genuine demand of genuine Goans, the genuine Goans have to come on to the streets since peacefully nothing we Goans can get from our governments. 

Our elders most of them were “Lembdde” of Bharati regime while others were ignorant and they were all shouting at the top of their voices with happiness and joy on 19^th December 1961 and later on that we now got the democracy and the dictatorship is consigned to the fire once and for all.  But according to me where is democracy in Goa? We are still fighting for our rights from the new Salazar in the name of Parricar who is worse than the real Portuguese Salazar who being a dictator still gave keen hearing to the Goan voice while this new Goan Salazar is listening only to the Delhi and Karnataka BJP voice. 

Portuguese Salazar protected the interest of all Goans while Goan Salazar killed the Goan interests because he is an anti-Goan and anti-Christian while Portuguese Salazar was pro-Goan and genuine secular for this reason he gave the facility of Portuguese Passport for all Goans irrespective of their religions and not for Christians only. For this reasons children and grand children of those who were hating Salazar and Portugal are now enjoying the benefit of Portuguse Passport.

Kennedy in his speech explained the importance of Madhei river Water for Goans and why we should protect it for us. He also participated in musical items like playing the guitar and singing songs along with others such as Saby and Roshan while violonist Parab coming from Bombay where he plays for Bollywood Films.  Being a non-Goan, he strongly supports our cause and even in the future if he is available, he promised to participate in this movement.

Among the politicians, only one that is, Reginald of Congress Party participated while as somebody asked  jokingly “all others died”? Where is the maker of “Goem-Goemkar-Goemkarpon” gone? Goans must know that goan proverb “Zogzogta titleim bhangar nhoi mhonn”.

The slogans given durng the meet were as;Amchem Goem Amkam zaem.  Amchem udok amkam zai.  Amchi Madhei Amkam zai. Etc. 

Around 12 noon the protest ended but innumerable people witnessed it and its makers.

A.Vronica Fernandes.

WE NEED TO BE SERIOUS TO DEVELOP FOOT-BALL IN GOA.

Congratulations to FC Goa for their victory against Jamshedpur FC on 11^th of this month at Fatorda Ground, Goa.  My full admiration to Lanzarote for scoring both the goals of FC Goa but the second one was just a class by itself and his ingenuity. However, discipline wise he proved to be very bad having no control over his temperament. Having played in the West in more grueling competitions he should have taken this tournament in good strides. Losing his temper for any trivial incident that is very common in the game like soccer is his weakness which he should correct or his coach should reprimand him as was done to the great midfielder of Brazil of 1970 World Cup winning team, by his Team Manager.

Arguing with the referees especially by the Western players as it is seen in this tournament, proved how low they consider the Indian umpires though the Indians are lacking in wielding strong control over these matches. Psychologically the Western players are having very low opinion of the Indian Referees and since this is the case the organizers must introduce Western Referees to supervise the matches of this tournament. During Portuguese rule in Goa, the Pakle footballers used to defy the decision of Goan Referees and because of this many of the encounters had to be abandoned. Those Portuguese Pakles had very low opinion of Goan Referees because many times these Goan Referees were guilty of wielding strong control of the situation. By the way, the decision of awarding penalty to Goa against Jamshedpur FC was the right decision because infringement in the box is penalty.  The equalizer of Jamshedpur FC was absolutely the mistake of Goa’s defense that left the 3 opponents totally unmarked to score the equalizer.

The greatest weakness of FC Goa is their defense where every defender acts as dribbler in his own goalmouth.  Such tactics are risky. The greatest Brazilian Coach, Tele Santana in 1982 World Cup in Spain, made the biggest mistake by not prohibiting his defenders from dribbling the ball in their own citadel instead of releasing the ball first time to safer area, against Paolo Rossi’s Italy and thus exiting miserably from that World Cup. In fact that year’s Brazilian squad consisted of the mighty players as never seen before neither in Brazil nor in the World elsewhere. Even the 1970 Brazilian World Cup winning squad and keeping the Jules Rimet Trophy for good for Brazil by winning it for the third time, was not as powerful as this 1982 squad.

It was known in Brazil that year in 1982 that Brazil squad was certain to win that year’s final and for this reason many well wishers of this squad in Brazil while leaving for Spain to participate in the 1982 tournament hailed them as World Champions in advance only.  But ultimately something different happened in Spain when Brazil  were  defeated by Poulo Rossi’s Italy when in fact Paolo Rossi scored the magnificent hat-trick that finally sent Brazil squad straight to home empty handed. Some of the magnificent players of that Brazilian 1982 squad were Zico – Socrates – Eder – Serginho – Junior.  I am yet to see again another Eder. That squad was beautifully groomed into a perfect homogeneous entity by their great Coach Tele Santana whose knowledge of this game was extremely high.  Besides he was the very good reader of this game.    

The management of FC Goa by using Goa’s name, fame and image should rise to the occasion and hire at least a top first division German or English or South American Coach by keeping at his disposal all the requirements needed to produce the first class outfit where more Goans are made to fit in the team. This year FC Goa lacks more Goan players when Goan players should have been given greater representation taken into consideration the name of the team.  The management of FC Goa should not think they got the name on Rent. Every second player of FC Goa is a non Goan, why is this and who is responsible for this? 

The huge number of vociferous Goan spectators supporting and applauding the FC Goa has anytime realized the injustice done to the indigenous Goan players by the commercial oriented management of FC Goa?  The Goan spectators should not give an impression that they are also hired by the  FC Goa management. Are there no footballers in Goa to represent FC Goa? Is Goa otherwise so rich in producing soccer players suddenly gone bankrupt in this field?  And by the way, what efforts the non-Goan owners and management of FC Goa made to produce indigenous players to represent FC Goa?  I must caution the  current non-Goan owners of FC Goa that the name of Goa is not for sale nor for rent and they should not misuse the very good image of Goa in soccer to gain them commercially and politically. 

Goa may be small in length and breadth but surely very wide and big in the field of soccer producing finest players of which type India is yet to produce. The achievement of Goa in this field are worth admiring. The first match played in Goa under flood lights was somewhere in 1956 which was very early. The Arpora School of St.Joseph’s High School, had the unique distinction to play against the visiting German soccer team in 1946 proving that even the standard of school soccer teams in Goa was high. Some of the Goan players after developing in Goa went to Bombay and Africa and earned name and fame for them as best players.  The football is running along with the blood in the veins of Goans and as per Goan tradition the first toy given to the new born Goan child is a small ball.    

  

From the events taking place it looks to me the owners of FC Goa, the owner of Casino is not much interested in developing Goan soccer, I have a feeling his interest in taking over FC Goa was only to promote his business by gaining the goodwill of Goans and besides the money collected from the sinful Casino will never help Goa to develop Goan soccer.  Sin and development will never go together specially in the land that is dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier calling it “Saibachem Goem”. It is an insult to St. Francis Saib to use money collected from his land thru sinful methods to utilize it for the spread of soccer.   As a priest, I am sure St. Francis Xavier  must have played soccer as a seminarian and as such he must surely have love for this sport but he will never bless the spread of this game financed thru sinful money.

However, inspite of what I said above, money should not be a hindrance in India to develop soccer by hiring top players and coaches from all around the globe preferably from UK or Germany or Argentina.  To do this, the organizers and promoters of current soccer teams must be ready to spend money if they are really interested in developing our football in the country.     

                       

 A.Veronica Fernandes.

  

ACCUMULATE FUND FOR GOAN CAUSES.

Konkani language issue would not easily gain the success and Goa would not easily get the Statehood if the Kuwait Goans in particular and the Gulf Goans in general would not pour money in the Konkani movement in Goa to fight for this cause.  I went to Kuwait for employment in March 1975 and immediately after landing in Kuwait I embarked on the promotion of Goan causes, the first cause I  took was of Konkani knowing its imperativeness to get Statehood for Goa to eradicate once and for all the fear of merger of Goa with Maharastra. We worked for Konkani movement because only on the basis of Konkani recognition, Goa would get the Statehood because Indian States are formed on the basis of languages i.e. one language – one State.

In view of this in 1979 we formed in Kuwait, Novem Goem Pratishtan Kuwait Somiti to raise fund for People’s Daily “NOVEM GOEM” in Konkani, in both the scripts, Roman and Nagri, to be established in Goa.  The total cost of this whole project was as estimated by Novem Goem Pratishtan -  A Trust formed for this project in Goa - was 5 lakhs of which one lakh rupees for Romi Daily and when this fund collection from the public reaches to 5 lakhs, NGP assured to starts the Nagri script also. 

   

From Kuwait itself within a very short time we collected 1 lakh thru personal donations and by organizing social activities mainly the Tiatros where every Tiatrist participated without taking any fees.  Later on by keeping the momentum intact we managed to collect almost or a little less than 5 lakhs. Besides our brothers and sisters in other parts of the Gulf mainly Abu Dhabi  also collected some fund for this cause.  But what was regrettable was the dormancy displayed in this matter by our brothers and sisters in the West who showed total negligence in contributing anything for this.  It is not enough to say “Oh our Goa is gone” but to prevent it from going what have we done?  Organising parties, Goa Day functions and celebrating  the feast of St. Francis Xavier and then gathering in the hall for the ballroom dance by drinking alcohol and eating Goan Sorpotel will not prevent Goa from going into the hands of Indian Ghanttis. By selling our ancestral houses and properties to the Indian Ghanttis and with the help of Portuguese Passports settling in the West we will never save Goa from going into the hands of our enemies. 

Besides, we from Kuwait itself raised funds for so many other causes namely for Direct Flight from Kuwait to Dabolim, for Goa Cancer Hospital at Donapaula – as per my information it was around 20 lakhs, for helping the runaway maids from Kuwaiti houses to avoid persecution from the Kuwait bosses and madams and many others.  These issues needed money urgently at that time and we fulfilled our obligations by our financial assistance. I was instrumental in raising funds for most of those causes while for others by being on forefront in providing my total assistance. Because of so deeply involving in the Goan causes there was too much of strain on my health, life security and on my personal finance because of which I had to deny so many amenities to my family.

The last major cause I was about to handle with Mathanay Saldanha was to raise fund and accumulate it to create Land Bank.  The purpose of this was to prevent the Indian Ghanttis from purchasing Goan land and thereby acquiring the ownership of Goa just as Jews did in Palestine and became the owners of Palestine. But due to many reasons I could not move further in this matter though we both me and Mathanay Saldanha on his own initiative had dicusion on this topic.  The idea was like this:  I will take care of Kuwait to collect as donation KD 1.000 from every willing Goan from Kuwait and in the similar manner entrust somebody in other parts of the Gulf including in the West.

Now I am no more in Kuwait and in Goa my health is wavering, body parts and organs are malfunctioning, instead of walking straight I am walking slanting, the last stage of my life as Shakespeare mentioned in his last drama “As you like it” meaning Sans Teeth –Sans Eyes – Sans Limbs - looks approaching very fast.  Though I am physically from Kuwait unable to collect and create more funds for many of our causes in Goa  which require financial help yet I have strong faith in my colleagues and friends whom I bade adieu 4 years back while leaving Kuwait for good, that they will do this job much better than anybody because during my long stay in Kuwait I have with my colleagues already laid a strong base conducive to collect fund for any good cause in Goa.

Patriotic Goans in  Kuwait like Domnick Araujo, Domnick Fernandes, Gasper Almeida, Gasper Crsto, Carmo Santos, Salvador Dias, Fidelis Fernandes, B.M. Viegas and many others should join together under one banner and organize functions and collect fund for this cause.  Then deposit it in their name only and disburse it as and when required for the good causes in Goa of course after ascertaining the worth of these causes. Many of the activists in Goa are starving for finance because they have zero in their pockets but they have abundant talent to move forward, I know them very well, whenever possible I lend them my meager financial support, but this is not enough. 

Government in Goa is very powerful and doing too much injustice against Goa, Goans and Christians more.  We have obligation to protect our interest and not just talk  saying “Goem atam gelem” or “Makam kiteak poddlam?” Makam ani Tukam poddonkna tor konnank poddlam?  Ghanttiank? Tor faleam Goem Ghanttiancheam hathin poddtoch maguir roddonakant.  These today’s Ghanttis in Goa tomorrow they will become Goans and the day after tomorrow they will become our bosses and masters and then they will make us as their slaves.  This is a very serious issue about which very few Goans apply their minds.  The Government of Goa is least bothered on this issue because Parricar’s BJP Government like MGP earlier is anti-Goan, anti – Christian. This government is ready to invest all its resources to deChristianise Goan Christians and time for this is not very far.  BJP under Parricar has already succeeded in Hindunising three of his Christian MLA’s. And given a further opportunity he will convert all his Christian colleagues in the Goa Legislative Assembly into hard core Hindus.   

In Goa still some important activities are left to be conducted and for these activities financial assistance is required. There are groups here in Goa that  are waging a strong war on injustice done to Romi Konkani and when time comes they may require financial help to carry forward their movement and at that right time they may approach us Romivadis for help.  At this time we must be prepared to support our brothers to move forward by supplying the required financial tonic. At this time we cannot remain as silent spectators.  We have obligations to help those who are helping the Goan causes.  I have strong confidence that our Kuwait brothers will not let us down by disowning their responsibility by saying “MAKAM KITEAK PODDLAM”.  If this is going to be the answer then we have no right to call ourselves as Goans.  Similarly there are other important issues which are handled by different activists to protect Goan environment, to prevent the harmful effect of Coal in Vasco, to protect the rights of the indigenous Goans  and many more such issues.  These activists are to be supported and by what means?  It is only thru our financial assistance.

A.Veronica Fernandes. 

                

NEW TIATRO "THANK YOU GOD" BY PAL SOARES.

NEW TIATRO “THANK YOU GOD” BY PAL SOARES.

Yesterday 7^th of this mnth I had the previllege to watch the new Tiatro “THANK YOU GOD” written and directed by one of the best playwrights among the Tiatro writers and directors, Pal Soares who is especially come to Goa to stage this Tiatro, from Lndon where he is working there. 

Seen above is Pal Soares thanking his troupe and the audience

Much to my expectation this Tiatro reached to its nadir story wise, of course as usual.  His earlier Tiatros were also had great quality in them. Pal Soares currently carry the unique distinction of keeping the tradition of writing best of Tiatros as they were written earlier by our gigantic Tiatrists.  His topics are totally different from what we cheaply nowadays get in the Tiatro industry and the greatness of his Tiatros lies in the beautiful “Cantos” he introduces in his Tiatros just as he did in this Tiatro.  

Olga Vaz seen singing her solo on Goan communal Politics

The Play was vehemently shouldered on their shoulders by all the participating artistes among whom I can easily rate the performance  of Chitra as the best where with her majestic personality and appropriate acting she wins the hearts of the audience by playing the role of the wisdomatic mother.  Never ever before I saw her at her best as it was in this Tiatro where Pal Soares ceated her the most appropriate role.  In this role, she really displays her maturity and experience she gained during the preceding years. 

Seen above are the New Comedy Queen Ivon and Comedian Jesus

I don’t have the proper words to highlight in the bold capital letters the greatness of Jessica Gomes in enacting her role as the unmarried mother of a child.  Her personality, beautiful looks and appropriate dress code and of course the delivery of her statements rocked the hall which was though not full.  Her conversation and argument with her ex-boyfriend in the second session of the Tiatro were of Hemletic nature and at moments it melted the hearts of the audience.  I saw some in the audience even with tears in their eyes. Her style of delivery and body language and appropriate posture gave better touch to her performance.  The director deserves highest compliments for selecting her for this role.  Earlier, the great C.Alvares used to utilize the talents of the female artistes in a similar manner.

Seen above is Camilo singing his solo on Body Organs

Godwin does justice to his role and especially the short eloquence he delivered on the benefits of Alcholic Anonymous.  I am sure many among the audience must have gained the benefits of what he spoke.  His vocals were very powerful and he excelled in delivering the Cantos.  His dialogues and arguments with his brother Oldrin were superb.  I fail to understand why such smart artistes are not seen in more Tiatros. Like Pal Soares, other prominent directors must also induct in their Tiatros such artistes.  We must encourage them further to rise up and flourish on the Konkani Stage. The small roles played by Cruz Pinto as the father and by Sanaya as the daughter were laudable. The role played by the young girl Francisca as an illegitimate child was very impressive.

Youngster Estenecio singing his solo

It is to the credit of director that every artiste played his or  her role well inspite of the lack of proper rehearsals.  According to my information due to unavoidable circumstances,  Pal Soares at the last moment was to stop staging this Tiatro now but “Thank You God”, with the strong backing of all the artistes he finally took the step to go ahead and because of this, audience like me who are hungry for the good script and good enactment managed to quench our thirst of witnessing a beautiful story. And precisely because of this, I feel those who are interested in watching a Tiatro with good story like what we used to watch from the yesteryear top Tiatrists, they must not miss this Tiatro.  Pal Soares also plays a small role which is liked by the audience.   Jose also played a nice role of a goonda type boy. 

A Scene where the lovely pair of Godwin & Jessica  are seen 

In the Side-Show songs, as usual, Olga Vaz stole the show by rendering a powerful political solo where she tore the BJP Government in Goa under Parricar, into pieces especially for the harassment and persecution they give to the Christians. She even questioned the Christian members of BJP why they kept their silence when Parricar government is working so hard to destroy Christianity in Goa.  She called all the Christians MLA’s of BJP as impotent to raise their voices against injustice done to Christians. She also rendered a nice duet with Anil Pednecar.  Marcos Vaz rendered a song on the effect of the Coal in Vasco. Both the solos of Camilo were well rendered especially the second one on the importance of our organs, namely the Heart, the Brain and Kidneys. Young boy Estencio by rendering a nice solo indicated that another star is already born in the constellation of Konkani Stage.

Anther scene where Pal Soares & Pinto are seen

Musical score for this Tiatro was beautifully provided by James & Shennon and troupe. 

Yet one more scene where Comedians Pitush & Ivon are seen

Though the Tiatro and artistes were good but the director has goofed in starting the Tiatro at 3.15 PM instead of at 3.30 PM as indicated in the Newspaper.

Sanya is seen singing her solo

Though the artistes performed well yet the Mike system was faulty as everything what is said on the stage was not very audible to entire the audience. 

The last scene where the reunion is seen 

Though the artistes performed well yet the Mike system was faulty as everthing what is said on the stage was not very audible to entire the audience. 

                                           Another scene where Jose-Pitush-Ivon are seen 

The Cantos need to be rendered a bit louder, only when Godwin and Jessica rendered them, they were audible.

Congratulations to Pal Soares and his entire troupe. Well done Pal.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

MUSICAL WARRIORS ORGANISE PROTEST.

To condemn the attitude of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parricar in sending a letter to bjp chief in Karnataka, as given to understand, indicating the willingness of Goa to share Madei River water with Karnataka, the Musical Warrior group which was formed under the leadership of the late Fr. Bismarq who was as alleged killed by the Parricar’s agents, a meeting was held in Panjim at the steps of Panjim Church.  This meet was attended by a good number of people coming from different parts of Goa.  Among these people only the two prominent Tiatrists namely Wilmix and his wife Sharon attended but those who rendered songs on Fr. Bismark’s murder and gained money and fame by using the name of Fr. Bismark remained at home.  In fact these people are obliged more to join in this movement because they are the direct beneficiary of the death/murder of Fr. Bismark.  But unfortunately they are selfish Tiatrists, they want to fulfill their obligations first. For this reason, some people distrust the Tiatrists.

It is said that Goa got liberation on 19^th December 1961 ushering in the Democratic era in Goa and uprooting from Goa the Salazarist dictatorship.  It is to be observed by the readers that Goa was not liberated on 19.12.61 and democracy did not dawn on Goa. In fact, as stated by the highest judicial authority of India, that is,  the Supreme Court of India, in its landmark judgment on Pe. Chico Monteiro from Candolim, stated that on 19^th December 1961 Goa was conquered by Bharat Serkar. Hence, the word applied for Goa as liberation is wrong, 19^th December should be called the day of Goa’s Conquest. 

Secondly, actual democracy never came in Goa and Salazarist dictatorial practices never ceased from Goa since the Portuguese Salazar was replaced by a Goan Salazar in Parricar who by discarding the democratic norms used his “dadagiri” in his typical dictatorial manner and without consulting anyone in Goa sent that letter on Madei Water to BJP chief in Karnataka.  By acting unilaterally Parricar acted worst than Salazar as if Goa is his “Azo’s” property. 

It is two years now since Fr. Bismark was, as alleged, killed but still the culprits are not caught when everybody knows who they are.  It is because of the lethargic attitude of Goa government that has no right to rule over Goa when it cannot give life security to Goans.  Just to pass a judgment saying Fr. Bismarq died thru accidental drowning death is not a final answer.  Parricar is become a topmost dictator in Goa, he does not care for anyone even for the Tribunal which is handling the Madei water dispute and when it was under the judicial probe how Parricar can interfere in this matter by sending a letter to Karnataka?   If he was a real democrat, Parricar would have waited for the Tribunal’s result but since he is the dictator he bypassed the authority.  When this is the case, how can we rely on this Goan Salazar? 

Under the leadership of Sudeep Dalvi the musical warriors conducted their proceedings where singing items were performed by Wilmix & Sharon, Sidanath Buyao, Pio Antao, Kennedy, Sudeep Dalvi and others with chorus by others. A.Veronica Fernandes spoke on the Goan Salazar who is worst than Portuguese Salazar.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

TIATRO "AMI KUXAL" BY BRAZ DE PARRA.

Tony - USA seen singing his solo

Yesterday, the 5^th of this month, in Parra, Bardez, at the Church Hall, starting at 7-15 PM, I saw the much talked about Tiatro “Ami Khuxal”, written and directed by the “Umedivont” amateur Tiarist

Braz de Parra who is currently based in Kuwait.  

Saby de Divar is seen  singing one of the best Political solos 

Seen in one of the scenes are Manu-Betty Alvares-Braz de Parra 

This Tiatro was attended by the very good number of audience who were stuck-up to their seats till the end of the Show since the story is very good based on patriotism of a Goan with respect to the Goan land and Goan Houses wrongly sold to the outsiders or non – Goans or migrants whom we also call them as Ghanttis. The superb role of a patriotic Goan played by the director Braz must be appreciated and praised highly.  

Singing a solo

                                        A scene were Lucy Aranha and Teotonio are seen

Though the most of the artistes acted in this Tiatro are non-professional but they have indicated their high caliber of doing their respective roles very  appropriately. In fact they have proved that they are as good as their counterparts, if not better, in the professional segment. Inspite of being an entrant at the last minute, Betty Alvares did her role wonderfully well as the mother. She earlier during her prime career mesmerized the audience with her attractive looks and attractive performance and the same she is still continuing is a great credit to her.  

Seen Sucorro de St. Cruz singing his solo 

The comedy song seen singing

Teotonio’s role of the widower father of his only daughter was excellent that brought an extra colour to the play. His clarity of the tongue and delivery were excellent. The role of Famila as the daughter of Teotonio was spotless as she in her beautiful looks.

Seen singing a solo

                                             A scene where seen are Tony & Sheik Amir

The role of Gloria as an activist was perfectly admirable where she showed her caliber that she is the versatile artiste capable of doing any role and that too with perfection. Manu de Mandur did his role as a villain very well while his colleague Avlon did lend him his good support.

Trio song by Gregory-Domnick de Parra-Aniciedo

Duo singing by Lawry & Braz de Parra

In the comedy part, both Lucy Aranha a Mangalorean actress coming all the way from Kuwait and with ace comedian Mathew produced peals of laughter in the “Mattou” and they both were ably supported by the smart girl Valleny Barreto.  The comedy role played by Mathew indicated that he is as good as any of the current professional comedians.  He is like the late comedian Anthony Mendes with flexible body and with the charisma of the late comedian Jacinto Vaz, he can easily reach to the top spot. By entering the Stage with long intervals he will find it difficult to reach to the top spot. Valleny Barreto whom I see for the first time is very impressive and did her role very well muchlike any of the top professionals. She got all the potentials to reach to the top, of course, given a chance to perform regularly.

A Duet singing by Nivette & Domnick de Parra

In the Side Show songs most of the songs were good especially those rendered by Saby de Divar on Goan politics and since these political songs are very much liked by the audience, the audience enjoyed them.  Both the solos rendered by Rosario de Benaulim were good so also the solos of Tony –USA, Socurro de St. Cruz, duo of Lawry & Domnick de Parra and others.

Congratulations to Braz de Parra and his entire troupe including the musicans.  

A.Veronica Fernandes.