Tiatro "MAIM TUJO UPKARI AUM".

MAIM - TUZO UPKARI HANV. A Tribute To All Mothers.

By: Daniel F. de Souza.

A middle aged widow fighting a long drawn court case to prove that her honest ex-serviceman husband who died fighting the 1971 India-Pakistan war was a patriot and not a traitor, her only son a US returned NRI who has such high regards and love for his mother for all the sacrifices she has done for him that on his return in recognition he authors a book as a tribute to her and names it ‘Maim – Tuzo Upkari Hanv’.

But, with passage of time and change of status this same young man does a volte face and belittles his mother publicly by calling her his servant and to add insult to injury later has the gall to scream ‘I hate you’ with rage and anger in the company of his devilish wife, as the mother’s lifeless dead body lies in the coffin. However, belatedly the reality hits straight and hard and he is made to repent profusely, this in a nutshell sums up the core theme of Rose Ferns new tiatr ‘Maim – Tuzo Upkari Hanv’.

A packed audience at the Gomant Vidya Niketan Margao on Diwali afternoon were glued to their seats for 3 hours watching in anticipation as the story of ‘Maim –Tuzo Upkari Hanv’ unfolded on stage sequence by sequence till it reaches its climax in the very last scene that was the befitting finale for the play.

The plot appears to be quite simple, the usual mother-in-law-daughter-in-law spat and tussle, with the son being the centre of the conflict torn between two women. But, the only difference here is that the mother-in-law is a very loving and submissive woman who has sacrificed everything to give her only son a respectable position in society but at the end of it all she is at the receiving end with her son being a mere spectator and turncoat. The plot too moves at a medium pace till the first half and picks up steam as it progresses into the second installment.

In the beginning it seems to be like any other normal plot that usually highlights such family upheavals between the hi-fi daughter-in-law and the traditional mother-in-law. The difference is in the twist the playwright has given to the plot in the ending with a dash of suspense so as to give it a polished finish to the satisfaction of all. The playwright and director Rose Ferns himself has a brief appearance in the first session of the play but comes out forcefully in the second half which eventually takes the story to a great ending with a befitting message. I do not wish to disclose the story line of ‘Maim Tuzo Upkari Hanv’ in any manner apart from what I have stated in the opening lines. But can safely say the plot has sufficient ingredients to tickle your funny bone as well as activate your tear ducts.

A couple of scenes where the mother is put into embarrassing situations by her only son gives ample reasons to touch your sensibilities, talented Roshan who is called upon to do the widow’s role does full justice to the script. Besides the last climax scene two more scenes that actually melt your heart are the one when Julius (Ulhas Tari) recovers from the serious head injury in the hospital and the reply he gives to the doctor when the latter questions him about the identity of the elderly woman who was constantly praying by his bedside. The other touching scene is the one when (Roshan) comes out with the brief case and coat and hands it over to the advocate (Victor) who is on his way to the court for the hearing of the case which is coming up for final judgment.

The comedy by comedians Seby- Sally-Tony de Ribandar who are blind, deaf and dumb respectively evokes good laughter with Sally being the pick of the lot, his individual skill at comedy stands out among the other two. Though at times it appears that this deaf guy suffers from ‘selective’ hearing for at one time he has to be told a thing three times, but sometimes he can hear clearly at the first instance. Tony de Ribandar too stretches every muscle in the body to bring out the dumb character effectively, a little more combination among all three characters can take this comedy to great heights. Among the many comedy sequences one that brings exceptionally good laughter is the steel ladle quiz episode.

The play has a good number of solos, duets, three trios and one quartet. Among the solos Francis de Tuem takes the cake for his decent solo, Lawrie too impresses with his solo, while Tari wins the hearts of the audience with his well composed decent solo and later being part of the trio. Incidentally Tari has now with passage of time matured well as a more confident solo singer. The quartet with Sally, Roshan, Seby and Peter de Benaulim set to a lively folk tune gave a good fillip to the entertainment turned out to be a hit. So also the comedy trio by Tony-Antonette and comedian Seby was well received. The political Trio by Tony-Lawrie-Tuem has a good punch exposing a certain politician however ending lines of the last chorus rendered by Tuem are certainly debatable. The playwright has well exploited Roshan’s singing talents in the Kantos, but one such kanto sung on the Abba’s English tune Fernando could have been provided better music backup even though otherwise overall the music is fairly good.

‘Maim tuzo Upkari hanv’ will certainly have its own share of audiences and appreciation, yet one may at the end get the feeling that there is something amiss from the usual Rose Ferns production. While three of Rose Ferns’ preceding shows have been super-duper hits, this show still falls short of coming anywhere close to his earlier hit ‘Maim- Tuzo Put Hanv’ which had the added advantage of the revolving stage. But if you truly love your mother and value her for what she is and what she has done…then this show is for you! Please do not miss it. Go ahead book your seat in advance and don’t encourage black marketeering to raise its ugly head, especially so in Margao.

The main ensemble of BLACK

By Gasper Crasto Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, fashion is on the street. Fashion is to do with ideas, the way we think. It is a day in the cinema world, to see a fashion of a different kind. To see what is BLACK Nhesop Atanchem Fashion (Wearing BLACK is a Fashion).

Sure, it is going to be a delight for any nationality to come and watch as ‘BLACK’ will be now screened with English subtitles.

‘BLACK Nhesop Atanchem Fashion’, the Konkani language movie by International Award Winning director T-Bush will be screened on Friday, November 30, 2007 at Hawally Auditorium at 3.00 pm sharp.

The film premiered earlier on August 10, 2007 at Al Masrah, Hawally Auditorium is the first Indian film to be made in Kuwait produced mainly for the Konkani masses.

A music maestro and his five pupils form the heart of this feature film. The five musicians who form the ‘BLACK’ ensemble portray what is wrong, what has changed, and what is inevitable in today’s genre of music and musicians in a sweet, just, humane and interesting melodrama of wit and emotions filmed with a Goan backdrop of traditions and culture.

Kala `academy Award winner for best actor Cajetan Pereira Ipopularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem) has played the role of maestro with unmatched superiority while Salu Faleiro, Comedian Philip, Braz de Parra, Abby and Babbit Dourado are the select artistes of the ensemble in amazing roles.

The theatre comedian, Salu Faleiro who began his career with one-scene glimpses in stage shows has played a cameo role in BLACK. Salu’s ability to make someone laugh genuinely is absolutely great. His body language and dialogue delivery has the core strength of the indigenous. Infact there is something that is peculiar about the roles of Babbit Dourado, Braz, Philip and Salu Faleiro. They represent in their body and speech, the native idiom. While the other stars dressed their part, these actors have delved into the home milieu and come up with performances that carry the essence of originality. They have graduated with ease retaining their links to the native roots intact.

Philip, a young veteran of more than 3 decades on stage, has mastered the art of comedy over the years. His charm and impeccable 'screen presence' captivates the audience in BLACK. "I feel proud to say I’ve never got a bad reception for my roles,” says Philip on his successful performance. He further adds, “I would like to categorize the film as a spectacle of hilarious comedy, wit and emotion weaved together in a simplistic morality. The movie keeps your curiosity alive...”
Babbit Dourado has traversed much distance before he faced the movie camera. “I have fulfilled my dream to play the youth of this generation on screen,” stated Babbit about his role.

Braz de Parra’s role and existence in the movie is simply unforgettable. Winner of Best Singer Kala Academy Award in 1989, Braz also holds credits for the lyrics of ‘BLACK’.

Director of award winning short film in English, 'The Letter' that won the Best Film award at the 2005 London Film Festival, T-Bush has included a crew of Goan and Mangalore-ian artistes for the making of BLACK. The state-of-the-art director has made use of the latest E-Cinema technology for the making of the film.

The movie revolves around a musician who is involved in trivial assignments of traditional music. Culture and music means everything to the self-born maestro who just cannot give up on his passion for music. His effort to persuade the young genre to keep the art living in the face of fading tradition runs to an emotional zenith as the movie unfolds.

SANNY DE QUEPEM CONDOLED IN KUWAIT.

On last Saturday 17th of this month, a condolence meeting was called by the colleagues of Sanny de Quepem which was held at Village Inn, in Kuwait city. Mario Rebello, Fidelis Fernandes, Rosary Ferns, Luis Cardoso and A.Veronica Fernandes took the lead in organizing this meet which was attended by the colleagues and friends of Sanny de Quepem. The meet started at 8.00 p.m. and lasted about two hours. At an outset, a minute silence was observed for the soul of renowned Tiatrist Sanny de Quepem. Special prayer was conducted by Fatima Fernandes for the repose of the departed soul. All the speakers one after the other showered abundant praises on late Sanny de Quepem for his enormous contribution in the promotion of Tiatros in Kuwait.

section of the crowd

In his speech, first Fidelis Fernandes the president of Konkani Heritage Kuwait gave full account of Sanny’s genius in singing and composing beautiful and educative songs. He also described in full the close rapport Sanny had with him. Fidelis concluded his speech by appreciating Sanny’s contribution for the Konkani Musical Shows organized by KHK.

Mario Rebello the Gen. Secretary of Kuwait Konknni Kendr in his speech lauded the good work Sanny de Quepem put in to raise the level of our Tiatro and songs in Kuwait. Mario Rebello in a special way mentioned how Sanny de Quepem worked so hard for the success of last “Songit Sanz” organized by Kuwait Konknni Kendr and on behalf of KKK, MARIO REBELLO ACKNOWLED SANNY’S CONTRIBUTION FOR THE CAUSE OF KKK.

Miss Diana, a young Malyali girl who was a good friend of Sanny, in her speech almost in tears described Sanny’s friendship with her and how Sanny treated her like her own father. She surprised everyone by saying that she always made a point to attend any Konkani show in which Sanny participated because she liked his sweet voice very much. Diana though a Malyali for which she said she was proud but she also stressed in the same manner that she was equally proud to associate with Goans especially the stage artistes. Diana understands Konkani very well and speaks also. She was brought up amongst Goans in Kuwait since her birth.

Rosary Ferns the author of first Konkani CD, first expatriate Goan to release a Konkani Album besides staging about 20 Tiatros, almost equal number of Konkani Albums and innumerable songs, throughout his speech tears in his eyes and with uncontrollable emotions described his closeness with Sanny and how Sanny was helpful for him in organizing his Tiatros and Musical Shows. Sanny was one Tiatrist in Kuwait who stood by Rosary very firmly when Tiatristanchi Sonvstha tried to isolate Rosary on the initiative of one stupid Tiatrist who is an author of disunity amongst Goans in Kuwait. Regretfully, all Tiatrists who blindly supported the stupid Tiatrist in his system of “To Aslear Aum Nachona” also proved to be equally stupid, if not more stupid. Where is justice gone? Only Sanny de Quepem had to fight openly for justice? It is disgusting to listen to the songs of some Tiatrists in Kuwait singing in support of justice but in reality in their real life under the shadow of “Sonvstha” they are guilty of practicing and promoting injustice. Tomorrow some of them will return to Goa for good. Will they say that they fought for justice in Kuwait? Some of them will take active part in public life and elections in their localities by raising the banner of justice. Will not they prove to be liars? Will I not expose them as liars and traitors? Sanny de Quepem was brought into more limelight in Kuwait by Rosary Ferns by giving him fitting roles in his shows and also inducting Sanny in his well sought after Trios, all composed by Rosary only. It was Rosary Ferns who made Sanny a gigantic artiste even helping him to release his first Audio Cassette. Rosary Ferns concluded his speech by singing a golden song of Sanny de Quepem – “Mog ani Kazar”.

In his brief speech Mr. Viegas the president of Kuwait Indian Foot-ball Federation showed his total happiness over this meeting organised by Sanny de Quepem's close associates. He said Sanny deserved this meeting and for such a man who has done so much for the cause of Tiatro we just cannot ignore. Furthermore Viegas said while organising such meetings for celebreties like the late Sanny de Quepem, we must not neglect non-celebreties. We must also think of them as well.

Salvador Dias the president of Kuwait Goan Association tears in his eyes described the greatness of Sanny de Quepem’s songs from the stage. Salvador also described in superlative terms how Sanny de Quepem helped him in organizing Rosary’s Show in aid of his organization, Kuwait Goan Association.

Luis Cardoso the Treasurer of Kuwait Konknni Kendr, in his speech praised Sanny for his soft attitude towards all. Luis said in Sanny’s songs one could get lot of knowledge and information and easily equated Sanny with some of the yesteryear Tiatrists who have contributed enormously for the development of this beautiful art. Sanny de Quepem also helped tremendously in the promotion of Tiatro, said Luis Cardoso and asked Heavenly Father to give eternal peace for the soul of Sanny.

Carmo Santo ex President of Goan Welfare Society while admiring Sanny de Quepem for his good work from the Stage showed the latest Konkani CD “NRI” that Sanny presented to him. While speaking, Carmo Santos said how Sanny one fine evening called him over phone and showed his appreciation for canceling Carmo organized Show on the same date as by Goan Welfare Society, on 9th of this month. Much before GWS could even think of organising Goa Day function this year, Carmo under the banner of Goan Cultural Centre already in advance booked this date and even announced it in the media. But suddenly from nowhere, GWS came in between and purposedly scheduled their Goa Day on 9th of this month only to create a clash and promote disunity amongst Goans. Because of this there was lot of confusion in the community. Many in the community said GWS was wrong in clashing their date with GCC and it was a sign of disunity which should be avoided. In order to avoid unwanted clash and bowing down to unity factor in the community, Carmo Santos and his team postponed their function. This was what Sanny de Quepem admired the most in Carmo Santos. Why Sanny only, others too.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.