Ben Evangelisto giving final touches to PEZ

Ben Evangelisto giving final touches to PEZ
Daniel F. de Souza, Goa

In June 2005 when Anil Kumar staged M. Boyer’s ‘Sonvsar Sudhorlo’ a masterpiece of the mid-seventies it was a real treat to the tiatr lovers. The show revived back sweet memories of the golden era of tiatr of the seventies and eighties. People flocked back to the theaters like never before. Director Anil Kumar no doubt was a satisfied man for having tasted sweet success with this experiment. But, one actor who stole the limelight in ‘Sonvsar Sudhorlo’ and won the hearts of the tiatr lovers was none other than character comedian Ben Evangelisto who played the key role of late Jacinto Vaz to the hilt. The popularity of Ben Evangelisto as a character comedian attained a new heights with his near imitation of late Jacinto Vaz.

But soon thereafter in early 2006 Ben Evangelisto migrated to the United Kingdom in search of greener pastures. While there in UK, somewhere in July 2006, he staged his much acclaimed drama ‘Chondrim’ for the expatriate Goans. He also took part in Konkani Musical shows in different parts of Europe and Canada with Lorna and other Goan artistes. But, Ben did not act for any other director in Goa or elsewhere in India since the time he did the role of late Jacinto Vaz in ‘Sonvsar Sudhorlo’.

As a director Ben has tasted sweet success with his intellectual tiatr ‘Devak Zai Zalear’ a contemporary tale that first time experimented with a unique subject of surrogate mother-ship on the Konkani stage. The show was an instant success. In September 2007 Manfa Music Margao released this talented character comedian’s video album of songs ‘Ben’s Top Hits’. Two songs in this album were picturised in London. ‘Londoncho Mog’ together with English actor Gabriela for instance was picturised below the famed Tower Bridge in London, this is perhaps the first Konkani song to be picturised at this picturesque location.

After almost a two and a half year stint in the United Kingdom Ben Evangelisto has returned back to his roots for a short holiday and his fans will soon see him back on stage with a bang with his new production entitled ‘PEZ”. This tiatr is slated for release on 21st June 2008 at 3.30 P.M. at Hanuman theatre, Mapusa. Ponda tiatr lovers get an opportunity in their town on 22nd June at 3.30 p.m. On 25th June at 3.30 P.M. at the Vidya Niketan, Margao, and the show comes to Panjim on 1st July 2008 at 3.30 p.m.

Speaking to this writer, the playwright was reluctant to spell out the storyline of his new tiatr. However, he did hint that the story is inspired by and based on some real facts that had a larger ramification on the social and moral fabric of Goa quite sometime back. He also disclosed that the show will have some appealing stage sets and visuals. As a director with progressive ideas who had the courage of experimenting with the intellectual subject of surrogate mother-ship on the konkani stage, one can surely expect yet another intelligent plot in his new venture ‘PEZ’.

‘PEZ’ is having a vast cast comprising of some top Konkani stage artistes. Mumbai based Antonette Mendes, Syvester Vaz, (Kuwait), singer Akki (London) Comedian Luis Bachchan, Aniceto, Dolla Mascarenhas, Ron, Fr. Neville Gracias, and Music director Theo Alvares of Chris Perry fame along with the other artistes are going to come together to make PEZ a tasty traditional presentation in every sense of the word. Do book your tickets in advance to avoid last minute disappointment and to discourage sale of tickets by unscrupulous black marketers.

Ben Evangelisto with "PEZ" in 2008

Aboout the Director:

Ben Evangelisto or Comedian BEN (from Benaulim) who is into his own business in Goa, initially started off by playing tragedy roles in one act plays and once mentioned about being able to play any type of role.

Ben remembers his initial foray into commercial acting in Menino Mario's drama (in 1987 after completion of his studies) and considers his role in Rosario Rodrigues's drama 'HO UZO KEDNA PALOVTOLO', wherein, he played a character role (as 'Karamati') and made people laugh by speaking in the Bardezi dialect of Konkanni, as his best so far.

Ben's productions "KIDD" (in 1991) and "CHONDRIM" (in 1993) were quite successful. His drama "MISS AGUADA" in 1996 was not very well accepted.

Ben has released two audio tapes, the first one being 'APRIL FOOL'and the other entitled "BONDDO".

Goans in Kuwait electrified by Police: An F.I.R

-by gasper crasto

Comedian Agostino’s tiatr ‘Police’ staged on Friday (13 June 2008) at Kuwait’s Al Masra AC Auditorium, Hawally impressed everyone as the auditorium echoed with applause at every scene. None of the dramas in Kuwait for the last couple of years were attended by so large an audience. The hall was packed to the gate.

A record breaking blockbuster, ‘Police’ demonstrates that all policeman are not so corrupt as portrayed by the society. Writer-director comedian Agostinho himself shines in the role of a police havaldar – with one of the best dialogues heard in recent times. Agustine has proved that his acting skills and rapid tongued dialogue delivery is not less to any top actor in the art of Konkani drama.

Apart from rib-tickling comedy and an appealing story, it was a delight for the audience to watch songs by local heroes Comedian Phillip, Laurent Pereira, and a super trio by Cajetan-de-Sanvordem, Michael D’Silva and Mario de Majorda on the state of increasing escalation in Kuwait that received numerous encores. Comedian Phillip should be appreciated for trying to give Konkani solos a new dimension. His song was a new styled la-Shaggy Konkani rap.

The costumes used by the “Police” artistes were fabulous, virtually out of a film star’s wardrobe. The musical fill-ups by renowned musician Norman, especially the foot-step background and the weird climatic reverberation were incredible. The blowing trumpet of Maestro Agnelo gave the songs an added magnetism.

Comedian Agustine, unlike other writer-directors, in his speech honestly credited Benny Rebello as his song composer for “Police” while a super duet sung by Roma and Jessica titled ‘Ostori’ was attributed to Kuwait’s Marcus Vaz.

Although the drama was a percentage entertainer, as far as the script and story line, and people went home more than overwhelmed, some audience were overheard with many different opinions. Since Comedian Agustine and his troupe is still in town, the ace director might want to take a leaf from the Kuwait public who he termed during his last performance as the most intelligent audience among Goans worldwide.

===

Overheard Views:

“There is too much of screaming by the male actors even when the dialogue demands a simple conversation. It won’t surprise me if one of the stars burst their lungs on stage. If not, by the time the drama hits century, they are certain to end up with a ‘croak’ or their voice no more than a whisper…”

===

“There are too many ‘repeated’ obscene words used by the comedians. We wonder if the comedians try to extract extra laughter going to such an extreme terminology to impress audience in Kuwait or elsewhere abroad. Our Kuwait stars are sure to be ‘mass’ively criticized’ and crucified if they dared cross this limit. Is this gobbledygook accepted in Goa?”

===

Jessica beautifies the drama by her elegant presence, style, acting and dialogue delivery. Both the girls have done well but Jessica’s performance has that ‘stardom’...

===

“Osvy Viegas is a good singer on stage and in the background. And he carries himself well on stage too in the role of Superintendent of Police. But when he speaks the dialogues, his hands move like propeller blades... It would be better if he speaks with ‘silent and calm’ movement of hands..”

===

Comedian Selvy’s songs, reflexive movements and reactions are fantastic and unique.

===

“The sound system, by Kuwait’s standard, where there are people to cater even to Aerosmith or the ‘Symphonic Orchestra’, was the let down of the evening... Was that the ‘cheap and best’ sound available?

===

Laurent’s stage presence in his song was magnificent. The Kuwait trio was, by far, much superior to the visitors -- fluent voice combination and cheerful appearance. If “Police” had stars of such charisma and charm, or a few more absorbing, mesmerizing songs rather than the ‘regular and ordinary’ ones, the drama with all its anti-climax intensity, high drama momentum and witty dialogues could go on to become one of the classic unbeatable hits of Konkani stage.

===

“There were too many plaques awarded to Comedian Agustino during the felicitation. These could have been substituted with a gold pendant or something. I am sure Agustine will dump those plaques in Kuwait to avoid excess baggage as the troupe goes on to other parts of the Gulf.“

===

Agustine’s individual dialogues in the drama are more to the public than to the script’s characters. He speaks more like a politician giving a speech from a campaign podium, not what is required or directly related to the story...anyway, the dialogues take people for a ride and drop them back to accept the director’s point of emphasis.”

===

We have noted, that most of the drama organizers in Kuwait, organize a ‘Housie game’ during the interval. Ofcourse to generate some cash for expenses. And the prize is a cash prize. Always. In most of the cases we’ve attended, the prize has always been donated to the organizers by the winner if it happens to be a ‘cash’ prize. Now the question is, do the organizers expect everyone to donate the cash back to them? Why can’t they keep some ‘electronic’ items or something of that amount as the prize..?

===

Public opinion, though often formed upon a wrong basis, yet generally has a strong sense of justice. But irrespective of the views, Comedian Agustine and his troupe is sure to remain remembered in Kuwait for a super performance. He will definitely catch on recognition, if not from the government, then atleast from the Police, public or other organizations for the fantastic dialogues in the drama in support of the police department. Apart from winning hearts and fans, the director hailing from Navelim-Goa is sure to walk away with many accolades and awards with ‘Police’