May 24, 2012

Konkani Drama ‘Ghonvdho’ performs to great applause!

Superstar Sylvester Vaz steals limelight!
By Gasper Crasto; Photos by: Reagan D’Costa

Kuwait: Konkani drama ‘Ghonvdho’ (Mason) written and directed by Nazy Rod and staged at the Kuwait Medical Association Hall on 18th May 2012 provided top-class entertainment to the audience.

The drama presented by Kuwait’s popular singers Lopes Brothers was initially scheduled to be held on 11th May but was postponed due to non-availability of some visiting artistes from Goa.

The story of ‘Ghonvdho’ depicts life of a faithful wife (played by Irene Vaz) while her husband (Sylvester Vaz) holds an affair with his best friend’s (Braz de Parra) wife who happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Perhaps the title ‘Ghonvdho’ (mason) left everyone guessing till the end as the audience were glued to their seats till the last curtain.

The title means that everyone is accountable to be a ‘Ghonvdho’ (mason) of their own homes, a master of their own fate for the success or disaster, happiness or failure in life. The drama proved once again that some of the most talented Konkani artistes are based in Kuwait. Superstar Sylvester Vaz, with his dynamic presence, was at his super-best in the lead role. His portrayal of the husband was enacted to great perfection and commitment. The character couldn’t be played any better. His acting with his ‘own’ wife Irene brought a sense of ‘reality’ on stage; they gelled splendidly well.

Irene looked gracious in her costumes and her dialogue delivery was flawless. She showed class in style and the ‘cantos’ of an ‘actress’ which earned her fame in so many dramas of famous playwright and Goan Shakespeare Rosario Rodrigues years ago. Irene also played a double enacting the other woman which, however, left many in the audience confused, and some bewildered by her fast-changing attire!

Braz Rodrigues (Braz de Parra) portrayed the ‘friend’ with great tact, timing and a wealth of voice in his dialogues. Perfect! Cajetan de Sanvordem did his part well too, a cakewalk act for the hardened campaigner.
Special mention must go to little Joshua Gonsalves, a child artiste who did his role extremely well for his age - without a trace nervousness or hiccups. Lawry Miranda and Francis Dias made their presence felt too with cameo roles.
Comedian Jr. Simla was fabulous on stage. His comedy was simply fantastic. Although his ‘entries’ on stage were the most by any artiste, he was easily the ‘darling of the audience’ specially for his naïve ‘acting’ and ‘clean’ dialogues. The comedian was certainly one of the stars of the show.

Simla was accompanied in the comedy skits by Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha. Together, they made a great pair, and pulled off a rib-tickling, hilarious comedy. Apparently, the pair was called to perform just 3 days prior to the show as back-up for the ‘visiting’ artistes.

The comedy acts were supported by Luis D’Costa (Luis de Sanguem) in a polished role of a Hindu goldsmith, and comedian Salu Faleiro. Salu Faleiro, in the character of Timan (aunty), sent pills of laughter around for his amusing costume and the ‘village-oldy’ language that he used throughout. The guy would absolutely be a ‘hit’ should he enact the same character back in Goan dramas.

Popular visiting artistes Marcus Vaz and Francis de Tuem left a mark on the audience with their meaningful and captivating songs.
The stars were strongly applauded by the audience and encored even for ‘decent’ solos. While the two were excellent in their comedy duo, dressed as females which warranted tremendous ‘phew phews’ demanding more repeats, Francis de Tuem was called back on stage atleast 5 times for his song on ‘New generation girls and boys’.

Among the local artistes who rendered their songs to great applause were Lopes Brothers (2 duos) and their sister Agnes. The elder of the Lopes Brothers, Alex, was remarkably stylish and looked like a top-class, professional singer while Michael was marvellous with his segundo voice. Agnes sang with poise, confidence and a glow on her face which was a delight to watch.

Irene and Sylvester Vaz sang an exemplary duet while Sylvester Vaz later sang a magnificent solo. Also, there were songs by Seby Mascarenhas, Edward Estebeiro, Michael Fernandes (Micky), Manuel Goes, etc. Director Nazy Rod too took to the stage to feature in a beautiful ‘quartet’ with Agnes, Irene and Michael Lopes.
Opening Chorus of the drama, a well composed song in a unique manner, was sung by Agnes-Alex, Edward-Seby, and Irene-Sylvester; each pair singing one verse and chorus.
Musical score provided by Shahu and his troupe brought great Goan ambience and ‘feeling’ in the hall.
Stage setting and lights were super while Anand D’Souza stepped in right in time to give that crystal clear sound. At a short felicitation during the interval, Marcus Vaz and Francis de Tuem along with Joshua Gonsalves were felicitated for their outstanding performance in the drama.
Mementos were presented to these artistes as a token of appreciation. A colourful souvenir was released to mark the event.

A game of ‘Housie’ was also held during the break. Mr. Brendon won the Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait air-ticket sponsored by Jet Airways. Shaheen Training Institute and Kuwait Educational Centre sponsored an Office Automation course, which was offered as the first prize for the lucky souvenir. The prize was won by Pearl. The second prize winner for the lucky souvenir received a 3-in-1 Canon Pixma printer.
Mathew and Anson Rodrigues conducted the proceedings.

Amazed by the response from the public, director Nazy Rod has shown his intent to stage the drama in Goa and produce a video film on ‘Ghonvdho’.

May 23, 2012

Goa Maroons, Navelim YC, AVC & CA, and Skynet Raiders in Semis: G.O.A. ROLLING TROPHY

G.O.A. ROLLING TROPHY
Match day 6 – Quarter finals
Goa Maroons, Navelim YC, AVC & CA, and Skynet Raiders in Semis
 
Justifying their direct seeding into round two, Goa Maroons and Navelim YC took their expected places in the last four while AVC & CA and Skynet Raiders were the other two teams to qualify for the semifinals, in the 18th edition of the prestigious G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH ground, Shuwaikh (Kuwait).
 
In the day's first match, last year's finalist Navelim YC overcame a strangely subdued DHL FC 2-0. The ever dependable Alfred Pires put Navelim in front when he scored from close range in the first half while star forward Cruzedio Rodrigues put the game beyond DHL FC with his usual cool and clinical finish in the second half. Midfielders Terence and Roland played their hearts out for DHL but with no luck and with some erratic shooting by their forwards, could not get past Adrian deputing for Britto in the Navelim goal who did well to keep a clean sheet. Navelim YC made three substitutions in the second half, notable one being veteran Gasper Crasto who immediately made his presence felt in the Navelim half line.
Navelim Youth Centre won 2-0
 
In the second quarter final, a depleted C.R.C Chinchinim without the brilliant Gomes brothers and goalkeeper Antonio who are all on vacation, fielded only nine players against defending champions Goa Maroons and the outcome of the game was easily foreseeable when the redoubtable Zelito Cardozo scored for Goa Maroons in the very third minute of the game from an excellent cross by Bonny Niasso. Prolofic scorer Steven Rodrigues added two more and Bonny Niasso scored the fourth from a scorching 25 metres drive to make it 4-0 before the end of the first half.
Goa Maroons - winners
 
In the second half, using the shield of soccer law three, C.R.C Chinchinim players started falling like nine pins and the referee had no choice but abandon the match, as they did not have the minimum number of seven players on the field, and the match was awarded to Goa Maroons.

In the last match of the day, Gulf Cable flattered only to deceive after taking the lead through Sinu Thomas in the 15th minute and then going on to lose 1-7 to Skynet Raiders. Gulf Cable were unfortunate to lose Abdul Kumarakkttil to a second bookable offence and Skynet Raiders taking advantage of an extra man in the extremely hot conditions scored at will in the second half through Sathyaraj Mohan (2), Doruesh Naik (2), Maleston Dias, Reazer Dias and Dominic Fernandes.
Skynet Raiders won 7-1
Schedule for semifinal matches:- Coming Friday, 25th May 2012,
AVC & CA take on Navelim Youth Centre at 6:30 am,
followed by Goa Maroons versus Skynet Raiders at 8:00 am
 

IS PARRIKAR GOING TO KILL LOKAYUKTA?

CM SHOULD NOT KILL GOA LOKAYUKTA BY SETTING ITS AGENDA
By Aires Rodrigues

The unwarranted, reckless and deplorable recent statements made by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on the issue concerning the setting up and working of the Goa Lokayukta are deplorable. It is dismaying that the Chief Minister has given a clear indication that he intends to guide, monitor and set the agenda for the Lokayukta. This would be in clear violation and contrary to law. The very intent of the Lokayukta legislation is to ensure its total independence in its working and functioning.


Any attempts by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to manipulate the Lokayukta would be strongly opposed, by moving the High Court if required.


Mr. Manohar Parrikar should realize that the Lokayukta would probe and prosecute complaints against all public servants including the Chief Minister. So Mr. Manohar Parrikar must desist and distance himself from directly or indirectly interfering in the setting and functioning of the Goa Lokayukta.


The Lokayukta would be headed by a retired High Court Judge so one wonders how the Chief Minister could be making statements dictating about how the Lokayukta should function and investigate complaints. A good and upright person may desist from accepting the position of Goa Lokayukta if there is such political interference by the Chief Minister even before it is set up.


Regarding the Chief Minister’s threat to those filing false complaints, the Chief Minister may not be aware that filing of false or vexatious complaints is already an offence under the law with courts today imposing stringent costs on such litigations if initiated with vested interest under the guise of public interest litigations.


It is also most improper for the Chief Minister to be advising the Press as to how and what they should be reporting. It may be recalled that on 1st October 2003 Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, had in a legal notice served through his advocate Narendra Sawaikar, warned all newspapers to refrain from publishing any statements issued by the Opposition. Will history repeat itself? The Chief Minister should not to stifle the voice of the opposition which is very vital to the successful working of any democracy.


Mr. Manohar Parrikar has been the Leader of the Opposition and knows for himself how vital that role is. The Goa Lokayukta should be set up without any political interference or manipulation if this government is really serious about its pledge of Zero tolerance to Corruption.