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.

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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…”

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“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?”

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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’...

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“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..”

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

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“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?

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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.

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“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.“

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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.”

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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..?

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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’

Goan identity erodes with onslaught of migrants

CJ: Armstrong Vaz

One day, Goans will be strangers in their own land. The Goan identity will fade away and they will be left repenting, for having flirted with danger and damaged their birthplace. It's time Goans wake up and initiate saving their identity. .

GOA IS tiny, with a finite carrying capacity and is already saturated. The Goan population is extremely small compared to other communities in India. We (Goans) cannot withstand the current high-inflow of migrants. It will lead to severe civic, social and economic disturbance, will obliterate the Goan- identity, turn Goa into an unpleasant hovel like other urban Indian areas," writes Rajan Parrikar, an America returned Goan on Goanet, which is a Goan mailing group on why Goa does not need more migrants.

Yes, Goa and Goans are angry and are facing the ire of the agitating groups, trying to protect Goa from mega projects and Special economic zones (SEZ). What is at stake and why are Goans fighting to protect the land and Goan identity?

Goa has its charm, which has been attracting many to the land over the last several years. One gets enchanted with the picturesque landscape of Goa, which possesses rich and varied charms at different altitudes. But large concrete structures are threatening the beauty and ecology of the place.

Goa at present is getting a cosmopolitan look. Dangers are expressed that Goan identity will soon fade away.

"Utt Goenkara! Utt Goenkara! (Goans, awake from your slumber) It is for long that you have taken things in your stride. Time has come to rise from your slumber. Time has changed tracks on a fast lane for you for long. Long for you, to take things around you for granted. The sudden gush of winds of change will at least make your wiser in thought.

"The issues affecting Goa and Goans are a grim reminder to each one of us to rise above our narrow mentalities and unite, instead of pulling each of our fellow Goans down over trivial things. Trivial things, which can be sorted out and where fences can be mended," a speaker cautions and exhorts Goans at a mammoth meeting in south Goa called to oppose mega housing projects, to jell together.

The peace and tranquility of Goa has many a countrymen move to this land. For years we have played good hosts, had guests from all over the world. We do not know what our next door neighbour who has taken a house, flat or a small room for rent would turn out to be.

The next door neighbour may vary from being a pedophile, murderer, terrorist, rapist, swindler, property grabber, drug peddler, pimp, prostitute. We do not check the antecedents of the persons. We want to do business. Business of quick money in giving the premises on rent. Lest we may lose business to another competitor. The lust to grab a few crisp notes makes us ignore the face of threat we invite upon ourselves.

The police on their part are happy with their daily routine, collections of hafta from the various persons in business. The compilation of strangers’ data in every nook and corner of his beat has taken a back seat.

Utt Goenkara is an non-militant way. Violence does not serve our cause. So next time around when you sell the land, take a cautious route. Route of inquiring and prodding a few minutes or for hours to find the reality. Your conscious will be clear that you had made an effort and that you were unsuccessful is a different thing.

So do not sell your soul, your land, your pride, your ego and play with your life and the life of other fellow beings.

The migrants are blamed for the ills but take deep breathe. Where does the mason, the carpenter, the barber the tile fitter, the labourer in your market or the beach sports operator come from. The Biharis, the UPites, have made inroads into the trades.

Gone are mason from Pernem who built outhouses during our childhood days. Some of them are still living in our villages in Salcete far from their land in Pernem and greet us, but they had for long forsaken their professions. The barber who used to cut our hair till last five years back has changed his shop from a barber’s shop to another goods selling shop. His children like others low menial jobs have changes tracks to another profession or gone for white collar jobs and even migrated to America.

In my village Cuncolim, the best of the mechanics and the best carpenters from Demani Cuncolim are decreasing with every passing year.

So painting all migrants as bad will not serve our cause. The migrants come for their livelihood and they for one would not like their livelihood to be destroyed in one stroke.

The drug pushers and the drug lords of the coastal belt are the one who are more of a threat. A threat, in the long run when they will control all around and push things for them. Already there is buzz of the Kashimiris and the Russians combining to control the drug trade in north Goa beaches.

The buzz of the Russian mafia controlling and pushing drugs according too their own will and having bought a few houses in the north Goa, the Russians are looming power on the horizon for the state and the people of north coastal areas to have a effective check. Fears are expressed that three to five years from now, the Russian mafia would be a strong one in North Goan beach belt.

Russian mafia dons pushing files at the highest level of government through their belly of beauties and flesh trade is slowly creeping in.

Finally, it will be the insiders who sell the soul for Goa for a few extra pennies who are the greatest threat to Goa and Goans.

Politicians too will face the music on their own turf when they will be out staged with a Bihari and a UPite giving a dent to his hopes some years down the line.

Will Goa survive its identity in the

One day, Goans will be strangers in their our own land. The Goan identity will soon fade away and they will be left repenting, for having flirted with danger and damaged their own land. Hopefully, this is only a passing thought and nothing of this sort will happen to our Goa. Till then Utt Goenkara, Utt Goenkara time can come to rise and march on till it’s too late to save Goa and Goan identity.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author)