‘Sath Panvdde’ a Konkani musical drama, written and presented by Shri Fidelis Fernandes as a tribute to his late brother Rosary Ferns entertained an average audience at the American School Hall in Kuwait, Friday 7th November 2014.

The number of star artistes flown in from Goa for the show such as Xavier Gomes, Lawry Travasso, Joana, Chitra Shirwaikar, Andrea D'Souza, Comedian Sally, Marcus Vaz and Comedian John D'Silva, especially flown in from Goa surely lived up to everyone’s expectations with great performances.

Kuwait-based artistes Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mario de Majorda, Michael D’Silva, Katty de Navelim, Laurente Pereira, Bab Agnel, Xavier Furtado, Lopes Brothers, Clemmie Almeida, Esparansa & Gasper Crasto gave their best too.

‘Sath Panvdde’ brought smiles and a sense of contentment to people’s faces as it provided the audience with a variety of entertainment – solos, duos, trios, quartets, hilarious comedy, and a conventional story with a simple message.

Writer-director Fidelis Fernandes, who has presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions, singing competitions, and Konkani ‘songit sanz’ (musical) shows in Kuwait under the banner of Kuwait Konknni Kendr and his able direction, tried to portray the ‘Sath Panvdde’ as a sacramental, symbolic code for a happy family life.

The play consisting of 4 short episodes or ‘Pordhe’ revolves around Chitra Shirwaikar and Cajetan de Sanvordem paired as parents; Xavier Furtado and Andrea in the role of husband and wife, and Laurente Pereira as a brother-in-law to Cajetan.

While Andrea let the wardrobe do the acting, Xavier was incredible with his poise and composed dialogues. Thespian Cajetan was high on airs opposite the modest and well-dressed Chitra.

John D’Silva, Comedian Sally and Comedian Joana amused the audience with their usual hilarious acts in the comedy skits.

Chief Guest Ms. Kyoko Matsukawa from Japan speaks in Konkani

The evening was attended by Ms. Kyoko Matsukawa, a Japanese Researcher who has done extensive research on language issues in Goa in the recent past. Ms. Kyoko was the Chief Guest at the event; she flew all the way from Japan especially for the event.

Holding a Masters in Philosophy from a London University and a PhD as well, Ms. Kyoko travels across widely for various seminars, conferences, lectures, etc.

The young researcher who works at Konan University in Kobe, Japan amazed everyone by speaking in Konkani at the presentation of guests. She said she was thrilled to be at the ‘Konkani’ show and among ‘friendly’ Goans.

Other prominent personalities that were in attendance were Francis Correia (Bahrain), Simon D’Silva (Qatar), Tony Gonsalves (UK), Anthony de Varca (Dubai), Raymond D’Sa & Bosco Leitao (Kuwait), Mauricio Pereira (Qatar), etc.

Curtain Raiser and Opening Chorus

Before the start of the show, a video projection on a giant screen displayed select clippings of late Rosary Ferns. A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed star who died an untimely death in January 2011.

Director Fidelis Fernandes opened the event with the introduction of Chief Guest and other dignitaries. It was followed by the opening chorus rendered by Katty De Navelim, Bab Agnel, Laurente Pereira, and the Kuwait Trio of Cajetan-Mario-Michael D’Silva. It was a song composed and sung by Rosary Ferns’ that he first sang in a Musical Show held in the year 2000.

Music and ‘Kantaram’ and the centre-stage

Music provided by ace musician Maestro Shahu accompanied by London-based drummer Matias Sequeira, was one of the beauties of the show – bringing a taste of Goan tiatro-ambience in a faraway land. Rafio Gonsalves (Rhythms), Dennis Gonsalves (Bass) and Franky Fernandes (Keyboards) completed the band’s ensemble.

The elegant Andrea D’Souza stole the limelight with her glamorous outfits and presence on stage. Though her role required few dialogues, her graceful presence in the play was charming. The young star was much admired for her duets with Lawry Travasso and Bab Agnel.

Lawry Travasso, Francis de Tuem and Marcus Vaz were at their full flow in solo songs. While Lawry’s song on religious beliefs was a thought provoking one, Xavier Gomes’ song on Portuguese Passport and Marcus’ solo on William de Curtorim were greatly applauded by the audience encoring repeats.

Clemmie Almeida sang a melancholy mando of Rosary Ferns to great perfection and style.

Established stars Laurente Pereira and Katty de Navelim had commanding solos. While Laurente’s song had a rhythmic beat, Katty’s song about a miracle that took place at Vailankanni was highly captivating.

Esparansa & Gasper Crasto sang and danced to a tribute song, ‘Matarponn’ , one of the famous masterpieces of Rosary Ferns.

The popular Lopes Brothers sang their trademark duo, a song based on Tiatrists of yesteryears, and the memories of Rosary Ferns. The two brothers had another song on Goan politics. Both the songs were highly praised by the audience.

Kuwait’s Trio Kings Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda and Michael D’Silva sang a comedy trio with their usual blend of incredible voices.

Bab Agnel and Andrea’s eccentric duet in a ‘brother-sister’ depiction was foot-tapping and very meaningful; it showed the class of Bab Agnel as a singer of immense calibre.

A political ‘chouko’ sung by Xavier, Marcus, Lawry Travasso and Francis de Tuem demanded atleast half a dozen repeats. Arguably, it was a great song that classified the reputation of our Goan superstar singers.

An overwhelming response with thunderous applause from the audience for every song was a testimony of how much people love the ‘kantaram’.

Stage art and settings for the show were arranged by Lekinson while DJ Marlon provided the sound. While Laurente Pereira & Katty de Navelim were the stage managers, Hall Management was carried out by Julio Cardoso. The event was captured on camera by Rivon Gomes.

It is indeed an enormous task to organize a drama in Kuwait with all the restrictions and limitations especially in recent times. Except for a minor hitch in the sound system, the only grievance one could vent for, it was a great show that kept the audience glued to their seats till the end. Fidelis Fernandes deserves all credit for organizing ‘Sath Panvdde’ and entertaining the audiences.

ndroid