Konkani ‘Tiatr’ popular for its high entertainment values is a dramatic art form unique to Goa. ‘Tiatr’ is a Konkani play that is combined with songs and is eagerly awaited especially during village feasts or festivals.

Success of the ‘tiatr’ is mainly due to the fact that the themes chosen are modern-day and contemporary. Tiatrs have focused on drug problems, alchoholism, the false sense of values of Goans who strike it rich in the Gulf, the fall in values that lead to the neglect of parents, problems of inter-caste marriage and the like.

The drama ‘Uzvadd’ written by Lawry Fernandes & directed by Laurie Miranda, two Kuwait-based artistes, was staged in Goa by Sanquelim Dramatic Troupe of St. John of the Cross.

The drama has all ingredients of a super hit -- love-tragedy-suspense-comedy -- blended into a balanced performance.

The Story

The story is of a young boy and a girl who are in love. Father of the girl objects to the relationship as the girl’s family is rich, while the boy is very poor.

As the story goes, the girl goes blind with some sickness and is taken to hospital. On the other hand, the boy is also brought to the hospital in a dying state after someone attempts to kill him. In a tragic ending, the boy’s eyes are given to the girl before he dies.

A revolting twist is witnessed when another boy resembling the dead boy appears. The whole village thinks he is a ghost of the dead boy. Apparently, both boys are twins; they were separated for many years.

The suspense of who killed the boy, who marries the girl, and what is the ‘Uzvadd’ meaning of the story needs to be seen to be enjoyed. DVD of the tiatr will be released in Kuwait and all across the Konkan world soon.

Director

A huge contingent of artistes can be seen in the drama.

The director, Kuwait-based Laurie M has played an important role of a father with a style as dynamic as any professional star. The evergreen actor is a well-known face in Kuwait seen in many cameo roles on Konkani stage.

Highly noticeable by his French beard, Laurie is one the senior members of the Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS), Goan Welfare Society, and a member of Kuwait Cathedral’s St. Joaquim & Anne Holy Family Choir Group.

Laurie also sings a song about miracles in his life, especially about the recent trauma he faced due to bad health.

On his performance and direction, the soft-spoken director states: “I have directed and acted in many tiatrs in my town (Sanquelim) for the last 30 to 35 years and introduced many new artists to my heart’s content. No doubt I got tremendous support from all my old and new cast.

This time, since I was down with bad health I was there in Goa for about ten long months. Some of my friends approached me and requested me to have a drama during the Christmas season and ultimately we decided to have ‘Uzvadd’ on 30th of December 2014, which was a great success. There were some ups and downs, mistakes here and there but still I feel this is the best drama under my direction as most of the actors and singers are first timers in a drama.

I am very much grateful to my writer Mr. Lawrie Fernandes from Quepem working at Kuwait’s Mercedes Company for giving me the opportunity to stage this drama. If everything goes well, our next attraction is ‘Dubau’. There are other tiatrs in line such as ‘Kallo Dhag’ and ‘Rakhnno’, also written by bab Lawrie Fernandes.

Lastly I would like to thank the Almighty God, all the guest artistes (singers), sponsors especially from Kuwait, for supporting me financially during the staging of ‘Uzvadd’.

Other Star Cast

Francis (Pompis) Fernandes shines in the role of the twin boys while Neeshel Fernandes has performed wonderfully in the role of the heroine.

Other cast of the play includes JoaquimD’Cruz, James D’Souza, Robert D’Souza, Fidelis Miranda, Mario Fernandes, Joe Dias, Anacleta Lobo, MeninoFernandes, Blossom Rodrigues, etc.

The comedians of the show John De Britto and Maria Pinto have given a standard performance.

Singers who can be seen the video are Muriel Estibeiro, Lysandar Fernandes, Valanka Soares, Bernard Fernandes, Willy Goes, etc.

Missing in the video are Mr. Alberto Cardoso and Cyril Almeida.

Budding singers introduced in the drama consist of Osborn Rodrigues, Trison Pinto, Mikayla Pinto, Jane D’Souza, etc, while Honda Carols Group also showcased their talent.

The opening chorus of the drama is sung by a host of singers that include Veronica Fernandes, Shirlyn Rodrigues, Pinky D’Mello, Simon D’Mello, Agnes D’Cruz, Conrad D’Souza, Savio D’Souza, Jennifer D’Souza, LourdinaFernandes, GracianFernandes, Bella Fernandes, Sophia Fernandes, Maria Pinto, John De Britto, Joe Dias, JestinaAlbuquer, Fidelis Miranda, Lizette Miranda, Cynthia Fernandes, ErnestaFernandes and Laurie M.

The writer Mr. Lawrie Fernandes had kept two beautiful prizes for Best Actor and Best Singer of the drama which were claimed by Francis (Pompis) Fernandes and Muriel Estibeiro respectively.

Sanquelim Church Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel Lobo was the chief guest at the show and spoke on the occasion.