11 Aug 02
KONKANI VARIETY SHOW by Eddie D Sa. This show by the Goan Cultural Sociey was part of the Goa Day celebrations and thoroughly enjoyable. The venue was the Merton Hall in South Wimbledon. Instead of the usual monotonous rows of chairs, the organisers had opted for a 'table system' (as Larryboy put it) - two parallel rows of long tables, positioned at an angle with chairs facing the stage. A thoughtful addition was a bowl of Indian savouries on each table. Instead of a distracting live band by the stage, the music was pre-recorded and a couple of audio experts were at the controls. For a mere 5 pounds, we were treated to a full 4-hour programme of entertainment - some 25 items of song, two mini plays, poetry to start off the show and a violin solo. The plays were in the form of skits on traditional Goan customs - one about the old days and the other about their equivalent today. The scenes must have brought back memories to the older members of the audience. Items followed each other in quick succession with no awkward pauses between. No long introductions or tedious speeches either. The highlight of the occasion was clearly the contribution of several children, aged 5 or 6 to the teens. The children probably speak no more than a smattering of Konkani, if at all, so it was amazing that they were tutored so quickly. Each of them later received an attractive trophy - it should serve to encourage other children to take part. The prizes were presented by Rene Baretto and Norma Menezes, coordinators of Goa Day. Rene's presence was no doubt a boost to the occasion. No tedious queuing for food. Helpers brought it to the table as you sat. There were two servings - a plateful of assorted snacks before the interval and a more traditional meal later in the programme. The service was clean, efficient and unobtrusive. Even the good quality red serviettes were worthy of notice. There was a drinks counter at the rear of the hall - with a friendly service and low costs. A glass of soft drinks was a mere 20 pence! There were songs to suit all tastes. I barely know any of the actors/singers by name but the performances of Larryboy, A Perry, Rosy D'Silva and Ida DeSousa (taken from the programme) come to mind. Among the young, the youth leader Melissa Fernandes deserves special mention - she has the charm, grace and confidence and should be a fine role model for the young. In sum, my hearty congrats to Gregg and his team for putting up such a splendid show. It was organised with professional flair and I couldn't detect any flaws. The GCS is a young group and I am sure we can look forward to even more delightful shows in the future. Eddie D'Sa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Editor Goan Overseas Digest www.goa-world.net/overseas-digest and www.goacom.com/overseas-digest =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
