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Konkani Drama "Tuzo Gaum Mhojem Naum"
- An autobiography turned into an acceptable
theatrical format
�TUZO GAUM MHOJEM NAUM� with the rich script centering
around family values, culture, traditions, the cast
mix of versatile artistes include the specially flown
in Goa-based Konkani stage's popular comedians Ben
Evengelisto & Janet Almeida, Irene Vaz and Bab Andrew
was staged at the Gulf English School Auditorium,
Rumathiyah, Kuwait on Friday, 19th November 2004.
In self-scrutinizing references to traditional aspects
of life of the Goan natives, like "the uncultivated
fields left barren", "the offsetting of traditions of
christening of the grandson with the name of the
grandfather", and "the respect to the elderly folks of
the household when greeting and common courtesy",
Simon Gonsalves turned an autobiography into an
accepted theatrical form to the surprise and suspense
of the audience during his 4 hour long dramatic
presentation titled "Tujo Gaum Mhojem Naum".
Interspered with songs and 'cantos', the cast also
included Kuwait-based artistes Querobina Carvalho,
Gracy Morais, Clara Rodrigues, Adrian Goes, Sylvester
Vaz, Joe Fereira, Manuel, Agnel D�Costa, Laurie
Miranda, Comedian Salu & Comedian Nelson, Ignatius de
Xelvon, Rosary Ferns, Trio Kings:
Marcus-Cajetan-Mario, Michael D�Silva, Jacinto
Noronha, Bab Agnel, Clifford, and child artistes Bab
Palen & Baby Athika.
A Konkani and tiatr lover among the audience, Tome
Gracias, congratulated on the internet forums Simon
Gonsalves good presentation and efforts. The
shrewdness with which the main theme and focus of the
play is let out as an image with a wonderful
performance, was indeed marvelous.
Simon Gonsalves' legacy is as a storytelling
self-analyst. Having witnessed his 'one-act plays' in
the past 2-3 years and his performance in other
Konkani presentations in Kuwait, I can categorically
state that his acting prowess is superb. His
monologues which wove exotic adventures together with
mundane personal tales, philosophical musings, painful
admissions of embarrassing behavior among his
siblings, goes a long way to prove his creativeness in
writing and direction too.
A general amazement at how often life's most
far-fetched possibilities actually occur, and are
sometimes anchored in the common man's pursuits of
worldly goals, and appreciation bestowed by unknown,
but ever grateful strangers. Simon Gonsalves gives us
an impression of what all his work shared was an air
of comic desperation, the amusement and fear that the
knowledge that life is absurd can foster. The
monologues were simply staged � Simon Gonsalves
habitually performed as a handicapped (with both his
arms lost due to a tragic mis-fortune), often in a
plaid shirt and trousers, with only his legs and toes
doing the simple actions and in front of him and his
audience.
Intoned with a back-porch informality that made it
seem to keep the story-line suspense, Simon Gonsalves
was making up his story briefs as he went along with
his narrative of the drama. They gave off the
deceptive, anyone-can-do-this aroma, with his
captivating performance together with his supporting
cast and an equally appreciative scenes and stage
craft.
A relentless worrywart who often spoke of being
tormented by memories that wouldn't recede and who
seemed to suffer from a compulsion for
self-flagellation, Simon Gonsalves seemed uninterested
in staking a claim for expertise in a niche of our
culture of personal hardship and luck. And he never
seemed to be taking credit for his own survival (the
main character of the drama); rather, it seemed his
storytelling shows the audience, was how he survived
and truimped.
Simon Gonsalves regaled the audience with a chameleon
like ability to lose himself in the role that he
played, together with his co-stars, who did not let
any stone unturned to give their best. Popularly known
with a penchant for playing any character dangerously
benchmarked on edge psychotics, Simon displayed it
well once again.
The audience were delighted to hear the ever-helpful
contribution of Konkani stage artiste, Jose Rod, when
a thank you was conveyed by Simon Gonsalves. This was
'Viva Goa Sports Club' presentation under the banner
of "God's Gift Everly Production".
Our congratulations to you Simon Gonsalves, and to
his selected cast of performers, singers and
supporting stage technicians. The drama well directed
and music by Josinho and Shahu Almeida with Augusto
Morais, Dennis and Tony added grace. The songs were
sung to the audience's delight on varied subjects.
Micheal D'Silva topped the 'encore' tally!
As usual, the audience was well represented by several
Goan organizations' officials, and the Konkani
promoters.
It is strange to note that the 'I know it all since a
toddler' loud mouth have still to find 'suitable
words' to express it on the free-internet mailing
lists, inspite of watching the like-minded beings
among the cast! Some whispers were heard among the
audience that 'ballroom dancing is no more considered
alien to Goan culture as in the 80's and 90's'. May
be the BJP Govt. has changed this mind-set?
Carry on the good work, Simon Gonsalves. Keeping
flowing the 'Mogachi Zhor' and your award winning
focus as in "Devacho Gutt Dev Zannam".
It is God's blessings (your audio CD gifted free to
the audience also titled "Devachim Dennim") and
genuine Konkani lovers support you need, not the few
words of deceptive appreciation, to march ahead to fly
the Konkani flag high. Oxench zaum.
Ainko ieo!
Gaspar Almeida
Associate, www.goa-world.com
& Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter, since 1994.
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