KGTS does it yet again with "OSTAD TIATRIST" Versatile Jose Rod honoured
The unique concept of felicitating the yesteryears stars of Konkani stage for their contribution to the Tiatrist Fraternity is what Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) stands for. With the last two mega musical super hit shows in Kuwait, they did it again with the grand success of "OSTAD TIATRIST" - a tribute to Konkani Tiatr and Tiatrist, which was a sellout. Staged at the Hawalli A/C auditorium on 24th February 2006, this much awaited annual event saw the cream of the Konkani lovers among the audience. At the commencement, one minute silence was observed in respect of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah. Paying their respect to this great leader of Kuwait, the audience with the organizers observed a minute silence. KGTS started the show by playing Kuwait's National Anthem. This was followed by a chit-chat with a flow of yesteryears Tiatrists' songs as well as depiction. Legendary star Late Anthony Mendes shot to fame with his solo song "Taxi Driver" decades ago, and this time his sons, the Mendes Brothers, Felix-Xavier-Derrick performed it as a Trio. Remembering their father's contribution, Felix Mendes appreciated and thanked the KGTS members for inviting them to perform for their grand musical show. Felix also extended their well wishes and pledged support to new upcoming stars. Apart from the the Kuwait-based stars who performed, a galaxy of artistes from Bombay and Goa were flown specially for the 3rd Grand Musical show in Kuwait. Joe Rose, Comedian Augustino Temudo and Comedian Domnic Coelho, S.Lemos, Francis de Tuem and Trio Kings of Goa: Joaquim-Junior Rod-Anthony dazzled the audience in their spell binding musical journey of the golden era of Tiatr. The comedy skits interspeared between the songs. Songs from Francis de Tuem on Goa's mining industry was well applauded by the audience so was the Trio Kings songs on the political scenario in Goa. Trio kings are hardcore composers with political and social topics. They are very famous for their bold lyrics and widely expose the flaws of the Goa government through their songs. Their trios "Dr. Verenkar", " M.Boyer" and "Parrikar" were well applauded. Comedian Domnic and Comedian Agostinho's performance kept the audience laughing till the very end. The appearances of the majority of the KGTS members including Manuel de Santa Cruz, Tony Carr, Clara, Domingos Araujo, Zorro, among others, in different song sequences and scenarios was well choreographed with appropriate light effects and music by a team of youngsters led by well-known musicians Maestro Succorro de Melo. The main attraction of the show was the leaflets (popularly known as Handbills) of yesteryears Tiatrs that were on display on the left side of the stage, and the right side of the stage was occupied by the musicians. This unique collection dating back to 1950's was provided by Brazinho Soares of Santa Cruz (Goa) to KGTS. The stage set-up suited for the musical show, the decor as well as light effects added charm. The opening song by KGTS President Francis de Verna, KGTS members Junifer Rodrigues, Donald Colaco and Cajetan de Sanvordem highlighted the significance of the title of the musical "Ostad Tiatrist". Heartthrob of Konkani stage Jose Rod in his song "AMIG" paid rich tributes to "Bab Peter". Jose Rod was felicitated at the hands of Xavier Mendes for his tremendous contribution. With tears of joy, a surprised Jose Rod thanked all his fellow KGTS colleagues and fellow Tiatr lovers for honour bestowed. The compere announced that this was a well guarded secret by the KGTS until the event unfolded. Mario de Majorda was at his best with his hilarious laughing pills along with Comedian Nelson. "Palkacho Divo" a tribute song to one of the senior artistes - Anthony (of Trio Kings fame) by the newly formed trio Katty de Navelim-Simon Gonsalves-Joseph Rodrigues was well composed sung. At this junction, Anthony was escorted on the stage and he congratulated the composer and singers. Such was his liking of the song that Anthony will have it added in his Konkani VCD which will be shortly released in fond rememberance of his Trio singers Late Conception and Late Nelson. KGTS which was formed in 2003 and has organized Musical Show in Kuwait for the last 3 years including this year, the proceeds collected is given to Goan Dramatists on Konkani Stage who are often old and forgotten. This is one generous way of telling the senior and retired Dramatists that KGTS together with Konkani Tiatr lovers in Kuwait cares for them and that their contribution is not forgotten by the new generation. Gracy Morais "Cheddum", Joe Rose "Bubli Bubli", "Goenchim Antique Ghoram" and "Jaisi Jaisi", Anthony Carr "Goa", Zorro "Kazar Zatam", Donald Colaco "Upkar", S.Lemos "Rakhno Bhurgo" and "Kiddo ani Mathi", Junior Rod "Kid Boxer", Francis de Tuem "Young Menezes", "Salleli Satari" and "Christanvachim Devmondiram", Katty de Navelim "Ushar Raza" kept the audience spellbound. A song by Francis de Verna- Gracy Morais-Cajetan de Sanvordem titled "KGTS" gave a glimpse of the events from its formation and its three years of achivements for the benefit of the tiatrists. The moral of the song was a strong message for the detractors who try to put up hurdles to destroy the tiatrists' faternity's unity and togetherness. The short play by Gracy and Group was captivating. The roles played by Simon Gonsalves, Joseph Rodrigues, Gracy Morais, Clara and Laurie Miranda were perfectly enacted. The show was compered by Cajetan de Sanvordem. A game of quick five housie was conducted as well as the draw for the annual KGTS raffle. Working together for the Tiatrist Fraternity and giving some good performance on stage is what KGTS stands for. The audience expected beautiful meanful songs and witty jokes in combination with theme stories. All praise to the KGTS members for putting up such a lovely show and short skits that they people enjoyed. KGTS always comes with some unique performances, and this was evident at the show when the stars of yesteryears were introduced with their memorable songs sung by KGTS members non-stop. As the title of the musical show signified, Konkani stage artistes, singers and musicians are indeed 'Great Artistes' (Ostad Tiatrists) who have kept the flag of the Konkani language high and have brought in significant awareness on the good and bad of the Goan lifestyle and unique cultural heritage. The five beneficiaries for the annual KGTS awards, namely: Ms. Ophelia, Remmie Colaco, Patrick de Verna, Ms. Anita and Ms. Antonette Mendes were announced. Since 2002, Konkani stage lovers have been able to bring joy and smiles through the proceeds collected through presentations and efforts of KGTS to seniormost and retired Konkani stage artistes of the yesteryears, namely: Padmashri Award winner M.Boyer, Philomena Braz, Betty Ferns, Albert Rose, Patrick Dourado, Vitorino Periera, (Late) Mary Vaz, Prem Kumar, Paul Romy,(Late) Rom Tony, Late Rosario Rodrigues, and John Nazareth. KGTS enjoys a large influence and patronage of the Konkani lovers. - Report by William Fernandes & Gaspar Almeida - Photos by Rewon Gomes, professional photographer (courtesy: KGTS) Article and photos at: http://www.goanet.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=341
