------------------------------------------- ViewersWATCH ::: REVIEWS FROM THE AUDIENCE ------------------------------------------ *WELCOME, VARSHA, TO THE TIATR STAGE*
Agnelo Fernandes +91 70830 39949 Saw yesterday Mariano's tiatr 'Devachem Nanv Jieta Hanv' (On God's Name, I Live) at the Kala Academy. A nice opening chorus sung by all the participating actors. The stand-out personality on the stage was Varsha Usgaonkar, and her performance was outstanding. Welcome Varsha to the Konkani stage; you were great. Varsha Usgaonkar has appeared in over 100 Marathi and Hindi films. She is regarded as "one of the most finest, accomplished and influential actress of Marathi cinema, noted for her beauty, dancing skills and strong characters she played" (Wikipedia). The other participants also performed well. Especially Jacob, Dhruv and Meenaxi. Another actress who performed role of a mentally unsound girl also did justice to her role. She also sang a duet with Anil. Maggie, as the sister, also played her part very well; she has a very good dress sense. Her two 'kants' were sung beautifully. This reminded viewers like me of Antonnete of yesteryears, who used to sing to perfection. There were also good messages sprinkled throughout the tiatr, especially one when Mariano says our Church authorities who hold vast areas of land should build hospitals and schools, lest the government takes away our land. The songs were good, especially trios led by Edwin DCosta, of which one was repeated, where the fatest composer refered to latest incident at the GMC. The Lavni, performed by Varsha and Meenaxi, was probably a first time on the popular Konkani tiatr stage. The sound system, lighting and stage setting deserve appreciation. Comedian Dominic was not there as advertised, and he was replaced by Com. Brian. The show started late, at 7.55 pm. The band, an eight-piece one, played very well. There were other good songs too by Avers and others. Some actors' names have not been mentioned, as one was not familiar with their names, and this review was not pre-planned. Mariano has assembled the cream of the Konkani (and, to an extent, even the Marathi stage). Hence, paying a Rs 300 ticket for the show was worth it. It was a good show and offered over three hours of good entertainment. A show not to be missed. Thanks Mariano-bab for a lovely presentation overall. -- [Edited by Frederick (FN) Noronha. Genuine reviews by the audience will be shared on 'The Tiatr Times' if found suitable. Send to [email protected] or WhatsApp +91-9822122436 with suitable photos. Avoid undeserved plugs and extra-harsh criticisms or rivalry-fuelled comments, as much hard work goes into staging a tiatr.]
