Folks, Here is another view of the Konkani tiatr held recently in Toronto. I have deleted some para's so as not to reveal the plot to those who have not yet seen the show. Mervyn1237Lobo -------------------------------------------------------------- I was very privileged to attend the konkani tiatr written and directed by Raymond Menezes a multi-talented writer, director, actor who has been active on the Konkani drama scene in Canada since 1989. Also known as Jr. Menezes on stage the konkani theatre impresario in Toronto, Canada and was produced by James Fernandes on Sat June 19, 2010. James is ex-Dar and from the Gaikwad family who owned and operated Vayle Springs Florists and New Palace Butchery. James is a dedicated individual who comes from a very creative family of ten and has a very good eye for the arts as was evident in Tanzanite Toronto 2009 of which he was the President. He involves himself whole-heartedly in the goan community events giving back to the community without asking for anything in return and he is indeed a visionary. He is soft spoken, always smiling and genuinely happy to see his fellow Tanzanians and goans in general. I remember walking in his family's huge gardens in Tanzania and marvelling at the beauty and I guess beauty and appreciation of it has been rubbed on to him by his family. He is always willing to lend a hand wherever one is needed in spite of his busy schedule. He, together with his wife Sandra (yes computer Francis Miranda and Rosy's daughter) together with their children, personally went to Tanzania with gifts and love for the children of the Mother Teresa's Mburahati Orphanage as well as the Msimbazi Orphanage in Dar es Salaam run by Fr. Mansuetus and since their return have been trying to raise funds for these forgotten children, to give back to the children of Tanzania who we too once were. This project called the 'charity outreach ' was part of his Tanzanite Toronto 2009 Presidency Mandate and he made sure that all items were personally delivered. James has been involved in many projects over the years in Toronto and the outcome is always the same - excellent. Although never or maybe seldom acknowledged for his artistic and creative talent, he is always humble and never loud to overpower his concepts. I was very impressed by the visual effects which were second to none during my entire life attending the konkani tiatrs in Toronto since their inception. Raymond (Junior) was given this opportunity by the late Richard Fernandes who started the Goan Konkani Troupe in Toronto and introduced Junior to the Group. Junior hails from Sonarbatt, Quepem, Goa. He has been involved in Tiatr since his childhood, having written his first drama at the age of 13. Soon after immigrating to Canada, he presented his first Tiatr in Toronto in 1989. In 1999, he performed with Goa's Melody King and Radio Star the late Alfred Rose, along with Rita Rose. He also directed M. Boyers hit Tiatros like "Burgim Anik Bangar", "Adim tem atam hem" and Rosferns "Budhvont". Jr. Menezes usually does comedy roles and is called the Jancint Vaz of the Canadian Konkani stage. Amongst his other tiatr achievements, was 'Adeus' which he wrote, directed and participated in. Junior definitely put a lot of time and effort into this production and it showed. Everyone who attended this event went home with a lump in their throat as to how much this young man is trying to put our beloved Konkani and our homeland of Goa on the map and in each and every goan's mind. I was fortunate to travel with Jr. Menezes to Goa in December 1994. He has such a passion for Goa, the land and its people and especially the language which is unique. He is a very passionate man when it comes to Goa and all things Goan. The curtain opened with a family among others boarding a flight. A flight that ended in tragedy and left behind a young orphan girl Roma. The visual effects of the crash were simply amazing. Roma was raised by her paternal uncle, his wife and their son. Growing up in this extended family was no easy task for a little girl who just wanted to be loved but the aunt was not that giving. She made the little girl's life hell on earth and were it not for her young cousin and uncle, Roma would indeed be alone. -snip- Thanks to A.C. Pereira for co-ordinating the visual effects with Jr. Menezes and to Josie (Josephine) Carrasco (nee Dias) for being a right hand person for the konkani tiatr. Josie I understand worked tirelessly with the cast and learnt everyone's lines so that she could prompt them when needed. Winnie Crasto received the Richard Fernandes Award, which was donated by Jr. Menezes in memory of the late Richard Fernandes and presented by Richard's wife Rosy, for making her mark on Konkani tiatr and for giving of herself with love and passion. Amongst other recognitions handed out, were the producer recognition awards which were given to Josie Carrasco, Terry Carrasco, Keith Crasto, Alywn Gomes & Lourdinho Rodericks. Faria Fernandes as the older Roma was in my words simply fantastic and gets my nod for her stellar performance. Thanks to Terrence Carrasco, Keith Crasto, Lourdinho Rodrigues, Grace Almeida, Jude Menezes, Pradeep Mahabir, Gregorgy Fernandes, Allwyn Gomes and Willie Gracias and all the others who worked behind the scences tirelessly but don't always get the praise. Of course Olavo DaCosta made a terrific M.C. The comedians and singers like Auggie Pereira, Hazel Jacob, Lara Rebello, Oscar Nazareth, Winnie Crasto, Charmaine Menezes (Jr.'s lovely wife), Steven Fernandes, Ruth Kumar (she gives a lovely rendition of Lorna) Joyson and Wilson D'Souza, Miguel Barretto and my heartrob Agnello Fernandes who came all the way from the USA for each practice and the final performance. And Brendan Abreu (who probably did not understand everything) was the dedicated official photographer for the tiatr not forgetting June Dias (Josie's daughter) who was the official videographer. All these people showed total dedication. Of course, what can I say about our own AC Pereira. He was a total hit with his protrayal of a cross dresser but then which is the real AC? I never know as he wears so many hats. It is people like these and the rest of the crew make me proud to be a Goan and one who loves Goa, was born there (though I moved to Dar at the age of 7) and has spoken the language since birth. Growing up in Dar es Salaam where my parents were often rediculed by other goans for speaking to the children in konkani. I remember my mother always saying it is okay if my English is not perfect or even broken at least all my children know our mother tongue and for which I have always thanked my parents. All six of us children know the language fluently and it is only unselfish parents like mine that imparted this gift to us which we all love and appreciate. I can go to Goa and feel completely at home be it taking the buses all alone, haggling at the markets about the prices or enjoying the tiatrs there. Knowing the language or any other language for that matter other than the one spoke at home is always a big plus. Jr. Menezes should be commended for his hard work and for striving for excellence in his adopted country of Canada. He is a welcome addition to the fabric and mozaic of multi-cultural Toronto. Viva Goa. Albertina Fernandes (nee Dourado)
