I was not invited for a party organized by Marshal Fernandes for cast and volunteers of his tiatr, Chuk Konnachi? but I landed there because of certain circumstances when the party was more than half way through. It was nice to see those involved in the staging of the play enjoy the evening. I believe that party cost more than $3000, with special raffle gifts entitled only for the cast. Talking to some members of the cast, I felt they were quite okay with such a reception. With the exception of last year, Marshal has entertained his cast and helpers. On the other hand, we had Jr. Menezes give us a big sermon on how much it cost to organize a tiatr and the efforts that go behind it when he spoke to the audience during his tiatr Dukh, staged recently. He repeated ad nauseum the same thing when he again took the mike to thank the people who helped him organize and stage the tiatr. He indirectly crticized me saying that some "individuals" have written wrong things about him, referring to the piece I wrote here on how producers/directors are making money and not sharing in the profits with fellow actors. In both his self-eulogatory speeches, he never mentioned the central issue that I had raised in my piece -- whether the producer/director makes profit. True, Jr. Menezes did spend extra money for the special effects and also for floral tributes to the cast and volunteers. Will he tell his cast and volunteers if he has made a profit? Will he let us know if any actors have claimed travel or mileage expenses? Getting a close associate to write a puff piece is self-defeating, Jr. Menezes should know. No critic worth his/her salt would begin saying that he/she was "privileged" to witness a tiatr. It gave the lie away. Perhaps, the writer was given a free ticket. I paid for my ticket but I must thank Jr. Menezes for making one concession for me -- providing me with a front row seat. At the last convention, Jr. Menezes was paid $800 for staging "Adeus". Actors complained that there was no sufficient food for them. So much for caring those who really give meat and soul to his tiatrs. Acting as a preacher and serving words is not enough. I have commented on Jr. Menezes as Joe Lobo wanted to know my reaction to what Jr. Menezes's speeches.
Eugene Correia
