Konkani Drama ‘Ghonvdho’ performs to great applause in Kuwait!:::By Gasper Crasto:::Kuwait: Konkani drama ‘Ghonvdho’ (Mason) written and directed by Nazy Rod and staged at the Kuwait Medical Association Hall on 18th May 2012 provided top-class entertainment to the audience.The drama presented by Kuwait’s popular singers Lopes Brothers was initially scheduled to be held on 11th May but was postponed due to non-availability of some visiting artistes from Goa.The story of ‘Ghonvdho’ depicts life of a faithful wife (played by Irene Vaz) while her husband (Sylvester Vaz) holds an affair with his best friend’s(Braz de Parra) wife who happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Perhaps the title ‘Ghonvdho’ (mason) left everyone guessing till the end as the audience were glued to their seats till the last curtain. The title means that everyone is accountable to be a ‘Ghonvdho’ (mason) of their own homes, a master of their own fate for the success or disaster, happiness or failure in life. The drama proved once again that some of the most talented Konkani artistes arebased in Kuwait. Superstar Sylvester Vaz, with his dynamic presence, was at hissuper-best in the lead role. His portrayal of the husband was enacted to greatperfection and commitment. The character couldn’t be played any better. Hisacting with his ‘own’ wife Irene brought a sense of ‘reality’ on stage; theygelled splendidly well. Irene looked gracious in her costumes and her dialogue delivery was flawless. She showed class in style and the ‘cantos’ of an ‘actress’ which earned her fame in so many dramas of famous playwright and Goan Shakespeare Rosario Rodrigues years ago. Irene also played a double enacting the other woman which, however, left many in the audience confused, and some bewildered by her fast-changing attire!Braz Rodrigues (Braz de Parra) portrayed the ‘friend’ with great tact, timing and a wealth of voice in his dialogues. Perfect! Cajetan de Sanvordem did his part well too, a cakewalk act for the hardened campaigner.Special mention must go to little Joshua Gonsalves, a child artiste who did his role extremely well for his age - without a trace nervousness or hiccups. Lawry Miranda and Francis Dias made their presence felt too with cameo roles. Comedian Jr. Simla was fabulous on stage. His comedy was simply fantastic. Although his ‘entries’ on stage were the most by any artiste, he was easily the ‘darling of the audience’ specially for his naïve ‘acting’ and ‘clean’ dialogues. The comedian was certainly one of the stars of the show.Simla was accompanied in the comedy skits by Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha. Together, they made a great pair, and pulled off a rib-tickling, hilarious comedy. Apparently, the pair was called to perform just 3 days prior to the show as back-up for the ‘visiting’ artistes. The comedy acts were supported by Luis D’Costa (Luis de Sanguem) in a polished role of a Hindu goldsmith, and comedian Salu Faleiro. Salu Faleiro, in the character of Timan (aunty), sent pills of laughter around for his amusing costume and the ‘village-oldy’ language that he used throughout. The guy would absolutely be a ‘hit’ should he enact the same character back in Goan dramas.Popular visiting artistes Marcus Vaz and Francis de Tuem left a mark on the audience with their meaningful and captivating songs. The stars were strongly applauded by the audience and encored even for ‘decent’ solos. While the two were excellent in their comedy duo, dressed as females which warranted tremendous ‘phew phews’ demanding more repeats, Francis de Tuem was called back on stage atleast 5 times for his song on ‘New generationgirls and boys’.Among the local artistes who rendered their songs to great applause were Lopes Brothers (2 duos) and their sister Agnes. The elder of the Lopes Brothers, Alex, was remarkably stylish and looked like a top-class, professional singer while Michael was marvellous with his segundo voice. Agnes sang with poise, confidence and a glow on her face which was a delight to watch. Irene and Sylvester Vaz sang an exemplary duet while Sylvester Vaz later sang a magnificent solo. Also, there were songs by Seby Mascarenhas, Edward Estebeiro, Michael Fernandes (Micky), Manuel Goes, etc. Director Nazy Rod too took to the stage to feature in a beautiful ‘quartet’ with Agnes, Irene and Michael Lopes. Opening Chorus of the drama, a well composed song in a unique manner, was sung by Agnes-Alex, Edward-Seby, and Irene-Sylvester; each pair singing one verse and chorus. Musical score provided by Shahu and his troupe brought great Goan ambience and ‘feeling’ in the hall.Stage setting and lights were super while Anand D’Souza stepped in right intime to give that crystal clear sound. At a short felicitation during the interval, Marcus Vaz and Francis de Tuem along with Joshua Gonsalves were felicitated for their outstanding performance in the drama. Mementos were presented to these artistes as a token of appreciation. A colourful souvenir was released to mark the event. A game of ‘Housie’ was also held during the break. Mr. Brendon won the Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait air-ticket sponsored by Jet Airways. Shaheen Training Institute and Kuwait Educational Centre sponsored an Office Automation course, which was offered as the first prize for the lucky souvenir. The prize was won by Pearl. The second prize winner for the lucky souvenir received a 3-in-1 Canon Pixma printer. Mathew and Anson Rodrigues conducted the proceedings. Amazed by the response from the public, director Nazy Rod has shown his intent to stage the drama in Goa and produce a video film on ‘Ghonvdho’.
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