Auckland: Theatre Enthusiasts Relish Konkani Drama 'Toiar Rau'
By Edward Barboza
Auckland, Nov 9: Agnelo Mascarenhas, producer, director and actor, along with his troupe Paul, Michael, Diego, Iva, Nita, Jane, Isidore, Benny, Ferdy and Edward presented his 6th drama “Toiar Rau” (Be Prepared) recently in Freeman's Bay community hall, Auckland to a packed audience of more than 300.
The drama commenced on time at 6.50 pm with a 20 min interval, finishing at 9.45 pm.
The story revolves round a family in Goa with two sons, Cain (Paul) and Abel (Agnelo). Cain is a scientist in America while Abel is a social worker for a church in Goa. While Cain is the apple of the eye of his parents, Abel is an embarrassment to them. Eventually Cain returns to Goa with an American wife, Florence (Nita) which turns to be the beginning of the end. Victoria (Eva) and Baltazar (Michael), the parents, enjoy the luxury and wealth that Cain showers on them. However, ashamed to acknowledge Abel as their son, they drive him out of the house. Over a period of time, Cain develops permanent brain damage while Abel becomes a priest. Unable to handle this stress, Florence, admits Cain into the mental hospital, mortgages the family house and returns back to America. Misery, poverty, pain and suffering drive the parents to Abel, begging for shelter and food.
But that is not all, it was Jumbo (Diego) the house keeper who stole the show with his humorous dialogue delivery. Every stage appearance by Jumbo had the audience roaring with laughter. Skits in between the scenes presented by Agnelo, Jane, Isidore, Benny and Edward kept the humour alive.
The famous Konkani song by Henry D'Souza, “Ye Ye Katrina” was sung by Dexter Britto and Nita Pinto to music provided by Verrell.
Music accompaniment by Alex, Marina, James, guitarist, Finian and Elvis including backstage assistance from Melwin and Chris and not forgetting several close friends of Agnelo, all helped in making this show a grand success.
Agnelo's message, Toiar Rau (be prepared)) echoed in his closing song that three words mog (love), xanti (peace), bogsonem (forgiveness) can make this world a better place as no one knows the day or time when the end would come, struck a responsive chord with the audience.
Fr Raphael thanked Agnelo and the audience for keeping the Konkani spirit alive in Auckland and the great message 'be prepared' which coincidentally was resounded in church on Sunday as well.
On the whole, it was a lovely weekend well spent catching up with other Konkans and enjoying the drama