Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 9: Veteran Konkani theatre personality, renowned actor, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy award winner, and comedy king Francis Fernandes Cassia’s Frank Production Mumbai Konkani drama troupe staged the 98th performance of the comedy social Konkani play ‘Mhataro Charbela’ on Friday night at the St Jude Balwadi School grounds in Jerimeri, Kurla West, under the coordination of Konkani Friends Jerimeri.

The play was staged as a charitable show. During a simple function held on the occasion, parish priest of St Jude’s Church Fr Elias D’Souza of Kinnigoli attended as the chief guest, while Sisters Seema, Jonha and Sanjana were present as guests of honour. They specially felicitated Francis Fernandes Cassia and Flora D’Souza Kalmady and also honoured other artistes.

The 98th staging of ‘Mhataro Charbela’, written and acted by the 83-year-old veteran artist Francis Fernandes Cassia and directed by Joy Paladka, featured mostly artistes who had performed in the play nearly three decades ago. The play received appreciation from theatre lovers.

The cast included Joy Paladka, Betty Nhaz of Bandra, Julie Vaz of Marol, Flora D’Souza Kalmady of Jerimeri, Shanti Barboza Boliye, Gregory Siqueira Niddodi, Peter Pais of Basrur, Peter Coutinho of Mundkur, Lavina D’Souza of Jerimeri, and Francis Fernandes in the lead role.

On the dais were members of Konkani Friends Jerimeri including John Mascarenhas, Elias Pinto, John Rodrigues, Ronnie Oliveira, Dr Mamata Chettiyar, Melroy Alphonso, Antony Chettiyar, Mershin Miranda, Anita Fernandes, and Gracy Tavro, who honoured the guests.

Jovila D’Souza welcomed the gathering and compered the programme, while Flora D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.

Frank Production will stage the 99th performance of the play on Sunday, May 10 at 7 pm at the open auditorium of Pallotti Church in Marol (Vijayanagar), Andheri East.