Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangalore, Aug 14 : Being a national holiday the Independence Day on August 15, 2013 is going to be full of fun and frolic provided by the Independence Day festivities. As the evening approaches a leeway to soak in some cultural extravaganza will be the best bet to celebrate Independence Day in style. Karavali Konkans, Mangalore, have decided to do just that as they are planning to come up with cultural bonanza for Konkani theatre lovers of Mangalore.
The activities for the evening include a Goan play “Avo Jaavo Goi Tumra”, that will give a glimpse of the splendor of Goan plays to Konkani theatre lovers of Mangalore, release of a unique album “Karavalli voylim Bhangralim podam” (golden songs of coastal region) containing rare gems of Konkani songs, dedicated to Konkan Kogul late Wilfy Rebimbus. The programme also includes the presentation of the third “Karaval Konkans Kala” award to Konkani theatre’s pantheon, actor and dramatist Charles Sequeira in recognition of his contribution to Konkani theatre spanning five decades. Needless to say it is going to be an eventful evening for Konkani theatre lovers. The programme will be held at Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore at 5.45 pm.
The CD is sponsored by philanthropist and NRI businessman Ronald Colaco and family.
Eminent senior Konkani writer Edwin J F D Souza will be the chief guest on the occasion and entrepreneur Rohan Monteiro will be the guest of honour.
“Avo jaavo goi tumhara” directed by Eknath Naik is a social comedy play with a clear message and is sure to give Mangaloreans a taste of Goan theatre and their life and culture. Lesli Rego President of Karavali Konkans says “Avo Jaavo …..has seen more than 80 shows in a span of three years and the play had won the first place in All Goa Drama competition. It is a family entertainer with a clear message to Goans and this message will hold good to Mangaloreans also”.
The unique album of Konkani songs which will be released on the occasion comprises 12 golden songs of Konkani of five different composers namely Vally Vas Bendur, Harry-Gerry D’lima, Austin D Souza Prabhu, Claude D Souza and Claude Pais. Some of the popular songs in the CD are ‘badalla ho kaal’ by Vally Vas, ‘pathkanche hem praachit’ and ‘vinna’ of Claude D Souza. Though these songs were quite popular and were sung during weddings, parties and social gatherings they were not brought out in the form of cassettes or CDs.
The composers of these songs had established themselves as lyricist at Catholic Action Bendur but they did not get their due. They composed the songs to be sung for inter-parish competitions conducted by Konkani Natak Sabha and these songs were the favourite of most of the singers participating in these competitions. But the people do not know who composed these popular songs. So now Karavali Konkans has come forward to compliment these composers by bringing their compositions in the form of CD and preserve it for posterity.
As Lelsi Rego puts it “Konkani songs of coastal region represent a rich heritage and culture of this region. We have made a humble effort to preserve some of these golden oldies through this CD. I hope Konkani music lovers will love these songs appreciate our efforts”.
The songs in the album are sung by some of the well known singers of Konkani in their inimitable style. The singers who have lent their canorous voices for the golden songs are Ivan Sequeira, Claud D Souza, Rony D Cunha, Babitha Pinto, Munita Veigas, Anna D Souza, Ashwin D Costa, Blossom Rego and Akanksha D Souza. Tunes of the songs are by Ed Rod, Bendur, Claud D Souza and Harry-Gerry D’lima. Music is by Pappan-Joswin duo. The CDs are marketed by Gerosa Company. The album is dedicated to Wilfy Rebimbus as Karavali Konkans believes that late Wilfy has been the guiding force for most of its members and has been the inspiration for the projects and programmes it has been undertaking in the last 17 years.
Karavali Konkans was established 17 years ago and many Konkani music shows, dramas and programmes have been conducted under its aegis since then. The organization has been very active in the last few years conducting myriad Konkani programmes and shows. It is the third year the organization has been awarding “Karavali Konkan Award” to eminent senior Konkani theatre personalities who have rendered humungous service to Konkani theatre. Karavali Konkans is also set to come up with another programme on eminent Konkani writer late VJP Saldanha on 23rd August 2013.
The cost of the ticket for this show scheduled for August 15, 2013 is Rs. 500 (entry for 3 persons), Rs 100 and Rs. 50/-. Tickets will be available at Vas Bakery Bendur, Gerosa Company, James and Co, Milagres, Favourite Collections, Bendurwell, Venus Bakery, Kankanady and Mat Shop at Jyothi circle.