'...Nathlyaa Vellaar' captivates Abu Dhabi audience
Oswald M D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Pics: Sujith L Fernandes
Abu Dhabi, Nov 16: Superb performances and electrifying moments were the hallmark of the play “Aami Nathlyaa Vellaar” performed by Daiji Rang Mandhir of Dubai at the India Social and Cultural Centre of Abu Dhabi on Friday November 15 evening in the presence of packed audience.
The play brilliantly enacted by Daiji Rang Mandhir artistes from Dubai captured the hearts of the Abu Dhabi’s Konkani theater lovers, which had filled the premises to full capacity.
A pleasant mix of suspense, emotions and comedy ruled the stage enacted brilliantly by each and every character doing justice to their individual roles.
It was unusual for Abu Dhabi to witness such a mammoth crowd attending a Konkani play, which was presented by Konkani Cultural Organization, in association with the Konkani Community of Abu Dhabi arranged for a noble cause – to aid the construction of new churches in Abu Dhabi and Mussafah.
The spellbinding drama saw electrifying performance by the lead actors. Walter Nandalike who played the role of a Navy Commander – Herman Sequeira, showed his prowess and other side as a class actor of substance. His personality and dialogue delivery as the Naval Commander did flawless justice to his role.
The multitalented Asha Correa who gave a dramatic performance as the wife of the Naval Commander – Gloria Sequeira impressed all as usual with her acting proficiency. She proved her ability as an actress of immense talent and why she is sought after and preferred by all communities to perform on stage.
Alphonse D’Souza portrayed the character of Sunil Kumar a menacing villain displayed his immense acting ability in his unique style adding a new dimension to the character of a Villian. His superb devilish acting was appreciated by all. This new find will surely go a long way in establishing himself on the Konkani theater scene in the times to come.
The veteran Dayan D’Souza – a brilliant established actor of repute who portrayed the character of a School teacher – Nazareth Mestri stole the show. Such was his characterization of a great wise teacher, his control over his dialogue delivery, riveting acting with controlled emotions and wit at times and proved why he is considered as the best stage actor of the present times.
Cynthia Pinto as Florine, Nanu Marol as D’Sa the ex high court judge, Pradeep Barboza as D’Souza the Public Prosecutor, Alwyn Pinto as judge made justice to their individual roles with their powerful acting prowess, Godwin Castelino as Benna and Lavina Fernandes as Minna provided the welcome comic relief.
Young Reagan Fernandes as Bunti too made an impression as the son of the Navy Commander Herman Sequeira and Gloria by his impeccable Konkani language and as a lovable son. He too is a new find and has a good future on the Konkani Stage if nurtured and develop his acting skills.
All the actors ably supported and were the integral part for the success of the play.
The impressive stage setting, background music and sound/light effects provided by Arun and Ketan, crisp sound by Broadway, dance choreography by Arun Lobo, continuity of scenes made the show more enjoyable.
The skilful direction of veteran Dayan D’Souza was a jewel on the crown, made the audience glued to their chairs until the end and made the play a master piece.
The title song for the play was composed exclusively and sung by Melwin Peris, the renowned Konkani composer-musician from Mangalore
The spellbinding play was entwined between three locations - the navy commander's house, the court, and Sunil Kumar's residence. The climax scene at the third location was in the form of a telefilm , it was of 15 minutes duration experimented for the first time on the Konkani stage, which was impressive, screened on wide screens edited by Ashwath Samuel, a creative expert was immensely commended by the audience. The climax court scene was deftly enacted to mark the end of a mesmerizing play. The near to reality presentation of the court scene was amazing.
Overall the play was entertaining master piece with electrifying and professional presentation, taking the audience through roller coaster captivating moments – it was Daiji Rang Mandir’s effort in providing professional touch through their well trained amateur artistes which was very much applauded by the Konkani theatre lovers of Abu Dhabi.
'Aami Nathllyaa Vellaar', the thrilling social drama, originally a Marathi play by Madhussodhan Kallelkar, later translated to Kannada by Ramananda Choorya (Navilladaga) The play based on a true life story of a Navy Commander and his family, which became a sensational case in Maharashtra back in 1959. This play has created a record by staging over 5000 shows in Marathi, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu and today’s play was the 5th show performed by Daiji Rang Mandir of Dubai within a span of one and half years.
The joint efforts of Konkani Cultural Organization and the Konkani Community of Abu Dhabi to be appreciated for their immense efforts in bringing this wonderful play to Abu Dhabi for a cause and therefore paving the way for their future presentation and bringing in more quality plays to Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Earlier the evening began with felicitations to the parish priest Fr Savarimuthu and Fr Valerian Fernandes, the spiritual director of KCO and other church organizations. In their address both the priests lauded efforts service of Konkani Community of Abu Dhabi towards the church and appreciated KCO’s initiative and their gesture in helping in raising funds for the construction of the new church structures by presenting the Play.
The sponsors were also honoured during the occasion. Bennette D’Mello, honorary president of KCO welcomed the gathering and Canute Pinto compered the event.
All artistes and supporting crew were honoured with bouquet of flowers. Dayan D’Souza, director of the play was specially honoured with a shawl, gift and flowers. Daiji Rang Mandhir and Daijidubai writers forum president Rony Byndoor presented a plaque to KCO president as a good will gesture.
It was amazing to see the audience’ presence in the auditorium until the end applauding the artistes and enjoying every moment of the play – such was the impact the pray created on the spectators. Hats off to Daiji Rang Mandhir and KCO and the Konkani community of Abu Dhabi.