Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Apr 19: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Qatar, a non-profit social community association affiliated to Indian Cultural Center under the aegis of Embassy of India hosted the much-acclaimed dramas of Kalakul 'Platform No 3' and 'Nimane 30 Dees' (Last 30 Days) as their annual cultural event on Friday April 17 at Al Ghazal Club hall at 5 pm in front of a fullhouse Konkani drama lovers.
Theatre lovers witnessed a rare, classic entertainment in modern theatre through these two Konkani comedy dramas 'Platform No 3' and 'Nimane 30 Dees' written by Arunraj Rodrigues and directed by Christopher D'Souza, Neenasam and presented by young professional team of 14 male and female artistes' troupe from Konkani's lone theatre repertory 'Kalakul' of Mandd Sobhann from Mangaluru.
The evening began with an introduction from Alexis Castelino, MCC sports secretary followed by welcome song from Alphonse D'Silva and group. With no further delay the stage was opened to the audience with the first play 'Platform No 3' with an intro from the writer Arunraj Rodrigues.
A short stage programme was held during the interval between the two plays. President Norbert Corda and vice-president Prakash Noronha escorted the chief guest Capt Ravikumar, defense attache from the Embassy of India in Qatar, and founder member and advisory committee member Jerald D'Mello to the dais. They were presented with a bouquet by children.
Presidents of the various Karnataka-based organizations - Ravi Shetty of Tulu Koota Qatar, Deepak Shetty of Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Niyaz Ahmed of KMCA, Abdulla Majeed of SKMWA, Prakash Ajila of Bunts Qatar and Divakar Poojary of Billavas Qatar - were welcomed to the dais and greeted with a bouquet by MCC executive committee members namely Violet Veigas,Winnie Saldanha, Mishal Lobo, Raj M Rodrigues, Ronald Saldanha and Vivian D'Souza.
MCC president then welcomed the gathering, informed about the future activities and requested the members to be more active in the Club and strengthen the bond, and urged all new families to be part of this big MCC family.
Chief guest Capt Ravi Kumar in his address congratulated MCC on its achievements during the past 23 years of its existence.
The souvenir editorial committee Prabha Rego, Prakash Noronha and Sunil D'Silva presented the Souvenir 'Sugandh' for its release to Capt Ravikumar. The advisory committee and ex-committee members joined the guests on dais for the release of the Souvenir.
Riana Pinto, cultural secretary was then invited to conduct the honouring of the artistes. Capt Ravi Kumar, Jerry D'Mello and Norbert Corda honoured all the 14 drama artistes with mementoes. The artistes were Arun Raj Rodrigues (writer), Christopher D’Souza, Neenasam (director), Hanley Coelho, Melwyn Pais, Clanwin Fernandes, Rohan Lobo, Preetham Rodrigues, Sandeep Tellis, Arun Tauro, Lester Menezes, Rivin Crasta, Maria D'Souza, Neeshma D'Souza and Zeena Braggs. Writer of the plays Arunraj Rodrigues addressed the gathering on behalf of his troupe and mentioned about Kakakul activities and requested all to encourage the artistes.
Prakash Noronha then proposed the vote of thanks. Della Rego, membership secretary conducted the entire stage programme. General secretary Ryan Renjar and joint cultural secretary Mishal Lobo thanked all sponsors and handled all the announcements.
MCC Qatar in an effort to promote Konkani language and culture organized the theatre plays and it was well accepted by the crowd. The audience had a rare opportunity to witness modern theatre drama and to witness the finest exhibition of acting skills by young budding artistes with thorough professionalism. Both the plays sent the audience into split of laughter also giving a message.
MCC congratulated the whole Kalakul team, the writer Arunraj Rodrigues for the great plays, director Christopher D'Souza for his excellent direction, fantastic background score and all their young actors for their immense talent and wished them the best in their future programmes.
MCC also thanked the main sponsor Leen Estate Investment, platinum sponsor Al Amer Garage and Transport, Gold Sponsor Joyston and Joyline Infrastructure Co WLL, silver sponsors Sal Contracting and Trading Co, City Square WLL, Al Balagh Trading and Contracting Co WLL, Lupin Trading, Integra International Trading and Contracting and Construction Development Co WLL and all other sponsors for their support and for the success of this event. MCC also thanked all its volunteers for all their help and support extended in staging this event.