Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jul 6: It was a rare treat for Konkani drama enthusiasts as back-to-back twin dramas 'Indira' and 'Bhooth Bonglo' were staged on Sunday July 5 at Don Bosco hall in the city.
Both the short dramas of around 1 hour duration each, and of different genres were presented by Kala Kutam.
Veteran actor Benedict Miranda, popularly known as Benna Ruzai was honoured in the beginning by John M Permannur. Benna has been a tall name in Konkani drama for the past four decades.
The first drama staged was ‘Indira’ which was written and directed by John M Permannur. The drama was special for many reasons. It was one of the rarest attempts on Konkani stage as the story portrayed the life of the famous person Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. Also, the story was not just a biography as anticipated. It was in fact interpretation of a few important events of Indira’s life from Indira’s own perspective.
Indira talks to the audience about some significant incidents in her life. She clears the misunderstanding on the ‘misdeeds’ committed by her son Sanjay Gandhi. She also defends her decisions especially that of the imposition of Emergency. Whether one likes the stance taken in the drama or not does not seem of much importance. It was a rare visual treat when the assassination is shown in the background in shadow form. Eulalia D’Souza was not a regular actress. Now she has shown that she is not an ordinary actress. She enacted the central character beautifully. Raymond D’Cunha narrated the story. Nikhita Jasmine Fernandes and Leslie Ferrao Permannur acted behind the scenes as shadow characters.
The drama starts with the assassination of Indira and then Indira’s soul comes to the stage and speaks about major happenings in her life. Indira does not only remain a politician, she becomes a mother and a human being. Indira’s cries on stage and sends the spectator into tears. Her assassination is again shown at the end of the drama.
The second drama 'Bhooth Bonglo' written by John M Permannur and directed by Martin R D'Souza Vamanjoor was a comedy with a social message. There are only four characters in the drama. An old man, a policeman and a youngster live in a house. An old lady enters that house saying that she is in search of her husband. The conversation and fight among the four keeps the spectators glued to their chairs. Ultimately it is revealed that she is not an old lady but a young one. The story explores the ‘lost love ‘in every human being’s life.
Actors Navin Kulshekar Derebail, Alwyn Miranda Jeppu, Floyd D’Mello Cascia and Sunitha D’Souza Permannur do justice to their roles.
Music was provided by Elden Mario D’souza. Chris Electronics did the lights and sounds and Arun D’Souza did the stage setting. Harish was the makeup man. Leslie Ferrao was the convener.
All the people who helped in making the dramas a success were honoured. Felci Lobo Derebail compered the stage programme.
The banner ‘Kala Kutam’ was originally started by Benna and Minna Ruzai. Currently John Permannur with the involvement of drama lovers manages the banner. Kala Kutam welcomes talents who love drama.