Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 11: 'Rang-Antrang', a theatre group that was formed last year to promote Konkani plays of quality, is all set to present 'Sur Surngaar', an evening of music and drama, at Don Bosco hall on August 15, from 6.20 pm.

There will be a musical concert of romantic songs penned by Konkani's young and brilliant Konkani poet and lyricist Wilson Kateel.

The songs selected for the evening are from various albums and will be sung by talented young voices of Konkani like Prajoth D'Sa, Ashwin D'Costa, Kevin Misquith, Royston Pinto, Senet D’Cunha, Shilpa Cutinha and Ashwija Mendonca. To enhance the experience, specially videographed and edited clippings for the songs will be projected on an LED backdrop. The event will be compered by the young poet Sapna Saldanha.

Konkani play 'Varsak Ek Pavtim' (Once a Year) of one hour duration will be another attraction. This seriously comic drama with clean humour, will be once again brought to life by the superlative acting of veterans Denis Monteiro, Leena Crasta, and Asumpta Pais. Eddie Sequeira is the director and is also playing a support role.

Rang Antrang has also announced that a rare gem of Konkani theatre, the first-ever actress to perform in a Konkani play will be felicitated during the event. She is Apoline Monteiro, now aged 93 years.

Born on January 27, 1923 at Kadri, Apoline is the second child of the late Marcel D'Silva and Theresa. She completed her education at St Agnes Girls' High School.

Bestowed with talents, beauty and brains, Apoline, at the age of 23, was chosen to play the lead role of Genevieve in the Konkani adaptation of 'Genevieve'. Her husband, Antony Baptist Monteiro played the role of King Seigfred, husband of Genevieve. The play was conceived, planned and executed by the late Fr Philip Neri. It was his dream to build a theatre for the Catholic community of Mangaluru and this dream was realised through 'Genevieve'. The proceeds of the play provided the initial capital for the Don Bosco hall.

'Genevieve' was staged in the year April, 1946 in the Milagres School grounds to a packed audience and on public demand was staged a second time.

Apoline Monteiro is now a young 93 years. Mother of 15 children, she has 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Her children are well settled in India and overseas. Her son the late Victor Monteiro was a renowned theatre personality of Mangaluru. Apoline still gives her children a run for their money in terms of her alertness, wit and her skill at scrabble and WhatsApp. She spends her time challenging people to word games and playing solitaire.

Joseph Mathias successful entrepreneur from Dubai, a talented singer, avid Konkani supporter is the main sponsor of this event. Daijiworld.com, Daijiworld 24x7 and Daijiworld Weekly are the media sponsors along with 'Naman Balok Jezu' Konkani monthly and Kittall.com.

'Rang-Antrang has requested patronage from theatre lovers, supportersand well wishers.