Dubai: When Comedy King Cries for the First Time on Stage…
by Ramcy Fernandes
Daijworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 23: As the preparations for Daiji Anniversary on March 28 at Shaikh Rashid Auditorium go on in full swing, the theatre lovers in Dubai are looking forward to watch Francis Fernandes Cascia’s most recent drama ‘Matharo Charbela’ the main attraction of the anniversary celebrations.
The news of this much-acclaimed drama, which has seen many shows in different parts of Mumbai has gathered momentum. Francis Fernandes Cascia is an ace writer, actor and has produced 32 dramas in his stage career spanning four decades. 'Matharo Charbela’ is the most recent edition, which is slated to become a mega hit if the ‘talk of the town’ is any indication.
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A three-hour non-stop show, jointly presented by Ramani Events and Daiji Dubai, has many specialties, as compared to his earlier productions. To explore the yet unrevealed facts about the production, Daijiworld Dubai news bureau chief, Ramcy Fernandes met with the producer Dayan D’Souza and the director Hemacharya to know more of the happenings behind the curtain.
In terms of story and characters, the play has many changes from that which was staged in Mumbai recently. The well-known director Hemacharya has plenty of experience in acting as well directing drama for more than 30 years, apart from his impeccable oratory and writing skills in both Konkani and English languages.
Dayan D’Souza, who has been regarded as one of the finest actors in the recent revolutionary Konkani play arena will appear in a very special role to entertain the audience.
Moreover, Francis Fernandes Cascia, for the first time in his career as an actor will enact an emotional scene atleast in once towards the end. This could be something to remember for the audience for a long time to come.
Director Hemacharya and Actor, producer Dayan D'Souza
The following is a gist of the conversation between Ramcy Fernandes and the producer-director duo.
DW: What is special about ‘Matharo Charbela’?
Dayan: As you know, the drama will be performed by the members of Daiji Rang Mandir, the cultural wing of Daiji Dubai, and Francis is not only our founding member but also an inspiration in its real sense. When we had formed this forum dedicated to performing arts, we had decided to stage one of his dramas as a tribute to his untiring service to Konkani stage. He has been a writer, producer, director, actor all by himself.
DW: But this drama is being directed by Hemacharya. Is it for a change, perhaps?
Dayan: Exactly. That is one of the specialties of this production.
Hemacharya: In fact I should consider it my privilege and honour to direct a thespian's great piece of art. I have seen his dramas ever since my childhood and admired his love and dedication to the stage. I had never imagined in my wildest dream that one day I would be asked to direct his drama in which he will be one of the performers. I was shocked when he requested that I should direct his drama. It shows his greatness and humility.
DW: And how is the rehearsal process going?
Dayan: Absolutely fantastic. All the cast members are young, energetic and members of Daiji Rang
Mandir, so naturally all are committed to a common cause. Moreover, as you can see for yourself, we have all the young and beautiful faces on the team which adds glamour to the entire show.
DW: How do you then differentiate this show from the others staged elsewhere?
Hemacharya: We have modified certain scenes to fit into the most modern requirements. Today’s audience is different from the yesteryears. We have too many entertainment options available at present so we need to be competent to deliver what our audience needs.
DW: I understand it is a full length comedy for which Francis Cascia is well-known for?
Hemacharya: No doubt really. Comedy and Francis go together. Separating one from the other is difficult. Among all genres of performance, comedy sells these days, whether on TV or on stage. But to reveal one of the specialties of this drama, Francis is going to cry on stage, I think for the first time in his entire stage career.
DW: Was it intentional?
Dayan: Not at all. The story line demanded this change. Although Francis is known for his comedy roles we decided to show him differently in this drama. Hemacharya is good at innovating new things on our stage. We had a brain-storming session before taking up this project involving myself, Hemacharya, Francis and Linus Moras. Together we decided to modify the script in line with the mindset of present day society. We are grateful to Linus Moras who took upon himself the task of editing the entire script.
DW: How about the star cast? You have a few beautiful fresh faces as you said.
Hemacharya: Yes, but as I said earlier, all are members of Daiji Rang Mandir, and not all of them are new to the stage. Paul Almeida has acted in almost all of Francis’ dramas. Averyl Rodrigues, who plays opposite Francis, has stage experience having acted in our previous dramas such as Ghantichi Thor, Kuvalyachi vaal, etc. Lavina Fernandes has given a stellar performance in Mangalore Konkans “Tho Mhaka Naka’. Sunita Menezes is a natural actress who has acted in a number of comedy roles enacted by different groups in Dubai. This also applies to others like Cynthia, Veena, Deepak, Clevin, Robert, who have acted in different stage performances.
DW: And what role would Dayan be playing? I came to know that he will be presented in special appearances.
Hemacharya: Let the suspense be suspense. I like Dayan’s acting hence I create special roles for him whenever I direct a drama. First time I gave him a small role in my drama ‘Ghantichi Thor’ and identified a great source of creativity in him. Secondly, it was our sincere desire to portray him alongside Francis to add glitter to the comedy circus. Besides being good human beings, both have a flair for natural comedy.
DW: Music is important part of any play, can you tell us something about music in the drama?
Dayan: On Konkani stage, we have seldom given importance to techniques such as background music, lighting or on screen display, etc. We have taken note of these important elements and involved the right people to work with us. Cyril Baptist, a young and up and coming musician has blended beautiful scores to go along with the dialogues and action. Assisting him is Sigfred D'Souza of Belle Vision who takes care of on screen display.
DW: So much is being talked about this programme. How did you manage with the publicity factor?
Hemacharya: Publicity and propaganda are important factors for a show of this size in this electronic age. Secondly it should be noted that it is the first time a Konkani drama is being presented in the spectacular Shaikh Rashid Auditorium. This was possible only because of high profile publicity campaign of our media sponsors. We are fortunate to have our own Daijiworld.com to promote our talents and efforts worldwide. Also the most recent Radio FM in the UAE - Radio Spice has given us the much required on-air publicity.
DW: Anything more or worthwhile to mention?
Dayan: We would like to mention about the support of our sponsors without whom the show of this kind cannot be organized. We have been supported by almost every person whom we have approached for assistance. I must say, they are the ones who have strengthened our spirit and indirectly contributed to the growth of our language. We talk about promoting our language and its culture but they are the ones who back us up by providing financial support. We are privileged to have certain sponsors who are with us since ‘day one’ and have pledged to be with us all along.
DW: One last question, do you expect full house show for this event?
Hemacharya: Yes, we expect all tickets to be sold out atleast two days prior to the show. Tickets costing Dhs 30 are already sold-out and we are left with only about 200 tickets of Dhs 50. We expect last minute rush specially after Easter. Those who have still not reserved their ticket should book it now itself to avoid any last moment disappointment.
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Earlier Update and more details on the event : Click Here