Media Release

Goa, Apr 8: The members of the society of pilar recently staged, Jivitachem Jivit, Uzvaddacho Uzvadd, a magnificent Lenten operetta in Konkani, on the Pilar hillock. Over 2,000 people from across Goa came to witness the mega musical programme on the person of Jesus, which seamlessly depicted his life, death and resurrection through song and drama. The idea to stage this operetta was conceived by Fr Peter Fernandes, the manager of Pilar Media and executed with the support of his fellow confreres and superiors.

Jivitachem Jivit, Uzvaddacho Uzvadd (the title indicates Jesus to be the definitive life and light) was scripted by well-known theatre personality Fr Dominic Alvares and biblical scholar Fr Diogo D’Souza. It was directed by Fr Ze Baptista along with Fr Agnelo Gomes and Fr Diogo D’Souza as creative directors. The play resonated the message of hope, in line with the theme of the jubilee year – Pilgrims of Hope’ – as announced by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

A total of 13 scenes were enacted by a group of over 50 artistes. The scene depicting Jesus meeting his mother on his way to calvary evoked a profound sense of sorrow, leaving audiences with a feeling of holy awe. Frazer Fernandes from Morjim played the role of Jesus while Felicia Hyacinth Coutinho from Verna played the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The other significant roles were played by Alexinho de Morjim as Judas, Fr Pio Furtado as Peter the apostle of Jesus, Fr Milton Rodrigues as high priest and Fr Derrick Rodrigues as Pilate.

The play included 13 songs composed by Goa’s music maestro Fr Peter Cardozo along with Fr Dominic Alvares and Avers Pereira. The songs were sung and played by a group of over 20 professional musicians and singers.

The programme began with an overture played by the orchestra under the baton of Fr Peter Cardozo, the music director and was assisted by Fr Elvis Fernandes as music coordinator.

At the outset, Fr Diogo D’Souza welcomed the gathering and spoke on the significance of the Lenten operetta, while Fr Lawrence Fernandes, the producer of the play, expressed gratitude to donors and benefactors. Fr Nazareth Fernandes, the superior general of the society of pilar felicitated some important personalities.

This operetta brought nostalgic feelings of a similar operetta staged way back in 1985 with the audience moving around to watch the different scenes from the life of Jesus. However, this version was enacted on a massive stage covering almost hundred metres with outstanding lights and sound arrangements by Shelton and Chris Audio respectively.

The sets and costumes were creatively designed by Fr Adrian Furtado and his team. Fr Joseph Fernandes, Fr Lionel Fernandes and Fr Andrew Joseph saw to the technicalities of the stage management and the publicity of the play was handled by Fr Rex Fernandes.