Media Release 

Mangaluru, Mar 9: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), Mangaluru, one of the oldest and most respected Konkani cultural organisations, staged the much-awaited religious drama Bhavadthachem Zoith’ (The Victory of Faith) on Sunday, March 8, at Don Bosco Hall in Mangaluru. The programme began at 6.00 pm and attracted a large gathering of theatre lovers, clergy, and members of the faithful. 

Organised as part of the Lenten observance, the drama offered the audience a spiritually enriching and thought-provoking experience. Entry to the show was free and open to all, enabling the wider community to witness the presentation and reflect on the deeper message of faith during the holy season of Lent. 

Prior to the drama, a brief stage programme was held. The dignitaries present on the dais included drama writer Dr Ronald Serrao, Fr Valerian D’Souza, parish priest of Rosario Cathedral, drama directors John M Permannur and Jerome Moras Angelore, Floyd D’Mello Cascia, vice president of KNS and production director of the drama, Pamela Santos, general secretary of KNS, and Ivan D’Silva, treasurer of KNS. 

Fr Valerian D’Souza offered the opening prayer and wished the entire team success. Dr Ronald Serrao briefly introduced the theme of the drama and explained that the play centred on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presenting the truth behind these events and encouraging believers to deepen and strengthen their faith. 

Floyd D’Mello welcomed the priests, nuns, dignitaries, members, and the audience. During the programme, drama directors John M Permannur and Jerome Moras, along with writer Dr Ronald Serrao, were honoured in recognition of their dedication and creative efforts in bringing the production to life. All the actors and technical team members were also presented with mementoes as a token of appreciation. The programme was compered by Maxim D’Souza Angelore. 

Written by Dr Ronald Serrao, the play conveyed the message of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal during the season of Lent. The drama was directed by John M Permannur and Jerome Moras, whose creative direction brought the powerful narrative alive on stage. The production was led by Floyd D’Mello Cascia, who implemented the technical aspects and introduced innovative modern elements in the presentation. 

The drama featured performances by Vincent Mendonca Cascia / Valencia (Prof Dr Edmund Mark), Loy Rego Bendur (Prof Robert William – Philosophy Professor), Prakash Fronteiro Jeppu (Dr Ryan Fernandes – Theology Professor), Leslee Fernandes Bondel (Roman Soldier), Neilesh Rasquinha Angelore (Flavius Josephus – Jewish Historian), Judith Maclean Fernandes Bejai (Mary Magdalene), Prakash Gomes Urwa (Peter the Apostle), Deepak Dsouza Bendur (Paul the Apostle), Jyothi D’Souza Bendur (Susanna – Disciple of Jesus), Wilson Lobo Bejai (Dr Martin – Retired Theology Professor), and Edward Coelho Derebail (Karl Rahner – German Priest and Theologian). 

The production and background voice were handled by production director Floyd D’Mello Cascia. Fr Joseph Martis, parish priest of Derebail Church, Godwin Pinto Bejai, Victoria Mabel Menezes Bejai, and Savitha Rebello Bejai served as dubbing artistes. 

Recording and music were managed by Shinoy V Joseph of CAD Media. LED graphics were designed by Ivan Pereira of Pro-Pix Studio, while LED display arrangements were handled by Orbiss Display Solution. 

Make-up was done by Giriyappa Iddya. Lighting arrangements were provided by Alankar and Benson Electricals Gurpur, with lighting design by Christy Ninasam. Stage settings were arranged by Vivid Arrangers Cascia and Glanny Arrangers Bajal. Overall support was rendered by Joachim Pinto Vamanjoor, Lucy Mascarenhas, Joseph Theodore Cascia, and KNS manager Gerald Concessao. Daijiworld served as the media partner for the event. 

The audience appreciated the meaningful storyline, strong performances, and the creative use of artificial intelligence, modern stage technology, advanced lighting effects, and enhanced audio-visual presentation, which added a new dimension to the theatrical experience. 

The successful staging of Bhavadthachem Zoith once again highlighted the dedication of Konkani Natak Sabha in promoting Konkani theatre and preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Konkani community. 

Upcoming shows of the drama: 

March 15 – 6.30 pm – Urwa Church Hall 

March 22 – 6.30 pm – Jeppu Church Ground 

March 28 – 6.30 pm – Shirva Church Ground 

March 29 – 6.30 pm – Bendur Church Hall