Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)
Inputs and pics: Praveen Tauro
Coordination: Richie Lasrado

Mangalore, Mar 4: The 63rd edition of the Moinealli Manchi (monthly theatre) at the Kalaangann amphitheatre had a serious, Lenten offering of a Konkani play called 'Faashi' (The Gallows) on Sunday, March 4 evening.

Dr Shankar Shesh's Hindi original had earlier been translated by Sadananda Suvarna into Kannada and its Konkani rendition by Ronnie Crasta Kelarai was the play presented on Sunday.

The speciality of the play that it had eleven characters, played by only three artistes. The play seeks to throw a question to the audience: if someone's life is taken away without his consent, it amounts to murder and the punishment is the gallows. But if a terminally ill person is allowed to die with his consent, by way of euthanasia or mercy-killing, does it amount to murder? The play takes a serious look at the death punishment under the law.

Under Arun Raj Rodrigues' deft direction, Arun Raj himself, Frank Rodrigues and Blaise Monteiro gave a creditable performance.

Music to suit the theme and circumstances was provided by 'Sangeet Guru' Joel Pereira.

Free admittance to Moinealli Manchi events has been encouraging more and more art enthusiasts to view the programmes. Only optional contributions are sought by passing envelopes, and, adhering to transparency, the account of collections and expenses is read is during the show in the following month.