Mangalore: ‘Dha Upades’ Konkani Play at Cordel Parish Grounds on Mar 2

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Praveen Tauro Kulshekar

Mangalore, Feb 29: The Holy Cross church, Cordel has been popular as it has the mausoleum of Fraad Saaib, a devout French priest who significantly contributed in the nineteenth century for setting up the church and inspired laity to devotion of Mother Mary.  The laity carried on the religious fervour after his demise, to make new strides in every possible field, to bring laurels to Cordel parish in the whole of Mangalore diocese.  The parish served as venue for several religious and cultural events in the history of Konkani sphere. 

‘Sokkod Sangatam Melleam’ religious play was held in Cordel parish in the year 2000 to the packed crowd of over 5,000 while, ‘Bapa Tankam Bhogsi’ a scripture-based play was held here in 2001 which was watched by more than 7,000 people. ‘Jasem Adim Atam’ another scripture-based play was staged in 2002 which was viewed by over 8,000 people. 

Now Cordel parishioners are all set to stage ‘Dha Upades’ (Ten Commandments) a Bible-based play at 6.30 pm on Sunday March 2.  Cordel Catholic Sabha has shouldered the responsibility of staging this play with three hundred artistes led by Susheel Noronha, social activist and parishioner.  The proceedings of this play will go towards the education of poor students of the parish.   

‘Dha Upades’ Konkani play has been written by Sangit Guru Joel Pereira, a popular music director of Konkani. The play has been directed by renowned Konkani playwright, comedian, director Adolphus Cutinha, fondly known in Konkani circles as ‘Dolla.'

Speaking to daijiworld.com, Dolla said “We were not willing to stage this play since it involved three hundred artistes and expenses of Rs 3 lac.  The play is based on Old Testament wherein the Israelites go through sufferings in the desert, their trials and tribulations and jubilation on passing through the Red Sea and finally entering the Promised Land.  However, Catholic Sabha of Cordel willingly joined hands with us in realizing this mammoth effort, in order to reach out to poor students of the parish."

The rehearsals of play are in progress for more than a month now.  Aloysius D’Souza would enact the role of Moses, Molly Miranda as Bethia, Peiya D’Silva as Nefir, J B Lobo as Aron, Rita Fernandes as Elisha, Dolphy Saldanha as God while Jossy Rego will enact Pharao's roled. Joel Pereira has scored background music while lyrics are penned by Fr Alwyn Sequeira.  Claud D'Souza will assist Dolla in direction.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore will preside over the evening programme and Ronald Colaco, industrialist and Konkani philanthropist will be chief guest of the occasion.