'Old Man' Goes on Record Spree to Entertain Mangaloreans
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Apr 26: If Konkani plays still have fans and if they are still able to attract large numbers of spectators, then Konkani owes a lot to Francis Fernandes Cascia. This sexagenarian has been the vanguard of Konkani theatre activities. He has spent not only his time but even resources in order to keep the fading Konkani theatre alive in Mangalore, Mumbai and even across the seven seas.
A master playwright, he has also been one of the best actors ever produced by Konkani. He has his own fan-following which not only appreciates his acting skills but also his love for Konkani stage plays and the sacrifices that he has been doing to keep it alive.
Some of his play such as 'Maldisanv', 'Avoi thi Avoi' 'Ghatki Samaz', 'Matlobi Sounsar' etc are among the 32 three-hour plays which have been the memorable gifts to the world of Konkani plays.
After his superhit play 'Matlobi Saunsar', Francis had taken a break from active Konkani theatre. Though he still continued to support Konkani activities with his generous heart both in India and abroad, his absence from active Konkani theatre was immensely felt. However, his increasing work and responsibilities had rendered him helpless. But after this short hiatus, he is back with bang.
His new play 'Mhataro Chorbela' has already been staged 9 times in Mumbai and Dubai. While the play set the stage on fire with 5 shows in Mumbai and 1 show in Pune in November, 2007, it was staged to a packed audience during the Daiji Dubai Anniversary programme at Dubai in March, 2008 before staging two more shows in Mumbai in April.
With this amazing tale of success, the 'Old Man' is now all set to entertain the theatre buffs in the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada shortly. In all 10 shows have been organized in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi from Saturday April 26 to Wednesday May 7. That the play will be staged 10 times in a row at different places is a record in itself in Konkani.
The maiden show of Mangalore will begin at Shirva on Saturday April 26. Thereafter the 'Old Man' will entertain audiences at Bendore, Bantwal, Moodbelle, Neermarga, Niddodi, Katipalla, Brahmavar, Moodbidri and Nakre.
The story of the play revolves around a Gulf-returned retired man whose wife spends her time in prayer meetings, retreats instead of taking care of her husband. On the other hand, husband spends his free time helping his neighbours. But people around him start gossiping about his jovial nature. Soon his family life stands on crossroads. But a sudden 'U' turn changes the entire script and clears the dark clouds shrouding his family life.
The play written by Francis Cascia has been directed by well-known Konkani writer, activitist Joy Paladka. Renowned actors Betty Naaz, Edwin Baanz, Pete Pais, Gregory Sequeira, Julie Vaz, Shanthi Barboza, Flora D'Souza and Jyothi D'Souza along with Francis are playing the lead roles. While Henry D'Silva Suratkal is the organizer,Vitori Karkal is the local co-ordinator. Mikes Sounds system will take care of sounds and lights while Alwyn Bajal will take care of stage setting.
The only aim in organizing the play in 10 different places is to bring Konkani play buffs back to stage and instill love for Konkani drama among the youngsters. In many places the play has been organized to raise funds for various projects.
Francis Fernandes has appealed the Konkani speaking people to come in large numbers and make this 10-day journey a successful one. 'Your support will not only motivate me but also the entire drama team that is coming from Mumbai. Come, watch 'Mhataro Chorbela' and contribute your part in keeping Konkani theatre alive,' is Francis' ardent plea to all Konkani speaking people of Mangalore and Udupi.