Comedy play 'Koni Soma Nanth' staged

Pics: Ramesh Pandith

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 30: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) celebrated its 74th anniversary at Don Bosco Hall on Sunday, October 29.

Dr Norbert Lobo from St Aloysius College was the chief guest of the celebration. Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, president of Konkani Natak Sabha presided over the programme. For their contribution towards the Konkani stage, senior drama artistes Dolphy Saldanha, Theresa Sequeira (Minna Ruzai), and writer, director and actor Eddie Sequeira were felicitated by KNS.

Acknowledging the felicitation, Eddie Sequeira, said, “Fifty-six years back I acted on this stage as a child prisoner. From that day onwards, I have become a prisoner of the Konkani stage. Many senior artistes guided me, many corrected me. I always enjoyed working with them. The work with late Wilfy Rebimbus influenced me a lot and I fell in love with dramas of late Chafra. I directed many dramas of Chafra and also I acted in his plays. Though I have faced hurdles, it did not deter my love towards Konkani dramas. Many have supported me in the nonstop journey. I thank all who made me a noted drama artiste. I am thanking Konkani Natak Sabha for this felicitation,”

In his speech Dr Norbert said “We all know about Konkani Natak Sabha. They are one of the pioneers of Konkani stage. It is not easy to write a drama. It is also difficult to act in a drama. But since its birth, the Konkani Natak Sabha has been doing this work without any break. I appreciate them for their efforts on keeping alive the Konkani stage. I congratulate the three senior artistes who were felicitated today. Konkani world will always be grateful for their contribution,”

Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza said, "Konkani Natak Sabha is an organisation which is working to promote Konkani drama and stage artistes. Besides this, the organisation is engaged in various activities especially organizing Konkani singing, poetry recitation and elocution competitions. Now we have a dream to build a new and exclusive hall for drama. The work of this hall will begin soon. Thousands of artistes have got a chance to act on this stage and in future also we are ready to provide them a break."

Sunil Menezes, vice president, KNS welcomed the gathering. Judith, Secretary read the annual report. Floyd D'Mello compered the event.

'Koni Soma Nanth' drama

Konkani comedy drama 'Koni Soma Nanth' was played by members of KNS.

The drama was written by Alwyn Andrade Sasthan and directed by Dolla Mangaluru. The music was given by Sathish Suratkal and stage setting was done by Alwyn Bajal.

Many experienced as well as new actors acted in the drama which included Cyril Mandrel, Dolphy Saldanha, Alwyn Veigas, Dolphy Saldanha, Nishma D'Souza, Felix Lasrado and others.