Canadaso Comblo finally lands in London
Media Release by Rapahel D'Souza, UK Konkans

London, Dec 18: The weather was dull and cloudy. There was a sharp chill in the air. This was 14th December 2008, another gloomy day for an average Londoner. However, it was a momentous day for the UK Konkans and the Konkani speaking people in and around London. It was the day that Canadaso Comblo successfully landed in London after a long wait and much publicity to the delight of record crowd who travelled from near and far places. Atmosphere was electrifying with a festive look everywhere.
 
The 14th day of December 2008 will remain an unforgettable day for all the people who gathered to watch and support the first ever Mangalorean Konkani drama, ‘Canadaso Comblo’ staged in London. The turnout was more than the most optimistic expectations resulting in a full house at the venue, the Addlestone Community Centre. The record turnout and the first ever staging of the Konkani drama will go in the annals of history of the Mangalorean Konkani community in London. 

 
The program was well compeered by Nitin Dias who welcomed the gathering on behalf of UK Konkans. The event was organized in association with the UAE Exchange and Palms of Goa,a Mangalorean Restaurant in the UK and co-sponsored well known personalities of Mangalorean community.

The program began with a play on the ‘birth of Jesus’ enacted by young members of UK Konkans some of them as young as six years. Elton D’Souza played keyboard, Renita D’Souza gave the commentary of events of that wonderful night, Tia D’Souza and Elroy D’Souza played Mary and Joseph respectively, Haydon the Shepherd and Hebroyn, Glenish and Glenston as the three wise men. The play was supported by beautiful choir rendered by the members of UK Konkans

Santa made a surprise entry to the delight of the children and he led them and their parents for a quick dance on the floor. Simultaneously the MC invited the remaining crowd to join the children and their parents were invited by the MC to participate in the ‘pound’ game. The game apparently turned out  to be so interesting that some volunteers helping the MC, ended up participating in the game!!
 
The teen sensations Melosa D’Souza and Renita D'souza performed a wonderful Bollywood dance. This was received by cries of ‘once more’ from the audience.

Nitin, kept the audience thrilled and involved them in the proceedings with on the spot games. Lunch which included Mangalorean Pork followed soon after.  

The president of UK Konkans Raphael , thanked B R Shetty for sponsoring the programme and supporting the UK Konkans through his flagship organisation UAE Exchange, London. He also expressed his gratitude to Mr Eugine Dias another key sponsor of the program. Dias is a successful businessman of Mangalorean origin and owner of Palms of Goa chain of restaurants in London. He thanked the co-sponsors –Valerian Alva, Dr Ronald Misquith, Dr Michael Menezes, Dr Veeda and Ciprian Mendanca and Mr Alex Pinto for their continued support.  He also thanked Ashuntha Pereira writer and actress of the play ‘Candadaso Comblo; and Praveen D’Costa the director of the play. Special thanks were given to Thomas and Janet D'souza for providing their home as a venue for the drama practice. Melwyn Vaz and Arun Saldana were thanked for their background support. 
 
The much awaited drama Canadaso Comblo followed immediately; with all artistes performing to the best of their ability.  It was a challenge which they accepted and conquered it with aplomb. The most applauded part of the play was the innovative dream sequence based on the tune of the romantic song " Dees Udelo Vortho" by Roshan D'Souza, Belman which was displayed on a larger than life screen. This song can also be viewed at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpXVE9AyRbA.
 
The play was directed by Praveen D'costa and assisted by Esthela Vaz. The music score was provided by Francis Po and makeover by Judith Fernandez. The stage setting was organised by Gratian D'silva and lighting by Tom D'souza. The Canadaso Comblo title song was written by Praveen D'Costa and music for that song was composed by Vanil Veigas, Permannoor. 
 
The drama was followed by a game of Tambola and a lucky draw which was conducted by the MC. The young and the old participated in the Baila dance to conclude a fun-filled and momentous day.