Mangalore: Biblical Play ‘Somya Tum Kai Vetai’ Attracts Over 7,000 Viewers
News by Praveen Tauro Kulshekar
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje and Nellu Permannur
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD/CN)
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Mangalore, Mar 29: ‘Somya Tum Kain Vetai’, a Konkani Biblical play, was staged at the parish grounds of St Joseph’s the Worker Church, Neermarga, on Sunday March 29. The play was staged in aid of the education of poor students of parish schools.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza presided over the function and said that as it was the Lenten season, it was an opportune time to stage the conversion of St Peter through a Biblical play. He also called on the faithful, to follow the life of St Peter to reap the rewards of eternal life.
Gulf entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco and wife Jean Colaco, were the chief guests. Ronald said that efforts are underway to set up Catholic units in every taluk of Karnataka under the Konkani Federation wherein Catholics are expected to take active role in local administration such as taluk panchayat, and zilla panchayat.
He also donated Rs 3 lac towards the education of needy students of Neermarga St Joseph’s the Worker School and salaries of teaching staff.
The play was set on various stages with 178 artistes striving to convey St Peter’s renewed determination in going back to Rome to be a witness to the risen Jesus Christ, by undergoing persecution along with fellow Christians. The zealous missionary work of St Peter in Rome led to his martyrdom at the hands of King Nero.
The persecution of Christians by feeding them to hungry lions in enclosures, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, burning of Rome, martyrdom of St Peter by hanging on a cross upside down, and King Nero’s cruelty to fellow Christians, were the highlights depicted in the climax.
The playwright was Fr Ronald Serrao of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. It was directed by noted director Dolla Manglur along with Claude D’Souza, Bendore. Sangeet Guru Joel Pereira was the music director.
Ronald Colaco and Jean Colaco were felicitated to mark their silver wedding anniversary.
Convenor Jerome Saldanha, secretary Jossy D'Souza, co-ordinator Denis D’Silva of Konkani Yuva Awaz, and Neermarga St Joseph the Worker parish priest Fr Charles Menezes, were present on the dais.
Over 7,000 viewers from all over Mangalore diocese from as far as Kasargod, Sullia, Bantwal, Kundapur, and Udupi arrived in 43 buses, to witness the play since such Biblical plays are rarely staged.
The religious fervour stayed high throughout the play. All seats were fully occupied and some also had to make do with benches from schools.
Fr Charles Menezes welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks. Santosh D’Costa, Neermarga, compered the programme.
According to the general opinion, this is one of the best religious plays staged in Mangalore, as sound, acting and presentation of the pay was par excellence.
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