Report and pics: G R Crasto
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain (SP)
Bahrain, Jun 11: The musical show, 'Hem Tanchea Ugdassak Korat,' proved the ancient proverb, 'Old is Gold,' right. A capacity crowd flocked to watch the Bahrain-based Konkani artistes perform in a musical show of songs of admired Konkani artistes of yesteryears, at the Pakistan Club auditorium in Manama on Friday June 5.
A few had to go back, as the tickets had been sold out. Those who got inside had more than their money's worth, with a superb display of talent by approximately 31 artistes under the direction of popular Goan community leader G R Crasto.
The show, organized to pay tributes to the Tiatrists of the bygone era, was organized by the Bahrain Goans under the patronage of Young Goans Club. Scheduled to commence at 6.30 pm, the show however, started an hour late. The delayed start and a minor flaw in the sound system were the only grievances one could find. Otherwise, it was a superb show that kept the full house glued to their seats for three and half hours.
The curtain rose with the director G R Crasto paying rich tributes to the past Tiatrists who have left their indelible mark on Konkani music and have contributed immensely to Konkani stage.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the departed souls of Tiatr personalities. Slides of the last rites of Padmashree M Boyer were projected on the screen for this one minute period that saw tears rolling down the eyes of many in the audience.
The programme commenced with an opening chorus by Santan, Comedian Luis, Claude and Menino singing four lines each from the songs of Kid Boxer, Anthony Mendes, Ulhas Buyao and Robin Vaz that set the stage ablaze.
An overwhelming response with thunderous applause from the audience for every song was a testimony of how much people still love the songs of the yesteryears.
The artistes picked up by the Director did justice to the songs entrusted to them. Among those who excelled in their singing were Anthony with Bikechi Kotti (Alexinho De Candolim), Slenzita for Bhurgheaponn (Babli), Bab Peter's Mog Boom Boom by Lorwin, Bomboi Kitu Chokchokit (Rosita) by Chitikita, Valanka/Quixote/Pequeno/Claude with Gheun Nachotam (Mendes Bros), Comedian Joana's Mapxeam Bazarant by Lurdin and Anthony/Lorwin/Ivan with C Alavres' Sao Joao. All had to oblige the cheering crowd with a repeat performance.
The show featured four songs of Alfred & Rita Rose – Bahrainkaranchem Lisanv by Albino, Santan and Lurdin rendered Khobro, Valanka and Benny sang Agent Fotkire and Quixote/Ophelia presented Kazar Zainam.
Padmashree M Boyer was remembered with a set of four songs, Pap Saib by Benny, Goenche Konvent by Menino, Bhurghim vo Baulim. Benny rendered Put in typical M Boyers' voice and style.
The other notable Tiatrists remembered with their songs were Miguel Rod (Bobor) sung by Pequeno, Antonetta (Pitti Pitti Mog & Bebdem) presented by Norita & Valanka respectively, S Lemos (Poilo Gontt Vattai) sung by Ceasar, H Britton (Pandu Lampianv) by Claude, Lorna (Bebdo) by Chris, C Alvares/Ophelia (Vantto) by Menino and Lucy, Wilmix Trio (Noman Noman Tuka Goa) by Benny/Pequeno/Quixote, Jacint Vaz (Nylonachem Lugott) by Claude, Bab Peter/Ophelia/Babli (Dolleachi vat) presented by family Quixote/Slenzita/Ophelia, and Remmie Colaco (Ankvar Moriechem Dukh) presented by Quixote.
Iggy (Keyboards) of Aryan fame and Chagas (trumpet) arranged the music with Rocky (drums), Bernard (saxophone), Menino (rhythms) and Bobby (base) supporting the band. Boss and Moss arranged the sound and lighting.
Jehad Electronics provided support to Gavin Crasto in projecting slides of past Tiatrists as their songs were rendered. Cyndi Crasto and Pio Fernandes compered the programme.
The Director, G R Crasto, was presented with a memento by the organizers in appreciation for his work among the Goan community of Bahrain. Francis Correia, president of Young Goans Club and member of the Bahrain Goans Social Group spoke about various works being undertaken by them towards the Goan community.
A comedy skit by Comedian Luis and party in five parts in-between the songs kept the crowd rocking in their chairs with laughter.
The show ended with all the actors led by the director assembling on the stage, singing Alfred Rose's ‘Viva La Goa’. It was awesome to see the entire audience joining in the chorus with a loud, cheerful applause which said, “We enjoyed the old songs -- 'Old is Gold'.