Mangalore: Benaar Kala Kutam to Perform Konkani Play, ‘Mother Theresa’ in City
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/SP)
Mangalore, Mar 19: Benaar Kala Kutam, a city-based Konkani drama and cultural troupe, has announced its latest venture, ‘Mother Theresa’, a social Konkani play based on the life and times of Blessed Mother Theresa, the saint of the gutters written by Benedicta D'Souza popularly known as Benny Teacher.
The play will be staged at the sprawling St Agnes Special School ground, Bendore in the city (opposite St Sebastian Church), on Sunday, March 21 evening. The proceeds from the event will be donated for the medical treatment of Theresa Miranda, wife of Benna Ruzai, a popular Konkani actor and playwright, said Benedicta D’Souza, popularly called ‘Benny Teacher’.
Benaar Kala Kutam has been active on Konkani stage and cultural activities since the last 27 years. It has offered some of the most memorable social and religious plays, Misther, Shirap, Amkar Moriechi Katha, Bernadette and John of Arch, to name a few.
In addition, Benaar had organized ‘Victor Nite’ in 1982, ‘Benaar Nite’ in 1983, ‘Meena Nite’ in 1984, and ‘Wilfy Nite’ in 1997.
Benedict Miranda (Benna Ruzai) and his wife Theresa Miranda (Minna Ruzai)
Benedict Miranda, popularly known as ‘Benna Ruzai’, who was the sub-editor of ‘Mai-Ganv’ Konkani periodical during 1982-83, is the producer of the play. As a playwright, Benedict has written several plays, popular among them being, `Misther', `Shirap', `Pattlav', `Aaz Naka Faleam', `Fajint', `Ankvar Moriechi Kotha', `Bernadette', `Joan of Arc', `Tera Ajapam', `Khursacho Juvanv', `Sant Don Bosco' and `David Ani Goliat'.
Adolphus Coutinho
Dolla Manglur (Adolphus Coutinho) is the director of the play, with Claud D’Souza donning the mantle of the assistant director. Joel Pereira has directed the music. Alwyn Bajal has done the stage setting. Chris Electronics will be in charge of sound, while lighting arrangements will be taken care of by Arun Electricals. Arthur Rasquinha and Irene D’Souza have taken over the responsibilities of costumes for the play.
About Benny Teacher:
Benedicta D’Souza is a parishioner of Milagres church. Born in 1951, she has been, since her school days, an active choir member of the church and has been a member of musical groups in and around the city. ‘Moladhik Motim’ her first CD of Konkani hymns, which was released in Dubai in 2001, is a reflection of her continuous struggle and sacrifices. It was just the beginning of her musical journey.
Lawrence D'Souza, Benny Teacher, Fr Cyprian DSouza and Rachel D'Souza during the releasing function of the first album at St Mary's Church, Dubai
Soon thereafter, she was able to release, one by one, several devotional CD’s, both in Konkani and English, such as Hosanna, Samarpitam (dedicated to the Blessed Mother Theresa), and Sampadale. Her devotional CD in Kannada, Divya Muttu, was a much- acclaimed piece of music. Mhaka Taan Laglya, her collection of Konkani devotional songs in CD format, is all set to be released shortly.
Benedicta D'Souza, her mother Alice Menezes along with Mother Theresa in 1995 when their house was donated to the Missionaries of Charity for the first time in Mangalore
Benedicta, a teacher by profession, has worked at St Agnes Education Institutions and Roshni Nilaya Institutions, besides Rosario School. She has inherited musical talent from her dear mother, Alice Menezes, who passed away recently. She has over a period of time, devoted much of her time to praising the glory of God through a number of devotional songs.
Benny Teacher being felicitated by Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza
A regular contributor to ‘Raknno’ a Mangalore diocesan weekly, she was instrumental in introducing a special Bible quiz in 2004. The former Bishop of Mangalore diocese, the late Basil D’Souza, had felicitated Benny Teacher for her selfless services and contribution to the society, during his term.
