Mumbai: ‘Mataro Chorbela’ Marching Towards Landmark – Stages 45th Show
By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
Mumbai, Apr 11: The 45th show of ‘Mataro Chorbela’, the Konkani comedy play by playwright and dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia, directed by Joy Paladka, was staged at Ranga Sharada Auditorium, Bandra Reclamation Grounds, Bandra (West), on Sunday April 11.
Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus was remembered prior to the start of the programme, with compere of the event Clement Lobo mentioning Wilfy’s contribution to the success of the play.
The title song has been composed by Wilfy and sung by him and Meena. A minute’s silence was observed to pay respect to the departed legend.
The play was staged during the 40th annual day celebration of Frank Productions Mumbai, promoted by Cascia.
The play is fast approaching the record of being the highest staged Mangalorean Catholic play in history. The 50th show will be staged at Udyavar after shows in Kaikamba, Nirkan, Mudarangady, and Puttur.
‘Hasanathlo Piso’ by Sunny D'Souza’s is the only other play staged 33 times in six years in Mangalorean Konkani history, but Cascia’s play is heading towards its golden jubilee show within a span of just 30 months.
Walter Nandalike, managing director, Daijiworld Media Private Limited, and editor-in-chief of Daijiworld.com, was the chief guest on the occasion.
In his address, Nandalike said that dramatist Cascia has played a vital role in promoting Konkani worldwide.
“Cascia is a role model for today’s younger generation. He smiles and keeps others smiling with his jovial nature and comical acting, whether it is on or off stage. He keeps tension away and entertains people wherever he goes”, he added.
He complimented team Mataro Chorbela for nearing its golden jubilee show and for preparing to stage the play in Israel.
Noted advocate Pius Vaz of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the guest of honour. He commended Cascia’s lifetime commitment to Konkani theater and also his organizational ability in nurturing the drama troupe.
Frank Productions Mumbai founder and convener Francis Fernandes Cascia welcomed the gathering. Director Joy Paladka proposed the vote of thanks while Clement Lobo Nakre compered the programme.
Despite several shows in Mumbai in the past two years, there was a packed audience and additional scenes and dialogues kept the audience focused though there were many who were not watching the play for the first time.
“We have added more comedy, keeping in mind the members of the audience who have already watched the play, so that they can now watch it repeatedly. The response from the audience encourages us to keep going”, said Joy Paladka, director of the play, speaking to Daijiworld in Mumbai.