Abu Dhabi: 'Ootre Uzwadlem' Delights Audience at USWAS Event
Oswald M D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Pics: Ritesh Pinto, Shirva
Abu Dhabi, Apr 28: It was laughter riot all the way at the Indian Social & Cultural Centre – Abu Dhabi on Friday April 27 evening when the much acclaimed comedy “Ootre Uzwadlem” play was successfully performed in the presence of Abu Dhabi’s Konkani theater loving audience.
The play was presented by USWAS (an association of Shirva Parishioners in the UAE) in coordination with “Sangon Mughdhana Kalakars” as part of their decennial year celebrations to promote Konkani Language, art and culture and to meet their charitable projects back home.
This was the first time USWAS presented an event on the Abu Dhabi soil. The efforts of its members, their hard work and unity in organizing this play was commendable .
The play written and directed by young playwright and actor Pradeep Barboza – Paladka succeeded in reaching the masses with its crisp dialogues delivery, immense dramatic skills and appropriate casting of characters and proved to be an innovative experiment and a beacon to rekindle the fading glory and interest towards Konkani theater.
The play evolved around the day to day family life, its ups and downs, meticulously performed by all characters managed to win the hearts of Abu Dhabi audience. The comedy provided a welcome relief from the stressful life in the Gulf. The play also managed to provide a social message alongside rib tickling comical situations. Though the casting was of young amateur artistes, the performance was of professional excellence, as each actor performed their part to the best of their ability showcasing their talent.
The play was Pradeep’s 5th play since the past years. The improvement shown by its presentation proved Pradeep’s maturity from his previous plays and confirmed to be the best performed so far.
The cast included Deepak D’sliva Paladka, Sunil Pinto, Sharon Rego, Ramcy Fernandes, Godwin Castelino, Charlie Kombalke, Cleevan-Pernal, Helwin, Dainy Pamboor, Paul along with Pradeep enacting a prominent role himself in the play.
The Sangon Mugdhana Kalakars – proved that they are capable of providing excellent performance displaying their comical skills in a professional manner.
The back up support was provided by Cyril Baptist, Agrar with music and dances were choreographed by Arun Lobo of Feat Beat Group. The stage setting, the lighting, background sequence music complemented the smooth flow of scenes, as no time was wasted throughout the play.
Prior to the play, Dony, Rony Lobo,Ronald D’Souza, Ida Fernandes, Joy Almeida, Prashanth Sequeira entertained the audience with their melodious songs. Cleon D’sa and Micol D’Souza, clarissa and Marsha performed dances to the beat of Konkani songs.
The event was presided by Rev. Fr Valerian Fernandes along with Franky D’Souza, founder president of USWAS, Robert D’Sa (represented by Mavi Pais) and Ronald Pinto (Represented by Roshan Pinto) as chief guests.
Manoj Menezes – the current president of USWAS welcomed the audience and highlighted the charitable work carried out by their association to reach out to the less fortunate people. The symbolic lamp was lit by the chief guests, which was followed by honouring of the sponsors, the well wishers, the media and the actors for their support.
Pradeep Barboza was also honoured with shawl, fruits, flowers and with a memento in recognition towards his efforts in promoting Konkani theatre.
The event was compered by Annu Bantwal.
It must be appreciated that precision timing maintained by USWAS during the whole event. The programme started and concluded on the dot, which was the highlight of the event.
In all, the play proved to be super success, bearing in mind the efforts, the quality time they had spent out of their day to day hectic life in preparation/practice and the limited resources they had at their disposal, winning the hearts and reaching out to the Konkani lovers of Abu Dhabi with their brilliant performance.
The team effort of USWAS members under stewardship of their president Manoj Menezes in presenting this wonderful play must be appreciated and commended.