Sent by Gaspar Almeida, Kuwait
Report by William Fernandes & Gaspar Almeida
Photos by Rewon Gomes, professional photographer
(courtesy: KGTS)
- Versatile Jose Rod Honoured
Kuwait, Mar 1: The unique concept of felicitating the yesteryear's stars of the Konkani stage for their contribution to the Tiatrist fraternity is what Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) stands for.
In the wake of the last two mega musical super hit shows in Kuwait, they did it again with the grand success of "Ostad Tiatrist" - a tribute to Konkani Tiatr and Tiatrist, which was a sellout. Staged in the Hawalli A/C auditorium on February 24, this much-awaited annual event saw the cream of the Konkani-lovers among the audience.
In the beginning, a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect to the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah. The show then began with the national anthem of Kuwait.
Comedians Dominic and Augostinho
This was followed by a chit-chat with a flow of yesteryear's Tiatrists' songs as well as depiction. Legendary late star Anthony Mendes shot to fame with his solo song "Taxi Driver" decades ago, and this time his sons, the Mendes Brothers, Felix-Xavier-Derrick performed it as a trio. Remembering their father's contribution, Felix Mendes appreciated and thanked the KGTS members for inviting them to perform for their grand musical show. Felix also extended their good wishes and pledged support to new upcoming stars.
Apart from the the Kuwait-based stars who performed, a galaxy of artistes from Mumbai and Goa had been flown specially for the 3rd Grand Musical show in Kuwait. Joe Rose, comedian Augostinho Temudo and comedian Dominic Coelho, S.Lemos, Francis de Tuem and Trio Kings of Goa: Joaquim-Junior Rod-Anthony regaled the audience with a spell-binding musical journey of the golden era of Tiatr.
Humorous skits were interspersed between the songs. Songs from Francis de Tuem on Goa's mining industry was well applauded by the audience so was the Trio Kings' songs on the political scenario in Goa. Trio kings are seasoned composers with political and social topics. They are very well known for their bold lyrics and widely expose the flaws of the Goa government through their songs. Their trios "Dr. Verenkar", " Boyer" and "Parrikar" were well applauded.
Francis de Verna, Gracy Morais and -Cajetan de Sanvordem
Comedian Dominic and comedian Agostinho's performance kept the audience laughing till the very end. The appearances of the majority of the KGTS members including Manuel de Santa Cruz, Tony Carr, Clara, Domingos Araujo and Zorro, among others, in different song sequences and scenarios was well choreographed with appropriate lighting effects and music by a team of youngsters led by well-known musicians Maestro Succorro de Melo.
The main attraction of the show was the display of the leaflets (popularly known as handbills) of yesteryear's Tiatrs n the left hand side of the stage, and the right hand side of the stage was occupied by the musicians. This unique collection dating back to 1950's was provided by Brazinho Soares of Santa Cruz (Goa) to KGTS.
The stage set-up suited the musical show; the decor as well as light effects added charm. The opening song by KGTS president Francis de Verna, KGTS members Junifer Rodrigues, Donald Colaco and Cajetan de Sanvordem highlighted the significance of the title of the musical "Ostad Tiatrist". Heartthrob of Konkani stage Jose Rod in his song "Amig" paid rich tributes to "Bab Peter".
KGTS show - the musicians
Jose Rod was felicitated at the hands of Xavier Mendes for his tremendous contribution. With tears of joy, a surprised JoseRod thanked all his fellow-KGTS colleagues and fellow Tiatr lovers for honour bestowed. The compere announced that this was a well-guarded secret by the KGTS until the event unfolded. Mario de Majorda was at his best with his hilarious laughing pills along with comedian Nelson. "Palkacho Divo" as by the newly-formed trio Katty de Navelim-Simon Gonsalves-Joseph Rodrigues was well composed and sung.
At this juncture, Anthony was escorted on the stage and he congratulated the composer and singers. Such was his liking of the song that Anthony will have it added in his Konkani VCD which will be shortly released in fond remembrance of his Trio singers – the late Conception and the late Nelson.
KGTS which was formed in 2003 and has organized musical shows in Kuwait over the last three years including this year. The proceeds collected are given to Goan dramatists on Konkani stage who are now either old and forgotten. This is one generous way of telling the senior and retired dramatists that KGTS together with Konkani Tiatr-lovers in Kuwait cares for them and that their contribution is not forgotten by the new generation.
The Mendes brothers
Gracy Morais "Cheddum", Joe Rose "Bubli Bubli", "Goenchim Antique Ghoram" and "Jassi Jaisi", Anthony Carr "Goa", Zorro "Kazar Zatam", Donald Colaco "Upkar", S.Lemos "Rakhno Bhurgo" and "Kiddo ani Mathi", Junior Rod "Kid Boxer", Francis de Tuem "Young Menezes", "Salleli Satari" and "Christanvachim Devmondiram", Katty de Navelim "Ushar Raza" kept the audience spellbound.
A song by Francis de Verna-Gracy Morais-Cajetan de Sanvordem titled "KGTS" gave a glimpse of the events from its formation and its three years of achivements for the benefit of the tiatrists. The moral of the song was a strong message for the detractors who try to put up hurdles to destroy the tiatrists' faternity's unity and togetherness.
The short play by Gracy and group was impressive. The roles played by Simon Gonsalves, Joseph Rodrigues, Gracy Morais, Clara and Laurie Miranda were perfectly enacted. The show was compered by Cajetan de Sanvordem. A game of quick five housie was conducted as well as the draw for the annual KGTS raffle.
Memento from KGTS to Anthony
Working together for the Tiatrist Fraternity and giving some good performance on stage is what KGTS stands for. The audience expected beautiful meanful songs and witty jokes in combination with theme stories and they did get what they wanted.
All praise to the KGTS members for putting up such a lovely show and short skits that they people enjoyed. KGTS always comes with some unique performances, and this was evident at the show when the stars of yesteryear were introduced with their memorable songs sung by KGTS members non-stop. As the title of the musical show signified, Konkani stage artistes, singers and musicians are indeed 'Great Artistes' (Ostad Tiatrists) who have kept the flag of the Konkani language high and have brought in significant awareness on the good and bad of the Goan lifestyle and unique cultural heritage.
Simon Gonsalves, Katty de Navelim and Joseph Rodrigues
The five beneficiaries for the annual KGTS awards, namely: Ophelia, Remmie Colaco, Patrick de Verna, Anita and Antonette Mendes were announced. Since 2002, Konkani stage-lovers have been able to bring joy and smiles through the proceeds collected through presentations and efforts of KGTS to seniormost and retired Konkani stage artistes of the yesteryear, namely: Padmashri award-winner M Boyer, Philomena Braz, Betty Ferns, Albert Rose, Patrick Dourado, Vitorino Periera, the late Mary Vaz, Prem Kumar, Paul Romy, the late Rom Tony, the late Rosario Rodrigues, and John Nazareth. KGTS enjoys a large support and patronage of the Konkani-lovers.