Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Feb 9: Eddie Sequeira who graced the Konkani drama stage after a span of many years with his ‘Parath Ek Pavtim’ ('Once More') had the audience spellbound with his masterpiece, on Sunday February 8.
In the short stage programme just before the beginning of the drama, Fr Pius D’Souza Carmelite, Meena Rebimbus, Joyce Sequeira and Charles Pais inaugurated the banner ‘Rang Antharang’ by lighting the lamp. ‘Rang Antharang’ is a group of artistes who want to present the best of Konkani dramas in Mangaluru and outside.
Fr Pius D’Souza said in his speech, "Eddie whom I have known for very long time is an accomplished artiste. When it comes to dramas, he is one of the finest. He has mastered all the departments of a drama. This is rare in Konkani."
Eddie in his introduction said that he had not made any changes to this drama written a quarter century ago. The award-winning drama was still relevant from the beginning to the end.
There were only three actors in the drama. Yet it was not boring at any point. Eddie as Saint Peter, Dennis Monteiro who played Aubrey and Asumpta Pais with Geneview’s role, enacted their roles perfectly to entertain the crowd and to keep the flow in the drama. In short they simply lived their roles.
The story which depicted the predicament of a Konkani actor also narrates the joy of being an actor. Only an actor gets a chance to become so many characters. “I played Jesus, I played Judas. I played good and bad both. I lived different characters. They loved to see me on stage. I also enjoyed acting. It gave me immense pleasure amid my difficulties. Who will get this chance?” tells Aubrey to St Peter.
St Peter is a guest from heaven in the story. The gate keeper or a manager at the famous ‘heavenly gate’, St Peter does not have much work there as very few of the dead people go to heaven these days. He appears to Aubrey, a Konkani actor who is on his bed prompted by circumstances in his life. His lover of years Geneview has married someone else as Aubrey is not rich. Aubrey continues acting, but takes to drinks. He tells his life story to St Peter. St Peter explains Aubrey the realities of life and tells to live happily. In the end Aubrey collapses. Does he die or has he just become unconscious is left to the imagination of the spectator. But a strong and loud message is sent. The message says that the life of an artist is beautiful. It cannot be measured by monetary gains.
Denis Monteiro potrays different roles of past Konkani dramas including ‘Bangar Munis’ and K D Bona B A written by Chafra and Wilfy Rebimbus respectively. This is a testimony to prove that a versatile actor can play any number of characters with ease.
The theme song was sung by late Wilfy Rebimbus and Meena Rebimbus. Sequence music was rendered ably by John M Permannur. Lighting by Kinsley and sounds by Christie were of highest standard. It looked like the whole acoustics of Don Bosco hall have been changed.
Even after the curtains were down, it seemed none wanted to go home. Then Eddie appeared with Denis and Asumpta on stage to say good bye to the spectators.
Amora Monteiro compered the stage programme.