UAE : 'Old Man' Mesmerises Abu Dhabi Audience
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi (ODS)
Report and Pictures by Oswald M. D’Souza
Abu Dhabi - Sep 25: The Record Breaking, Francis Fernandes Cascia’s Konkani Comedy “Matharo Chorbela” was staged successfully by Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) – Abu Dhabi for almost full capacity audience at the Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) Auditorium on Thursday – 24 September 2009 evening.
The Konkani Comedy written by the evergreen and tireless crusader of Konkani stage Francis Fernandes Cascia – popularly known as “Comedy King” , winner of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and directed by Joy – Palladka (Mumbai) was received with high appreciation by the Konkani theatre lovers as well as the other enthusiasts of the rich Konkani art and language.
The hilarious super hit comedy was an instant hit and was a treat to watch for the entertainment starved Konkani theatre lovers. A full fledged Konkani Play was enacted by artistes specially flown in from Mumbai , who have been part of this super comedy since its launch. The weekend crowd thoroughly enjoyed the play and its hilarious as well as sober moments to get away from the boredom of routine day to day life.
The play rallied around a gulf returned retired man with lots of expectations from his family but his wife concentrates most of her time on prayer ignoring the husband and his needs. The 'Old Man' portrayed brilliantly by Francis Fernandes Cascia in the main role for his generosity and affection towards people by means of being generous towards the people through help, donations and gifts. His camaraderie with neighbouring young girls and housewives irritates his wife and her friend who too is prayer oriented.
Ultimately the wife realizes her priority that attending and taking care of her husband is equally important to prayer meetings and church visits.
Francis Cascia – as young as ever has managed to prove his acting caliber and put the current younger generation to shame, by his versatile style of acting capabilities establishing himself as the unmatchable “Comedy King” with tremendous energy ably supported by the star cast of the play. All the actors proved their mettle with superb acting.
This super hit play has been staged earlier in Kuwait, Doha, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mysore, Chickmagalur, various parts of Mangalore and Udupi and has received incredible reviews for its popularity by the audience. This was the 38th show - and Francis wants to celebrate its Golden Jubilee shortly.
Earlier the day’s event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Rev. Fr. Antony Lopez and other distinguished guests. KCO President welcomed the gathering and Suzie Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
Francis Fernandes Cascia was honoured for his meritorious service towards Konkani Theatre, with shawl, flowers , fruits and a momento. Francis Fernandes thanked KCO for providing opportunity to play his drama in Abu Dhabi and the audience for their love and affection.
The crisp sound and lighting provided by Wilfred Pinto of Waves Abu Dhabi elevated spirit of the play.
The event was compered by Anu – Bantwal.
K.C.O. under the stewardship of Leo Rodrigues strives hard to bring quality entertainment through their untiring effort towards Konkani Community be it for social, cultural, religious and monetary support for the needy and less privileged.
It is appreciable that the curtains were up at 8.15 p.m. and there was no looking back as the play carried on smoothly for nearly 3 hours without any glitch, which was appreciated by the audience.
Ultimately, the “Matharo Chorbela” managed to make waves once again in Abu Dhabi as it had managed in other locations.