-by Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Kuwait: Goan dramas or films are traditionally known to be based on true to life story-line to a certain extent.
However, a new dimension is seen in recent dramas where most of the scripts are focussed on government issues or bureaucracy. ‘Corruption Kabar?’, as the name suggests, written and directed by well-known slapstick director of Konkani stage Comedian Agustino Temudo was no exception.
A few decades back, learned directors like Tomazinho Cardozo and Mike Mehta tried their hands on these kind of subjects but never rose to great heights. ‘Corruption Kabar’ proves how popular ‘political-based’ dramas have become with the public. Or is it only the humour of Comedian Agustin and his sidekicks that does the trick?
Nonetheless, ‘Corruption Kabar,’ has a realistic sentiment in today’s world of corrupt bureaucracy. The performance which drew a full-house on 12th April 2013 can be termed as a sequel of Comedian Agustin’s earlier super-hit tiatr ‘Public’. The drama was lively, and provided an absorbing evening of entertainment with a combination of laughter, tit-for-tat dialogues and sensible songs.
The plot of the play centres on the theme of eliminating corruption, not just from governmental structure, but from every strata of society. The script has a flowing ‘twist’ in highlighting rape cases too which is somehow related to the whole script although practically it falls in a different area altogether.
The play has epic, captivating dialogues, entwined with hilarious comedy by Janet, Selvy and Comedian Agustino.
The cast comprises a troupe of thespians with Salu de Loutolim shining in his dual roles. Jessica, Tommy and Kuwait’s most popular star Sylvester Vaz bring color, charisma and nobility to the presentation. The brilliance of these actors is remarkable and demonstrates each actor’s individual talents. Salu de Loutolim’s terrific lightness and the spontaneity in his catchphrase dialogue ‘Kastachi asa tachi shape’, and the ethereal quality of his voice, makes him a standout nominee for a best actor award.
Veteran actress Sabina in the role of a widower is the emotional heart of the play, although the script lacks authentic emotions seen in yesteryear tiatrs of M. Boyer, C. Alvares, Rosario Rodrigues, Rosary Ferns, etc. But then, Comedian Agustin is no William Wordsworth to pen ‘touching’ tales, perhaps he relies on what is accepted by the public.
There were a number of other strong supporting performances by Jaju, Philip Almeida and Seby de Divar. Janet bloomed in her ‘lead’ role and in her bright outfits.
Director Agustin Temudo gave his role visibility, all the while delivering the most important sentences, and stressing on dialogues which were pivotal to the play. All the threesome -- Selvy, Janet, Agostinho were at their usual best with trademark accent and witty words.
Sylvester Vaz sang the opening chorus of the drama to a melodious music. Majority of the songs (cantaram) were noteworthy, but there were a few that stood a tad above the rest. Seby de Divar’s songs were well applauded although his style of singing has turned monotonous after only his second visit to Kuwait. Tommy’s songs were a cluster of variety -- nicely composed and weaved to stimulating tunes, he sang like a rock star. His song on Pope Francis was wonderful.
Political song by Seby de Divar, Sylvester, Tommy and Salu de Loutilim was based on the latest gimmicks by Goan politicians; however, the criticism directed at the government and some ministers is too open, too harsh (although it is nothing new in Konkani dramas). It unethically exploits India’s freedom of speech. There are countries in the world, including Kuwait, where even twitters against the government are forbidden. It is surprising that no action is taken on the self-professed firebrand Konkani singers by the Goa government.
Philip Almeida and Janet were fluent in style and rhythm with their ‘Kerala-Goa’ duet while Jessica sang exceptional, rhythmic songs too. Songs by Jaju, Sabina, Selvy, etc, were equally good.
Musical score for the show is credited to the troupe’s musicians James Vaz & Agnelo Dias.
Earlier at the start of the drama, director Agustino Temudo was honored by the organizers in appreciation to the yeoman service done for the enrichment of Konkani stage and the cause of Konkani in particular. He was presented with a memento at the hands of the chief guest Mr. Terry Lantz from US Embassy. Mr. Tony Gonsalves from Wembley, UK was the guest of honor while the organizers of the show in Dubai Mr. Anthony de Varca and Mr. Caje D’Costa were special invitees at the event.
Jesrico Dias, Agnelo Fernandes and Britto Pereira were the main organizers of the show supported by event assistants Ms. Martha (ex-Raja Stores), Mr. Felix de Merces, Mr. William D’ Souza, Domnic Araujo, Manuel Gomes, Santan Dias, Agnelo Rebello, Adrian Goes, etc. The show was co-sponsored by Sherly’s Beauty Saloon – Salmiya, Navelim Youth Centre, Skynet Raiders, Joaquim Vaz – Skynet, Rajendra Limbu – Nepal, Spinn, Brian Almeida – Parra, Marcos D’Costa – Navelim, Edgar Fernandes – Seraulim, Seby Fernandes – Sanvordem, Francisco Dias – Tivim, Francis Cruz (Azad Catering), Rocky D’Souza, Domnic Araujo – Santa Cruz and a well-wisher-Betalbatim.
:::The above NEWS appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated 23.04.2013:::