14 Sep 2018 | 01:27am IST
Tornni Xim
Kala Academy’s 44th Tiatr (A) Group Competition 2018-19 kicked
off with
the presentation of
tiatr ‘Tornni Xim’ written by Edmund Vaz and directed by Shirish Naik. It
focuses on the greed to amass more wealth among some doctors in the medical
fraternity, negligence of critical patients and dire consequences.
The curtain rise with a flashback scene
wherein Eddie (Edward Casiano D’Souza) is in a wretched state. Lizelle
(Cezarinha Fernandes) drops in with the parish priest (Fr Alfred Vaz), who
tries to provide counselling to the old man. Initially, Eddie is reluctant to
open up to the priest, but gradually does so after conviction. The story goes
back to when Eddie tied the knot with Janice (Valency D’Souza), the daughter of
advocate Carlos (Carlos Fernandes). Eddie and Janice are doctors by profession
and both serve at the same hospital.
On Carlos’s 60th birthday and wedding
anniversary of Eddie and Janice, friends of the former drop in, but Eddie is
not to be seen around. Before the celebration kicks off, Janice tries to
contact her husband, but to no avail.
When Janice gets in touch with Eddie, the
latter reveals that there’s a critical case in the hospital. Carlos advises his
son-in-law to handle the case carefully as it is his friend’s daughter, Dale
(Sonia Diniz), who has to be operated at the final stage of pregnancy. Due to
Dr Eddie’s negligence, they are unable to save Dale though her baby is
delivered. Dale’s husband, Denver (Shirish Naik), comes knocking at doctor’s
door, seeking justice for his departed spouse. Will Denver get justice? How
does the actual truth about Dale’s death unveil? What is the fate of Janice
when she gets pregnant? Will Dr Eddie assist promptly for his wife’s safe
delivery? Or will it be a ‘chance’ or ‘risk’ factor, like in Dale’s case?
‘Tornni Xim’ has a fine script, with sleek
direction. Developments unfold at every scene, leaving the viewer glued to his
seat, except for the first scene after the flashback, which prolonged for some
time. A small dose of suspense also unfolds at the concluding scene. Among the
artistes, there are a few who have been roped in from the commercial tiatr,
while the rest are those who have been participating in the tiatr competition
over the years.
As a couple, Edward and Valency have done
a fair job and share good chemistry. Carlos Fernandes as a retired lawyer
stands tall in his acts. Sonia Diniz, who makes her appearance as a spirit, is
worth the watch. As police officer, Clint Fernandes have fared well in his
negative role. Fr Alfred Vaz, Fr Antonio Albuquerque, Gabriel Braganza, Juje
Fernandes, have extended good support to the main cast. In the comic acts,
Vicky Fernandes as Antao, Christa Cardoso as Naina, Yogesh Bakal as Damodar and
supported by Hilarina, Beliza and Rachel entertain with their laughter pills.
But the comedy looked stretched and could have been cut short.
In the category of songs, solos by Socorro
Fernandes, Augustine Coelho, Juje Fernandes, Sheryl Vaz, duets by Michael
Gracias and Bricila Fernandes, Socorro and Valency, duo by Michael and John and
a quartet by Jeslyn, Clint, Valency and Socorro were entertaining. But singers
from commercial tiatr should refrain from participating in the tiatr
competition as it will help amateurs find an opening to showcase their talent
and win prizes.
The
opening chorus, which normally brings out the story and title of the tiatr,
focused on service. The stage sets by Cruz Sequeira, besides sound and light
designs Sachin Chowgule and Srinivas Usgaokar deserve a mention and
appreciation.
