15 Sep 2018  |   04:41am IST

‘I Love You’

 

‘I Love You’, a tiatr written and directed by Matias Mascarenhas and

presented by Calangute Association, Calangute focuses on fidelity among spouses and the unfaithfulness that sometimes prevails.

The story revolves around Damacian (Ashwin de Souza) and his wife, Marikin (Trupti Kerkar), who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their only son, Roland, is settled in America with his wife and kids.

To mark the golden jubilee celebration, Roland wishes to take his ageing parents to America and present them with an ‘ideal couple’ award. But due to various mounting ailments, Damacian is not very keen on going abroad.

During the course of conversation, Damacian confesses to his wife that he has not always been faithful to her during the long period of togetherness. In a flashback, Damacian reveals how he had cheated his father-in-law Dumgulo (Johny Mascarenhas) when he was on his death bed.

A little later, Damacian also shares with Marikin his relationship with Anjela (Irene de Souza), who was his college mate and had settled abroad. Marikin has no issue over the secrets revealed by Damacian and accepts him as he is.

Marikin also wishes to open up to her husband and reveal her infidelity towards him. But will Damacian be able to digest the hard truth about Marikin? How does he react when Marikin unveils the fact about her life?

‘I Love You’ is a hilarious comedy, with mild doses of tragedy. It is a laughter riot throughout, with lessons for spouses who are enjoying the sunset years of their lives. The flashbacks shown in the drama make the viewing interesting. Superstitions and disbeliefs of ancestors have also been highlighted, which can prove wrong in reality today.

As the ageing couple, Ashwin and Trupti are exceptionally good, with prompt dialogue delivery and good acting. The former’s change in act from youthful days to old age deserves a special mention. The couple is ably supported by Johny Mascarenhas, Sunshine Fernandes, Irene and Matias Mascarenhas.

In the category of songs, the opening chorus, followed by solos by Johny Mascarenhas, Linoshka Mascarenhas, Denzilia Menezes, Andrew Fernandes, duet by Pascoal Fernandes and Zamila Pacheco, trio by Johny, Nacisia and Simao Fernandes, a quartet by Johny, Nacisia, Simao and Dominic Fernandes and the concluding choral were entertaining. Selvyn Braganza and his team provided good music. The costumes of the artistes were apt to the scenario and situations presented on stage.

The stage sets by Kapil Chari, besides the background music by Jelton Pereira and light designs by Dhananjay Phalkar also need to be appreciated.