Day 5 of Kala Academy’s 9th Tiatr ‘B’ Group Competition was a witness to tiatr ‘Rog’ written by Dr Chamin Pereira, directed by Fr Doel Dias and presented by Sant Matevachim Noketram, Azossim-Tiswadi.
Tiatr ‘Rog’ a family melodrama throws light on the ill and after-effects of those migrating to the UK, leaving behind the fragile and aging parents at home or aged homes to fend for themselves. It carries a small dose of suspense in the second half.
The story revolves around Lukas (Joel Ribeiro), his wife Annie (Shamin Pereira), their only son Roland (Josny Fernandes) and his spouse Tracy (Anneli Pereira) and their only teen daughter Ria (Snovya Abranches).
Roland has a secured government job and he can assist his family financially, including his aged parents. But he decides to quit his job and go to the UK with his family. As grandparents, Lukas and Annie are attached to their granddaughter Ria.
Making all the arrangements to take good care of his parents in their absence, Roland seeks assistance from Rasputin (Francisco Costa) and China (Morishka Pereira), who is deaf. But after Roland and his family steps out of the house, tragedy strikes in the household, with Lukas’ demise.
Blaming China for the misfortune, Annie drives away the maid from the house. Alternate arrangements are made by Roland from the UK to take care of his mother. Pushpa (Craby Fernandes) steps in as the new maid, but with ulterior motives.
In comparison to China, who was of service to the family, will Pushpa be a better choice to Annie? Or will it be the other way round? Who is at the loss and how?
Tiatr ‘Rog’ carried a fine script relevant today and it had a good ending, with a powerful message to the audience. Except for minor hiccups, there was sleek direction as well.
All the artistes gave a fine performance on stage. Joel and Chamin stood out as the ailing and aged parents, while Josny, Anneli, Florina Fernandes extended good support to the main cast. Clareema Fernandes as helpful neighbour, Shanti and Craby Fernandes in the negative character did justice to their respective roles. Prasad Harmalkar as the parish priest stepped in for the last scene and delivered the concluding message convincingly. A few dialogues by teen Snovya would have enhanced the presentation.
In the comic acts, Francisco Costa and Morishka Pereira came together to entertain with some laughter pills, but the dosage was less.
In the section of songs, there were good renditions on stage and live music offstage was equally appealing. Solos by Agnelo D’Cunha, Anneli Pereira and Ciena Furtado, a duet by Agnelo and Melba D’Cunha stood out among the rest. Roy Menezes and his team provided good music, thus supporting all the singers, while Cyabby Fernandes handled the background music.
Stage sets by Freddy Ferrao and light designs by Fr Doel Dias respectively were good. Overall, it was an enjoyable presentation.