Tiatr lovers have never witnessed new releases at the dawn of the New Year, but this time around, as a New Year gift, there are two new releases coming up to entertain the Goans.
Noted political singer of the Konkani stage, Saby de Divar will be releasing his fifth production ‘Police Porjeche Kai Montreanche?’on January 8 at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanvordem-Curchorem, followed by shows on January 13, 14 and 15 at Candolim, Margao and Mapusa respectively. The second new release in the New Year is ‘Ghov Khevta Jugar Bail Zata Fugar’ by comedian Richard to be staged on January 15 at Sanvordem, followed by the second show at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
Speaking about his fifth production on the tiatr stage, Saby de Divar says he thought of coming with his own production in the New Year as it was feasible only during this period of time to get the artistes of his choice. He says that otherwise he is part of the Roseferns and comedian Sally’s dramatic troupe, be it during the October or Easter releases.
Saby de Divar’s earlier four productions, namely ‘Interview’, ‘He Amche Kaide’, ‘Goem Konnachem?’ and ‘Goykaranchem Pasiens Somplem’ had an upcoming cast from the Konkani stage. But in his fifth production he has roped in ‘living legends’ of the Konkani stage and he intends to stage his tiatr only in the cities.
Dwelling upon the subject of his upcoming tiatr, Saby de Divar mentions that he is trying to project the true image of the police force. “How the cops are in their attitude and behaviour towards the politicians and the general public and how they should be—that is my message conveyed in my tiatr,” he says.
“When the policemen take an oath, there’s commitment that follows,” the director says, “but do they live to that commitment or do they bow down to pressure from the higher ups and get corroded in corruption?” “If cops get inclined towards pressure, then where is the law? Does it go for a toss and to the dogs?” he inquires.
Saby de Divar wishes to know whether the law that’s framed for the wellbeing of all is only for the common man and the poor and not for the rich, wealthy and influential. Citing an example, he says that we all know the difference between butter and ghee, but the political leaders force the common man to believe that butter is ghee and vice versa.
Tiatr ‘Police Porjeche Kai Montreanche?’ has a cast which includes Roseferns, Antonette de Maina, Jaju, Franky Gonsalves, Joylita and Vishal. In the comic acts, there’s comedian Sally, Dominic, Luis Bachan, Nato and Aveena. The singers include Marcus Vaz, Xavier Gomes, Jr Reagan, Evaristo de Arambol and Saby de Divar, with musicians Senon, Alloy, Jayne, Ivo, Ensly and Arif offstage. Stage sets and lights will be handled by Anthony de Ambajim and Dinesh respectively. “Due to rise in the cost of transport, including hall rent, the shows will be priced at Rs 200 instead of Rs 150,” the director discloses. “And all shows will be staged only in the cities, instead of the villages,” he adds.
Comedian Richard’s new release ‘Ghov Khevta Jugar Bail Zata Fugar’ could be a crowd puller as his earlier first production, ‘Battli Soreachi Tikett Mornnachi’ had crossed 56 shows, golden jubilee celebration in the shortest period of time. Due to his ill health, he had to shut shop, or else he would have continued with more shows, in cities and villages. With regards to the cast in the new production, there’s Ulhas Tari, Roma, Pascoal Rodrigues and Antonette de Maina to dole out fine acts. The comedians include comedian Sally, Agnel, Myron, Rizton, and Richard with some rib-tickling comedy. The singers include Peter de Arambol, Tony de Ribandar, Lawry Travasso and Rosario de Benaulim, with musicians Nazareth, Nolvert, Tremson, Presly and Arif offstage.
Fausto V da Costa, a tiatr goer and critic, says that both the directors have audience appeal, one as a singing sensation and the other as a comedian. “So there’s good expectation from both the directors,”
he notes.
Taking note of tiatr ‘Battli Soreachi Tikett Mornachi’ being staged in Ravindra Bhavan, Margao with 37 shows in total and 35 shows running houseful, “comedian Richard has youth appeal,” da Costa admits, “and as his earlier tiatr had gone houseful, this production may also move on the same track.” “Richard’s first production had a good and powerful storyline, strong audience appeal and carried good message,” he says, “as both the directors have fared well in the past, now it all depends on the audience.”
“Let’s wait and watch,” says Filipe Dias from Maddel, Margao, who enjoys watching and commenting on tiatrs, “what the two directors have to offer to the audience in the New Year.” “Be it in songs or the tiatr,” he continues, “if there’s a message for the audience, then it could be rated as a good tiatr.”
The ticket of tiatr ‘Ghov Khevta Jugar Bail Zata Fugar’ has been priced at Rs 150, unlike other tiatrs where all commercial artistes are roped in and the tiatr directors hike their ticketing scheme.