Cast: Maria, Michael Gracias, Francis, Franky, Valentine, Rupesh Jogle, Michael, Jane, Evola
Band: Dominic de Arambol/James (trumpet), Elffio (keyboard), Lony (bass), John de Maddel (drums)
Story: As Judas (Franky) and his wife Eva (Valentine) join the Believers’ group, there is a rift in the family. Arguments and counter-arguments follow between Judas and his parents, Peter (Michael Gracias) and Sylvia (Maria), who are staunch Catholics
Belief in Mother Mary by Peter and Sylvia is strongly opposed by Judas and Eva. Judas gets carried away by big promises made Brother Caen (Francis). Tomas, a stranger in disguise, steps in and decides to seek refuge with the family. Everyone considers him insane, but he is there on a massive hunt and with a mission.
His disbelief in God prompts some members of the family to believe that he too is one of those who have joined the other sects. But the climax of the entire episode brings in a surprising revelation, only to make Judas feel guilty of his false decision and repentance for a better living in his family.
In tiatr ‘Sot Khoim Asa?’, Ives Tavares has tackled several issues pertaining to Catholic religion, including false beliefs prevailing among those who have joined the other sects. Arguments and counter-arguments are well substantiated with relevant proof from the Bible and teachings of the church. A small dose of suspense prompts the viewer to seek more in the following acts.
Subjects of discussion and reflection include those pertaining to the Eucharistic celebration, idol worship, extra-marital relations, life after death, old customs and traditions and others. How the Roman Catholics are lured to different sects have been well portrayed on stage.
While Michael Gracias and Maria exhibit their staunch faith effectively, Francis and Franky as pastors of the Believers’ group do justice to their respective roles. Besides dialogue delivery, Valentine could have been more effective in her body language. Among all the characters, Rupesh Jogle, as both, the madman and the sane, excels.
Revolving around the same subject, comic interludes by Michael, Jane and Evola make the tiatr more effective. Visuals on stage, especially the descent of the Holy Spirit at the sacrament of Baptism is appealing.
Songs presented by Mini Mario, Jack Rodson/Maria, Cajie, Bladwin/Valencio, Edward, Evola have messages for the audience. But as the tiatr spins on a sensitive religious issue, political songs could have been pushed under the carpet.
Dominic de Arambol and his team have provided good music, besides effective background music by Elffio. Mini Mario needs to be commended for the initiative of producing this tiatr.
‘Sot Khoim Asa?’ is a must watch for all the Catholics who, quite often, falter in their faith and go astray after being lured with false prophecy and promises.