Pio Esteves
Tiatr ‘Chuk Konnachi?’ written and directed by Fr Doel Dias and presented by Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce for Women, Nuvem, was staged on the second day of 4th All Goa Intercollegiate/HSS Tiatr Competition 2024-25.
Whose mistake is it to find children in the orphanage and elderly in the aged home? This is the query made by the orphan in the concluding scene of the tiatr.
The curtains unfold to a scene wherein Elsy (Clareema Fernandes) can hear in the background the insults from the landlady asking her to vacate the house as she is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb. Orphan Ivy (Vianca Fernandes) finds entry in the Holy Cross College, but she falls victim to ragging by Melita (Meckenzia Dourado), who is a villain, and her college mate. But Ivy has a bunch of friends, who are very supportive and encourages her to grow in her inborn talents.
Ivy also finds Sir Antonio (Vishwapratap Pawar) not only as a mentor and guide, but also as a close friend, who is ready to assist his student. Ivy wins the first place in the singing competition, but her rival Melita cannot stand the victory out of sheer jealousy. Since birth, Ivy has been brought up in the orphanage ‘God’s Home’ run by a nun (Dianne D’Costa). There’s Carmin (Benicia Costa) and Jaki (Agnelo Dias) who are there to assist the orphans.
Ivy is eager to meet her parents, but she doesn't know how to go about it. Sir Antonio assures that he will help in whatever way he can to trace her guardians. Meanwhile, over a period of time, Elsy, who has now found shelter in an aged home, comes in search of her daughter, who was abandoned at the doorsteps of ‘God’s Home’.
What traverses between the mother and daughter after the unexpected encounter is worth watching during the second half of the drama. Will Ivy finally trace her parents and what is its outcome?
Tiatr ‘Chuk Konnachi?’ is an eye opener for all those who abandon or dump children in the orphanage to hide their sins. It also focuses on those who seek shelter in the aged home as the last resort. The twist in the play has been well presented in the second half.
All the artistes have given a fine performance on stage. But Vianca Fernandes stands out in the lead role with good expression of emotions. She is ably assisted by Clareema Fernandes and Vishwapratap Pawar and other artistes.
For some lighter moments, there’s Benicia and Agnelo and Nandu (Meetal Raikar) at the tea shop. They carry a good dose of laughter pills with them. And the flute played on stage by Meetal is a treat to the ears.
In the category of songs, there were good renditions on stage from solos, duos, duet, trio to quartet and three chorals. But two chorals were on the same subject, namely Goa and the Goans. Senon and his musical team supported all the singers with good live music offstage.
The stage sets by Analee Gonsalves, light effects by Fr Doel Dias and background music by Noela Ataide and Mazella Fernandes deserve appreciation.