‘Citizen’, a tiatr written and directed by John Alexin Fernandes
and presented by Machi Mogi
Morjim Cultural and Sanskrutic Saunstha-Morjim, focuses on corruption prevalent
in society and the fight against it.
Manuel (Cyril Fernandes) is an honest and
upright citizen. He helps his only daughter, Sensia (Ofelia D’Souza), acquire
the post of Deputy Collector with the assistance of minister Albuquerque
(Connie Pereira). The minister’s son, Frazer (Frazer Fernandes), who enjoys a
happy-go-lucky life, drops in with his friend, Lester (Lester Fernandes), to
extend his best wishes to Sensia.
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News about a mishap involving Frazer
prompts police inspector (Reza Fernandes) to take prompt action. But the
minister intervenes and threatens to transfer the police inspector. The Deputy
Collector stands firm and insists stern action against the accused as she has
enough evidence.
In another case wherein an NOC is sought
for construction of a huge structure in CRZ zone, Sensia refuses to bow down to
the pressure of the minister. Frazer makes all attempts to support his corrupt
father, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, Sensia gets involved with
Shubert (Jose Aires D’Souza), who serves as her clerk. Franzer decides to take
advantage of the situation and trap Sensia.
What plans does Frazer work upon to get
Sensia dismissed from her job? Whose assistance does he seek to fulfil his
plan? What incident results in a wall coming up between father and daughter?
Who takes bribe and from whom? Who is the culprit?
‘Citizen’ throws light on corruption
rampant in various government departments and how upright citizens can come
forward to wage a war against it. Risk factors will be many, but the fight must
go on, seeking justice for the common man.
Cyril Fernandes stands tall as the honest
citizen and father, but the emotional aspect needed a check in the second half
of the drama. As government officials, Ofelia and Reza have done justice to
their respective roles, but their tone could have been controlled. As a
minister, Connie could have been more expressive in appearance and dialogues.
Frazer is apt in the role of a villain. Jose D’Souza has played his character
with gusto. Lester, Jose Carvalho, Joao Noronha and Anthony D’Mello have been
supportive to the main cast.
John Alexin, Lorna and Frenwin Fernandes
carried pills of laughter with them, but the dosage this time appeared too mild
and lightweight.
In the category of songs, the opening
chorus by Peter Fernandes, solos by Evaristo Rodrigues, Clarissa Lobo and
Frenwin Fernandes, duo by Jonas and Frenwin, duets by Bhushan and Lajjea,
Hendry and Clarissa and a quartet by Jose, Frazer, Connie and John Alexin were
entertaining. A duo by Richard, Hendry and a duet by Lajjea, Bhushan focused on
the same theme. Vitorino and his team provided good live music.
The
stage sets by Kapil Chari were good, but the garden scene with the entrance
looked more of a wedding reception decor. Ratnakar Salgaonkar fared well with
the light effects.
