Tiatr ‘Ek Neketr Palouta’ written and directed by Francisco Xavier Pereira and presented by Amigos de Borda Entertainers, Margao, was staged at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on the fifth day of Kala Academy Goa 10th Tiatr ‘B’ Group Competition 2024-25.
The curtains unfold to a village scene below the hill where there are four houses in close proximity and a government primary school in the centre. There’s elderly Rocky known as Seza Pai (Gabriel Crasto) residing with his son Tony (Ashley Rebello) and he has a neighbor Mauxi (Swellan Rosni Niasso), putting up all by herself.
On the other side, close to the springs reside Bostiao (Dylan Vaz), his spouse, Marjakin (Anisha Vales) and their two children, who are schooling in the government school. Next to Bostiao’s house resides Pandu (Meliston Dias),
who stays alone while his family is in a distant village.
Tracy (Clea Morais) is a teacher employed in the government primary school. Her posting there prompts her to encounter Rocky’s son, Tony and they grow in close relationship.
The village folk are upset as they witness hill cutting and in the name of development several factories are erected there, with the blessings of the minister, Valmiki (Vishal Noguiro). None of the villagers can stand the minister’s PA (Skyla Moraes) visiting them occasionally with goodies.
One fine day, the minister’s visit to the village along with his PA and attending the flag hoisting ceremony irk all the villagers. Tony and Tracy also tie the knot and all the villagers are in a cheerful mood. Mauxi’s children and Pandu’s wife and children also come and join in the celebration.
Tracy’s pregnancy and she being shifted to the hospital follows in the second half of the drama. It’s a total shift from the village to the city hospital. There are several events unfolding there which makes one understand the hard reality of life.
Will Tracy encounter a safe delivery which will double her husband’s joy? Or will it dampen everyone’s spirit? What are the sacrifices that follow? Who comes to the minister’s aid in moments of crisis?
Tiatr ‘Ek Noketr Palouta’ is all about destruction of natural resources and its dire consequences on human beings. In the name of development, there’s gain for the influential and the mighty but loss for the common man.
Gabriel Crasto has played a fine role as Seza Pai, while he has been supported by Ashley, Swellan, Meliston and Clea. Vishal stands tall as the corrupt minister and Skyla has extended good support to him as a PA.
In the comic acts, there’s Dylan and Anisha who try to entertain as a couple with their mild dose of laughter pills. A good number of children on stage are lively and playful in their acts.
In the category of songs, there’s a choral by Chelsea, Chrystal and Siya as the opening song, followed by solos, duo, duet, trio and quartet. A duet on mobile and a duo on fruits of Goa were thought-provoking. Edrol Fernandes and his musical team provided good live music offstage.
The stage sets and light effects by Romeo deserve a special mention. The background music was handled by Aaron Correia, while the costumes and make-up were shouldered by Alisha Carvalho and Jenifa Colaco respectively.