The curtains unfold to a scene at the Margao railway station wherein Rabiya (Sendrisha Fernandes) abandons her new-born near an aged man resting on the platform and disappears from the site. The aged man Salvador (Rosario Botelho), who is a bachelor, picks up the child and decides to adopt.
On the other hand, there’s an official (Joe Cardoso) serving in the Indian Railways and back home there’s Rabiya residing with him. After the death of her mother, this official takes care of her.
But under the disguise of care and protection, this officer takes advantage and exploits her to the maximum. When Rabiya is carrying his second child outside the wedlock, she informs him about the same and he assures to do the needful.
Rabiya is excited by the assurance and trusts the official. She asks him to get refreshed, while she gets his favourite food ready for the celebration. But leaving behind a letter and a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs, he departs from her.
Rabiya is again disheartened, but determined not to abort the unborn. Instead, she gives birth and abandons the second child at the feet of the same old man at the railway station. She also leaves cash of Rs 5 lakh behind for the expenses of the child.
Salvador brings up the adopted children, Mikal (Clive/Clyde) and Zeena (Kleona/Josma) as his own. But he has reasons to hate Mikal and show extra affection towards Zeena.
Encouragement from a priest (Joe Fernandes), where they are schooling, both get trained in music and singing. As the siblings grow older, they form their own band ‘Mik-Zee’ and shine in musical shows.
Will the railway officer return to Rabiya and unite in marriage? Meanwhile, in what state of mind is Rabiya? Will she trust the same man again? How do Mikal and Zeena encounter their biological parents?
Tiatr ‘Advarlolim Follam’ throws light on exploitation of women and the forbidden fruits outside the wedlock, the challenges ahead and the guts to fight against all odds.
All the artistes have played their respective roles with ease and confidence. But among all, Rosario Botelho as the old man and Sendrisha Fernandes as the victim of violence stand out among the rest.
For some lighter moments, there’s Yessu (Kenny Fernandes) and Kessu (Nitin Naique) as coolies at the railway station and they are supported by Wilson Dias and teenagers Aaron and Mcaiden as ‘chaiwalas’.
In the section of songs, the opening is a choral of 8 singers, followed by 7 solos, 2 duets and one each of duo, trio and quartet. Live music by Vitorino Araujo and team was appealing to the ears.
The stage sets by Kapil Chari deserve a mention, but unfortunately the light designs were unsatisfactory, especially for the renditions.