The curtains unfold to a scene wherein plans are afloat to send Fr Francis Xavier (Rupesh Jogle) from Portugal to India. Fr Francis Xavier encounters Ignatius de Loyola (Fr Ubaldo Fernandes) and the latter motivates the former to go ahead with his mission, trusting God.
On arrival in India, Fr Francis Xavier meets Vicar General, (Michael Gracias), who in turn introduces him to bishop (Ansh Bandekar). Having heard much about this saintly priest, the bishop grants permission to Fr Francis Xavier to carry out his missionary works.
Now, apart from the countless miracles performed by Fr Francis Xavier, there’s a pregnant woman Esmeralda (Siddhi Naik) going through much labour during the last stage of pregnancy. Her husband Luis (Joel Ribeiro) pleads with Fr Xavier to do the needful. On the other hand, in the same house there’s witchery ‘ghaddi’ being performed by an enchanter (Mayur Dhond).
Fr Xavier steps in and informs that there cannot be worship of two gods. The priest intercedes to God and Esmeralda enjoys a safe delivery. The boy child is baptized as Francis and the guardians also turn to Christianity. The sorcerer is taken by surprise and returns with his wife to be baptized by Fr Xavier.
There are encounters by Fr Xavier with the king and queen of Travancore (Michael Gracias/Dr Risia Passanha) and the king of Jafnapatam (George Gonsalves). Fr Xavier also visits the Sam Lazar Hospital and his interaction with the leprosy patient. What transverse between them is worth the watch on the stage. The concluding scene wherein the body of the saint was to be transported to Portugal at the orders of the authorities, but it was destined to be kept in Goa.
Rupesh Jogle stands out as St Francis Xavier in his acts and dialogue delivery. There are fine performances by all the artistes (new faces) on stage. Each of them has given their best in every act, with some even taking up double role.
Tiatr ‘Goycho Saib’ is a well-researched and historic plot, with many incidents in the life of St Francis Xavier revealing many truths that helps the viewers to reflect and understand the in-depth life and missionary works of the saint.
For some lighter moments, there’s comedy by BP (Hortencio Pereira), Jakin (Valanka Pereira) and Cynthia (Amberley Romao), which has no connection to the main scenes, except for one scene on slavery. And when it is a presentation of a saint where comedy is not interwoven, were comic scenes required?
In the section of songs, there’s Caroal Fernandes, Valanca Pereira, Joel Ribeiro and George Gonsalves rendering the opening song, followed by solos by Fr Ubaldo Fernandes, Joel Ribeiro, George Gonsalves and Renecia Rodrigues. There are other songs in the form of duo, duets, trio and a quartet. Quartet ‘Utth Goykara’ by Caroal, Valanka, Renecia and Amberley speaks about upcoming projects in Goa and the need for awareness.
The stage sets are Anthony de Ambaji and the lights have been handled by
John Marques.