The story revolves around Kevin (Franky Gonsalves), his spouse Olga (Antonette de Maina), their child (Aliva) who is a person with disabilities and Kevin’s aged mother (Roma). The grandmother and the grandchild have a special bond and it is inseparable. They care for each other in their own little way and it is visibly expressed in the family.
Undoubtedly, Kevin has affection towards his fragile mother, but he is entwined to his dictatorial wife and all her diktats. Instead of focusing on her family and her child, Olga is preoccupied with only those things that interest her.
Olga ill-treats her mother-in-law and gets all her household work done by her. She waits for a single opportunity to despise and criticize her.
One fine day, when the grandmother takes seriously ill and is confined to the wheelchair, ill-treatment by the daughter-in-law reaches its peak. As she will be forced to do everything in the house, what next step does Olga take? Will it help in the overall growth of the grandchild?
Sammy Tavares’ monsoon tiatr ‘Grandma’ focuses on the cordial relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. The special and unique bond that prevails between them has been highlighted in the drama.
The play moves at snail’s pace in the first half, but gains momentum in the second half, with the peak in the concluding scene. The artistes have given a fine performance on stage. Roma wins sympathy for the apt role of a grandmother. Antonette de Maina portrays her negative role with ease. Franky Gonsalves extends good support to the cast with his unique act. Child artiste, Aliva is the centre of attraction and delivers well. Jr Reagan, Aleka make brief entries on stage. The scene before the interval is worth the watch.
In the comic acts, comedian Sally takes along with him Samenca, Myron and Richard and the four comedians deliver a good number of laughter pills to the audience.
In the category of songs, the opening song is rendered by Aleka, but the blowing instrumentalists Madonna and Jeslyn hop on stage to continue with the song, followed by Fevila on the drums and it is a treat to the ears and eyes.
There are solos from Lawry Travasso (a tribute to Minguel Rod, M Boyer and William de Curtorim), Jr Reagan, Roma and Sammy Tavares, which is a testimony. There are other songs by Richard and Myron, Antonette de Maina and Jr Reagan, Roma and Antonette de Maina. A political solo by Saby de Divar, another song by Lawry and Saby de Divar and a rendition by Jr Reagan, Richard and Myron receive encore. A quartet went amiss in the drama. The live music offstage led by Norman Cardozo and the band of girls deserve appreciation.
The stage sets are by Anthony de Ambaji and the lights have been handled by Dinesh.