As you walk through the corridors of Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho-Panjim,
among the sea of green clad teacher trainees you will notice a few individuals
in 19th century English attire. As one follows their trail, one is led to a
place that echoes of music and the atmosphere tells a tale of many hearts. Here
is where the rehearsals for the upcoming production of the educational institute
are being held, a semi-musical play ‘Pride and Prejudice’ – an adaptation based
on the classic 19th century novel by Jane Austen.
The play is being
directed by Fr Walter D’Souza, from the Archdiocese of Mumbai. He is a visiting
professor at St Pius X Seminary and has to his credit three Master’s Degrees in
Scripture, Philosophy and English Literature. His loud, clear voice booms about
as he directs the group of thirty cast members to bring about his imagination
to realisation. He has previously directed many plays in Nashik, Pune and
Mumbai. The multi-talented director is always on his heels, dabbling into the
making of props, approving set designs and simply motivating the teacher
trainees to reach their maximum potential. His influence has rubbed on the
to-be-moulders of the future as the cast is always caught up in one task or the
other. The props, ranging from a Grand Piano to the adornments on a bonnet,
have all been done by the students of the institute. The sets with special
animation too are being designed by the students. Dr Rita Paes, Director of
Nirmala Institute of Education, affirms that the production reflects the core
values of the institute – of producing capable, resourceful individuals with
integrity, who will bring up the future generation of India. The play has
provided an opportunity to the trainees to develop their talents and explore
new avenues to grow.
The cast members are
Avril Antao, Sredny Antao, Anthea Baracho, Renu Bastwadkar, Frederica Botelho,
Danica da Cruz, Dale Dias, Samuel Dias, Debbie D’Sa, Elroy D’Sa, Ashford
D’Souza, Lois D’Souza, Achielia Fernandes, Arlene Fernandes, Carlton Fernandes,
Cherlyn Fernandes, Dwayne Fernandes, Enida Fernandes, Kimberly Fernandes,
Senida Fernandes, Verushka Fernandes, Joyce Morais, Venesa Pinto, Alyce
Rodrigues, Chelsea Rodrigues, Moris Almeida, Merle Henriques and Alphius
Fernandes.
Sr
Millie Pereira, the event-coordinator and English Method Master at NIE, has
been the initiator of the play production. The prime motive for the play is to
provide the teacher trainees with an opportunity to grow and to help them
understand the dynamics of staging a play. The play has been crafted keeping
the present-day audience in mind. Artistic liberty has been exercised as the
characters are not restricted to the original narrative but flow subtly into
the modern-day scenario. The play is embedded with songs, dances and memorable
performances. The life of the five Bennett sisters from the humble town of
Hertfordshire will be brought to life at Ravindra Bhavan Margao on February 9,
2020 at 5 pm. Tickets for the must-see play, for literature lovers are
available at Furtado’s outlets at Panjim and Margao.
