Tiatr ‘Aiz Mhaka, Faleam Tuka’ written and directed by Jess Fernandes and presented by ‘Ami Daizi, Fatorda’, was staged at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on the concluding day of Kala Academy’s 10th Tiatr ‘B’ Group Competition 2024-25.
The story revolves around Minguel (Jess Fernandes) and his spouse Roza (Ashwina Simoes). They are enjoying
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their sunset years together and to give them company is their grandson, Clio (Clio Fernandes).
Due to old age and health issues, Minguel thinks of his only son, John (Shefield Dias) and his daughter-in-law, Swizel (Swizel Fernandes), who are settled abroad. Before death knocks at his door, he wishes to meet his son and family at the earliest.
Anxious wait leaves Minguel disheartened. But his spouse Roza keeps herself occupied in the cozy company of her neighbor, Mari (Cerina Fernandes). When they meet, there are some interesting conversations between them on varied issues pertaining to family and the village.
Over a period of time, there are many things unfolding in Minguel’s household. Due to ill health, he is rushed to the hospital by caretaker, Armand (Anvil Fernandes). Then Roza receives a call about his passing away and the neighbours come together for the preparation of the funeral.
As Minguel’s son, John and his wife return for the final farewell, the undertaker also steps in. But has Minguel truly passed away? What was John’s intention to return? Was it grief or greed for ancestral property?
Tiatr’ Aiz Mhaka Faleam Tuka’ progressed on stage at snail’s pace with a flashback. There was more involvement of children and youth in the tiatr, making the viewers to think it as children’s tiatr. Even in the section of songs, more children were roped in for the renditions.
In the category of songs, there were songs revolving around various subjects, which included nature, musical instruments, traditional professions, migrants and religion. Solos by Karen D’Costa, Cerina Fernandes, Calvin Pinto were appealing to the ears. Senon de Souza (first trumpet) as the band leader and his musical team with Norman Cardozo (keyboard), Crusandio Pires (bass), Nolvert Cota (second trumpet)
and Manuelino Fernandes (drums) provided live music offstage and it assisted all the singers.
The stage sets were worked upon by Shefield Dias, while Fr Doel Dias was the light designer. The background music was handled by Analee Gonsalves and costumes and make-up were taken care of by Alriya Fernandes and Ashwina Fernandes respectively.
