‘Ek Aslo Ghorabo’ calls to preserve Goan identity

The curtains unfold with a choral ‘Ghorabo’ by Anson, Jasmond, Mario, Royston, Peviola and Wilma, followed by the presentation of the palatial house of landlord, Santan. Due to disintegration of the family and three of the five children leaving Goa for greener pastures to Africa and then to England, spinster Martha Tia (Fatima D’Souza) and grandson of Santan, Xavier (Edel Rebello) toil hard to preserve the ancestral property.

As the grandchildren of Santan bhatkar are on a visit to Goa from England after 25 years, preparations are in full swing with the deployment of a contractor Francis (Clevent Colaco). The ancestral house is re-painted and Martha Tia along with Xavier and neighbour, Mary (Stancy D’Costa) are eager to receive the guests.

On arrival of Keith (David Araujo) and Anne (Anisha Sequeira), Martha Tia prepares the best of Goan food, which impresses the guests. The duo decides to take Martha Tia and Xavier along with them to London.  

What about the palatial house and ancestral property? Will Martha Tia and Xavier give in to the ulterior motives of Keith and Anne? Who falls in love with Goa’s rich cultural heritage, its land and nature? What is its outcome?  

‘Ek Aslo Ghorabo’ is an eye-opener, calling for instant introspection with regards to Goa’s unique culture and its protection. Although the entire plot revolves around Santan bhatkar’s palatial house, there are various developments in and around the property.

In the lead role, Fatima D’Souza fits just right in the fragile spinster’s shoes. Edel Rebello follows, with his bold and upright dialogues. Stancy D’Costa is convincing in her sober nature. Clevent Colaco is impressive as the contractor. David Araujo and Anisha Sequeira as the grandchildren and NRIs are quite expressive, both in body language and dialogues, but the latter stands out with a typical foreign accent.

Anson Gomes and Jesmond Clemente as neighbours, who form the comical duo, give a fine performance.

The stage sets by Serafino Cota and light effects by Rasley Fernandes, besides the background music by Freddy Oliveira needs to be commended. Alex Afonso and his team also provided good live music.

In the category of songs, a solo by Nifa Colaco, quintet by Anson, Jasmond, Clevent, Royston and David, choral and duo by Peviola and Wilma, quartet by Anson, Hubert, David and Clement and a duet by Mario Pinto and Sfina Pereira were appealing.