‘Freedom’, a tiatr written by Augie D’Mello and presented by Britona Dramatic Academy throws light on how a child deprived of parental love and freedom grows.
The curtains unfold with a scene wherein teen Kimberly (Jlynna Fernandes) thinks of committing suicide as she is unable to stand the pressure and demands of her strict mother Annet (Pedrinha D’Mello).
Annet doubts her husband, Riston’s (Paul Fernandes) filial love and believes that he is in an extra-marital relationship with his office mate, Sonia (Steffi Pereira). This suspicion leads to bitter ties between husband and wife.
As Annet always excelled in academics during her school and college days, she expects the same from her only daughter. Least bothered about her daughter’s limitations and desires, Annet demands that Kimberly stand first at the GCET examination.
But will Kimberly succeed in fulfilling her mom’s expectations? Whom does she encounter during her journey of anxiety and stress? Will Annet admit her folly and help Kimberly to grow in freedom and decision making?
Augie D’Mello’s tiatr ‘Freedom’ has a genuine subject which is prevalent in modern society. Ill-effects on the mind of the offspring due to deprivation of love and freedom by guardians have been well portrayed on stage.
The issue of pressuring children and not allowing them to grow as they want and making full use of their talents is depicted in the first half, but it remains only at that level throughout. Momentum mounts during the second half, with a good dose of suspense.
Pedrinha D’Mello does well as an overprotective mother, but her counterpart, Paul Fernandes, appeared sombre in his actions. Jlynna Fernandes takes the cake for her spontaneous performance and dialogue delivery. Godreena Braganza as ‘Sonia aunty’ does full justice to her suspicious character. Larissa Vaz and Rodney D’Souza looked comfortable in their respective roles.
Swapnil Mandrekar and Felcy Martins form a twosome for some good laughter, but the latter falls short in body language.
In the category of songs, Shanaya and Steffi Pereira entertained with their solos and a duo, duets by Joshua D’Souza and Macrisha Vaz, Jlynna Fernandes and Hermizil Camilo, a trio by Weldroy, Dominic and Sherlie Camilo were equally appealing.
Stage sets, live music by Dexter and team and background music deserve a mention, but execution of lights in some scenes demanded professionalism.
