What is politics? What is religion? Should religion be brought into politics and should politics be mixed with religion? Will the hotchpotch help preserve Goan identity? These are the queries posed intelligently in the tiatr ‘Lost & Found’ written and directed by Michael Gracias.
To save his skin and political career, minister Kakodkar (Fr Ave Maria Afonso) gets his stubborn pregnant daughter Manjusha (Bricila Fernandes) to Swami (Nelwyn Fernandes) at his ashram. Manju is pregnant outside wedlock and she refuses to have an abortion. Kakodkar leaves her at the Swami’s mercy and he promises to handle the issue diligently.
After facing hardships at the ashram, Manju finds her way out from bondage. She seeks shelter at a convent run by the Missionaries of Charity. Borges, who is the sarpanch and eyeing the forthcoming assembly elections, gets the news of his opponent minister’s daughter at the ashram.
Will the sarpanch seek political mileage on the issue? What is Manju’s fate at the ashram? Thinking about the future of her newborn, will she support adoption or opt for single parenting? How does enlightenment come about for the minister and the sarpanch?
The rise of Hindutva in the country, religious beliefs, sacrificing family ties on the altar of politics and destruction of Goan identity are some of the highlights during an interesting interactive session with the powers-to-be and the electronic media. The unexpected disappearance of the statue of Mother Teresa and the developments that follow on stage are also worth watching.
Nelwyn Fernandes acts well as the swami. In the convent, Andrea Fernandes projects a convincing role of a nun. Fr Ave Maria Afonso and Anthony Crasto portray confidence and ease in their respective roles. But Bricila Fernandes’ stands out for her acting, with a mix of dialogue and emotions. Jeenet, Lino and Stallon Fernandes form a perfect comic trio for the comedy sequences.
Simple stage sets execution by Kasim Nadaf and light designs by Atharv Kubal need to be commended. In the presentation of songs, although variety prevailed, solos by Cajy Pereira, Ashbel D’Silva, Ancy Gonsalves and Cielda Pereira and a choral by Fr Eusico, Albino, Constancio and Michael Gracias on family theme drew attention and applause.
