Tiatr: In or Out
Cast: Jessica, Antonette de Maina, Dominic, Willy, Jaju, Simon, Filipe Almeida, Brian, Janet and comedian Agostinho
Director: Simon Gonsalves
Band: Theo/Senon (trumpet), Denson (bass), Arif (keyboard), Jack (drums)
Story: Fabio (Simon Gonsalves) is interested in Ruth (Jessica), but Ruth is madly in love with Skyler (Willy). How will this love triangle end?
Review:
The stage has been to converted snowy London and Oliver (Dominic) is seen celebrating the feast of the cross in his house along with his daughter, Ruth, and other relatives. Ruth’s close friend, Grace (Antonette de Maina), Skyler and Fabio are also present on the occasion. Fabio proposes to Ruth, but she turns him down, with her attention drawn towards Skyler.
On Valentine’s Day, Ruth invites Skyler for a date in the garden, but she herself is late. Grace makes an unexpected entry and shares her heart’s desires to Skyler. Meanwhile, Ruth steps in and after listening to Grace’s conversation, disappears disheartened.
Ruth suffers from blood cancer and is admitted in the hospital in a critical condition. Now, it is an acid test for Fabio and Skyler to prove their genuine love towards Ruth. When partying with his friends, how does Fabio react when Skyler breaks the news about Ruth? Who expresses genuine love?
Simon Gonsalves’s tiatr ‘In or Out’ is a love story with a small dose of politics mixed in. It focuses on the good and the bad and the reward that awaits everyone on the final Judgement Day. It also throws light on the fate of those who fight tooth and nail against the corrupt in politics.
After a long period, Dominic has once again made an entry on stage and proved his mantle, with command in body language and dialogues. Willy, Antonette and Simon extend good support to the main cast. Jaju is in command as the politician. But among all the artistes, Jessica wins the hearts of the audience as the cancer patient, especially in the concluding scene of the first half. She comes in style in a double role in the second half as well. Simon too displays talent in a dual role in the second half. Filipe is at ease as the minister’s PA.
The scenes introduced in the drama, especially the concluding scene, is worth the watch, invoking instant introspection.
In the comic acts, Brian, Janet and comedian Agostinho entertain with good laughter pills.
In the category of songs, the opening chorus is rendered by Willy, Jessica, Simon, Antonette, Filipe and Janet.
There are a handful of solos by Xavier Gomes, Cajetan de Curtorim, Benny de Aldona, Rosario de Benaulim, Simon Gonsalves, Marcus Vaz and Alison. There’s a duo by Benny and Rosario, a political trio by Marcus, Alison and Xavier Gomes and a quartet by Janet, Brian, Cajetan and Filipe Almeida.
The stage sets by Mario, besides light effects by Ratna need to be commended.
