Tiatr: Meulelem Naka, Sanddlolem
Zai
Cast: Jr Reagan, Samenca, Mario Menezes, Filipe, Dola, Agostinho, Janet,
Richard, Ambe
Director: Samuel Carvalho
Band: Alex (first saxophone), Marian
(second saxophone), Vilbur (bass), Norman (keyboard), Xavier de Moira (drums)
stage, Lights: Samuel, Baltu
story: Rich (Filipe) and Kim (Samenca), though in
love with each other, are poles apart when it comes to social status. Will they
succeed in coming together, despite all odds?
Review: As Kim waits for her
boyfriend, Rich, in a garden, Pankaj (Jr Reagan), Kim’s college mate, drops by
and expresses his interest in her. Kim then tells him that she is in love with
Rich and Pankaj leaves, disheartened. Kim’s father, Carlos (Mario Menezes), is
a pilot (motorbike taxi) rider who has brought up his daughter with humble
means. On the other hand, Rich is the son of Dorothy Mascarenhas (Dola), a social
worker, and they live in a palatial bungalow. She wishes to contest the
forthcoming elections, but her opponent and MLA, Lobo (Samuel Carvalho), does
his best to deter her. Tetuleao (comedian Ambe) finds a suitable match for Kim
and approaches her with it, but once he learns about her relationship with
Rich, he backs off. Convincing Carlos about their love, Kim accompanies him to
Rich’s place, to speak to Dorothy about their marriage. Once there, Dorothy
gets into an argument with Carlos. When Kim turns to Rich for help, he denies
their relationship in front of his mother. Why the bitter fight between the
parents? Do they have a common past no one knows about? Will Rich and Kim unite
in marriage and make their future? Will they learn about their parents’ secrets?
Samuel Carvalho’s tiatr ‘Meulelem Naka, Sanddlolem Zai’ is a family drama with
a good dose of suspense till the end. The issue of various sects in
Christianity and their ill effects on family ties have been highlighted. The
craze to re-contest the elections and face defeat at the end also finds place
in the drama. Mario Menezes and Dola have displayed good command in the
execution of their respective roles. Samenca and Rich appear cool as lovebirds.
Jr Reagan wins as the simpleton and rejected lover. Mergulhao (comedian
Agostinho), Tetuleao (Ambe), Napoleao (Richard) and Jenny (Janet) form a
perfect comical quartet for some laughter pills among the audience. In the
category of songs, Jr Reagan, Benny de Aldona with solos and Samenca and Dola,
Samenca and Jr Reagan entertain with a duo and a duet. But solos by Janet and
Saby de Divar, a duet by Richard and Antonette de Miana and a quartet by
Richard, Jr Reagan, Saby de Divar and Benny de Aldona on elections receive
encores. The stage sets by Samuel Carvalho, besides the light execution by
Baltu needs to be commended. Musical score by Norman Cardozo and team also
deserves appreciation.
