A suspense drama of love and greed

Tiatr: Axea

Cast: Betty Naz, Joel, Silvia, Caridade, Agnel Vaz, Kenny, Abee, Francis Fernandes

Writer/Director: C Alvares/Capucina Alvares

Band: Theo, Selwyn (trumpet), Tenville (keyboard), Vilbur (bass), Xavier de Moira (drums)

Story: Leonar’s (Betty Naz) son, Steve (Joel), is in love with Sherryjane (Silvia) and the couple unite in marriage. But will their bond last till the end?

The story is based on an Africa-returned widow, Leonar, her son, Steve, and their African maid, Rosemarie (Abee). Steve falls in love with Sherryjane and the two decide to marry. Although Leonar seems to give her consent to the union of the two, she is unhappy deep within.

Presuming that his future son-in-law is of a good character, Sherryjane’s father, Abreu (Francis), also gives his consent. But he is equally perplexed about Leonar’s indifferent attitude.

Steve and Sherryjane go ahead with their plans for marriage. Along with them, Rosemarie and the cook, Pedru Anton (Caridade), also chalk out their wedding plans.

On the wedding day, as Steve welcomes his spouse, Sherryjane, in his house, Leonar looks very upset. After rendering a mando, the bride seeks a glass of water, which Leonar provides instantly. But on drinking it, Sherryjane collapses and there begins the suspense.

Now, what has happened to Sherryjane? Who is responsible for it? These queries find answers in the courtroom where the truth comes to light.

Penned and staged in the 1950s, late C Alvares’s tiatr ‘Axea’ was re-directed by his daughter, Capucina Alvares, and staged as part of the 125th anniversary of tiatr. Its content is a simple family story, but it carries a good dose of suspense in the second half.

Betty Naz plays her role of the mother with gusto. As lovebirds, Joel and Silvia are apt and do justice to their respective characters. Francis Fernandes, Agnel Vaz, Kenny have extended good support to the main cast.

In the comic acts, Caridade and Abee entertain with small doses of laughter and comedy is entwined in the main story. It was a treat to watch the Mumbai tiatrists entertaining the audience in act and songs, with vigour and enthusiasm.

In the category of songs, there were solos, duets, duo, trios and quartet, all penned by late C Alvares and rendered by budding artistes Krisandra, Lydia and others from Mumbai. Solos ‘Kator’ by Merrick and ‘Sanna-Vodde’ by Antonette Mendes, a duet by Antonette Mendes and Francis, trios ‘Claudia’ by Agnel, Kichu and Samanta and ‘Sao Joao’ by Francis, Carrie and Agnel, a duo ‘Dotor-Kuzner’ by Merrick and Melroy were a treat to the ears.

Stage and sound has been managed by Greg Fernandes, while Lourdine has assisted with the make-up and Kapil Chari has handled the stage sets.