Senior tiatrists shine bright in this familial drama

Tiatr: Tukai Tench Assa

Cast: C D’Silva, Jessie Dias, Josephine, Sabina, Platilda, Wilson Mazarello, Hortencio, Anthony San, Marcelin de Betim

Director: Sharon Mazarello

Band: Anthony de Velim (trumpet), Anezia (saxophone), John de Maddel (drums), Wilson (bass), Jolan (keyboard)

Story: It’s the story of different families. As the children move abroad for better prospects, their respective parents are left to fend for themselves in their old age. What will be the consequences?

After the death of his wife, Martin (C D’Silva) is forced to take care of his grandchild by his daughter (Fatima), who is preoccupied with many things. Neglecting his own health, the grandfather carries out his duties diligently. 

Martin’s neighbour, Santu (Wilson), drops in to share his grievances as a tiatrist, but Martin, often more concerned about his grandchild, would not like anyone to disturb him. On the other hand, two neighbours, Ermelin (Josephine) and Margarida (Sabina), have their own woes to share with each other. Their children are settled abroad and hardly have time for their aging and ailing parents.

Will Martin’s daughter accept her folly and value her father’s presence and efforts? Will Ermelin’s wish of speaking to her grandchildren be fulfilled? Who assists her in this task? Who comes along to help Margarida in property matters?

Sharon Mazarello’stiatr ‘Tukai Tench Assa’ calls for introspection as far as parents and their children are concerned. Issues pertaining to ill-treatment at home, isolation in one’s old age have been well handled and enacted by the senior tiatrists with skill and ease.

The curtains go up to the opening chorus by Succor de Santa Cruz and Sharon, whereby all the artistes are introduced to the audience. All the artistes, especially the seniors, have doled out fine performances, with fewer chances to spot the follies.

C D’Silva is at his best as the grandfather, while Fatima supports him as the spoilt brat. Josephine and Sabina are exceptional in their respective characters. Hortencio and Marcelin de Betim as the bread-man and fisherman make brief entries with gusto. So does Anthony San, thus extending good support to the main cast.

In the comic acts, Marikin (Platilda) and Santu (Wilson) come together for some lighter moments and are natural in their dialogue delivery and body language. Check the former’s Portuguese phrases rendered in style. 

In the category of songs, you have a variety to enjoy from the senior tiatrists. There are solos from Succor de Santa Cruz, Anthony San, Hortencio, Braz D’Mello, Victor D’Cunha, C D’Silva, duets by Jessie and C D’Silva, Victor and Sharon, Wilmix and Sharon, a duo by Marcelin de Betim and Hortencio, a quartet by Anthony San, Jessie, Josephine and Sharon and a quintet by Victor, Fatima, Wilmix, Sharon and Succor de Santa Cruz. A trio by Josephine, Platilda and Jessie receive an encore.