Tiatr: Mhojem Jivit Konnachea Hatant?
Story, Concept: Lenoy Gomendes
Script, Direction: Alfi de Divar
Cast: Elaine, Vensila, Elvis, Diptesh, Frenzie, Avina, Everleigh, Mathew, Aveena, George, Cruz, Avito, Avilo, Addilas, Ellis
Band: Lenoy (keyboard), John de Madel (drums), Cely (bass), Bryson (rhythm)
Story: Vincentina (Elaine) falls in love with Elmer (Elvis) who is a good-for-nothing drug addict and womaniser. Will Elmer ever be serious with Vincentina and fulfil her long-cherished dreams?
Review:
The curtains open to the banishment of Adam and Eve, followed by the murder of Abel, the sin of King David and the Crucifixion. In between these pictorial scenes, the opening song is rendered by Cielda, Elaine, Avina, Shunaina and Everleigh. The devil and his followers get together and chalk out a programme to tempt the world. And their first wicked venture begins in the house of Leopold (Mathew) and Leopoldina (Aveena).
Leopold and Leopoldina are guardians to their orphaned niece, Vincentina, who is a simple and innocent girl. She is close friends with Skyla (Vensila). Trouble sets in when Vincentina falls in love with Elmer, who ridicules her in front of his college friends and leaves her desperate and frustrated.
Taking advantage of her weakness, the Devil does his best to tempt her and tries all possible means to win her over. In a moment of weakness, she gives in. But will that attempt bear fruit for Vincentina or will it bring her doom?
Lenoy Gomendes’ presentation ‘Mhojem Jivit Konnachea Hatant?’ throws light on the good and the bad. It is a straight fight between good and evil, with a triumphant end. The Devil using all his powers to destroy whatever is good and God’s goodness overpowering the evil are the highlights of this Lenten show. The biblical scenes in the first half by Raymond, Avito, Agnelo and Ellis deserve a special mention. The video presentations by Patson Barbosa and the light effects by A P Rojols work together to create a wonderful presentation and unique development on stage. The stage props and shadow play entwined with thought-provoking songs and background music are a treat to the eyes and ears simultaneously.
Each of the actors on stage have proved their mettle. Beginning with Elaine Pinto, who is true to her simple character, followed by the changeover with suitable wardrobe throughout. Vencila supports as a good friend. Elvis plays the evil with gusto and style and is ably assisted by Avina, Everleigh, Frenzie and Diptesh. Cruz Mascarenhas as Jesus and Avito Pires de Menezes as the Devil do full justice to their respective roles.
Mathew and Aveena form the comical couple and provide some light moments, while executing their duties responsibly towards their niece. Alfi de Divar looks calm and well disposed as a priest, with his timely advice.
Though the opening chorus appeared lengthy, other songs in between the acts by George Gonsalves, Shunaina Baptista, Avina, Avito, Cielda were thought-provoking. A duet ‘Deva Mogan’by Frenzie and Elaine and a quartet ‘Meloleancho Ugddas’ by Frenzie, Everleigh, Diptesh and Ellis stand out among the rest.
