Tiatr mogi
Siblings grow up together. They live together, partake in meals cooked together. The arrival of a new member at times becomes the instrument of discord among the siblings. A son is a son till he is married is a phrase that is understandable. But how can the value of unity sowed within disappear at the drop of a hat? Are our youth really so self centred and careless that they care not for the sacrifices done for them before their marriage. Prince Jacob’s latest release Ek ghor don chuli makes the audience ponder in introspection, struggling to hide their tears, laughing merrily as they leave the auditorium.
Script
The script is very simple and the topic touches one’s heart as scene after scene unfolds. The cantos are well composed and sung. This is one of the few tiatrs released in this season, where the comedy is an integral part of the main storyline. During the interval and after the show one could hear the audience murmur that the script is a remake of two of his old presentations; Padri and another tiatr where he displayed a wall separating two families. A few developments lacks or rather defies logic but then could be taken as passed owing to the dramatic element that is the birthright of a writer.
Comedy
Comedy is an integral part of the tiatr storyline and the characters are well woven in the script. The comedy is a glaring example as to how comedy should be incorporated in the tiatr and students of tiatr should watch this tiatr to get a good idea of comedy. Besides the comic interludes in the plot, there are also a few sideshows outside the scene. Here too though jokes are cracked outside the storyline, the characters from the storyline continues which is a welcome sign.
Sets
The main sets represent the financial status and background of the characters. Furniture in the form of chairs and tables were there. However the presence of a modest sofa set could enhance the beauty of the sets. The comedy scenes outside the main plot were enacted on the road/garden curtain which again was a welcome relief. However, a better thought should have been given to the depiction of the last scene. The blue curtain could not signify the waiting room of the hospital neither could the colourful sets depict the hospital ward.
Acting
The tiatr features great acting and characterization. Valency is on top of the house portraying with finesse and excellence the role of the younger daughter in law. Her stage presence and costumes were captivating. The singing diva Maria Lurds excels as an actor in the role of a patient and kind elder daughter-in-law. Jonathan has a good stage personality but fumbled for clarity in dialogue delivery. The veteran Jacinto as the elder son was totally a misfit. While the character demanded an elder brother, he looked like a father and spoke as a grandfather. Care was not taken in his costumes selection too. He talks of working as a watchman but his costumes were of a bus conductor! Michael had an excellent dialogue delivery and control over his Portuguese utterances but he looked too young for the required character. Diana had no problem with her characterization for she is seen in a similar roles in eight out of ten tiatrs of Prince Jacob. Jacob leads the pack in excellent comic timings and justifies why he was given the title of comedy Prince. It is high time to crown him the comedy King. Venicia is a new talent introduced on stage by the master and seeing her debut performance as the fisherfolk Carmelin, it is evident that a great female comedian is all ready to set the Konkani stage on fire. Sedrick has learnt a lot of trades from his master Prince Jacob and gives his best evoking great laughter. At times Sedrick supersedes his master too!
Music/songs
The band led by the young and dynamic Seby Moraes has good arrangements. The background score by Carey is great and gives the tiatr a momentum. The opening song with intermediate scenes sung by Prince Jacob is classy. There are excellent and melodious solos by the new sensation Agnelo de Dabolim and Boney Alvin. Both have a great control on their vocal chords. Maria Lurds disappointed the audience singing a song on the topic that has been explored by over a thousand tiatrists over the years. The bad selection of topic coupled with outdated illogical lyrics were a dampener to those who expected a lot from her. However her singing style and voice modulations were simply outstanding. There are some variety songs in the form of a duet, duos and trios too
Direction
The direction of Prince Jacob was for once below par. The allotment of roles to artistes are questionable. But what proved to be the greatest disappointment was to see Prince Jacob allowing ‘cheapness’ to invade his songs with a view to get an encore from the audience. For the first time, songs had cheap and unbecoming lyrics that was aimed only to please a section of the audience at the cost of the majority that patronized him over the years. Nevertheless the tiatr has a great message for all. A good performance to watch.
