TIATR REVIEW – JP Pereira
The new tiatr from Costantino Crasto compares the faithfulness and love of a dog (sunnem) to that of men towards loved ones who care for them. And the dog wins!
The play opens on Robert an old destitute and his dog. He is offered shelter but he will accept, only if his pet dog also gets a place with him. And then he recounts his story. After his parents expired, Robert and later his wife Soccorina cared for his younger siblings Royston and Rizban. In fact, Robert is ready to sacrifice everything for the well-being of his brothers. One of the brothers goes to London, the other joins a ship. Both fall in love. One loves Alia, the other loves Skyla. Alia’s mother Cathy, accompanies her everywhere while Jennifer’s dad, Alexinho BA/LLB, a corrupt lawyer, is guiding her. What happens later is to be watched on stage as the story unfolds with the suffering of some, crookedness of others and a dog that remains faithful to the end.
This is a fine script with some good direction. For once, the love and faithfulness of a dog is mentioned on the Konkani stage although the cute fellow doesn’t have much to do. There are fine performances, lots of humour, nice songs, and a good band. Sets by Pedro Santan have light effects by Romeo. The cast has Dolla as Soccorina and Carmine as Cathy. The former shows plenty of emotion, the latter is quite catty with some humour thrown in. The scene with ‘loundon’ and ‘homework’ in particular is very amusing! Sonia and Jennifer are the lovers of the two brothers played by Ramson and Alijoy. All four do well. Roseferns leads the cast as the elder brother, Robert, and does a superb act. Elvis is great as the corrupt advocate. Santano is apt as the businessman from Delhi while Stevan and Wilson play a variety of short but important roles. John leads the comedy scenes with some entries in the main act and joins Risma, Meena, Lino, Ambe and Juvenal, to provide some good humour.
The band has Jayne (saxophone), Alloy, Queter, (trumpets), Jamiston (keyboard), Macmilan (drums) and Elvis (bass). A fine combination! Ramson, Risma, and Jennifer render the opening song. There are more songs from Jennifer, Benny, Santano, Costantino, Alijoy, and Francis de Tuem. New talent Risma renders a comedy solo and the young Krayden is confident and impressive while singing his song. This a good presentation
