TIATR REVIEW JP Pereira
Francis de Dicarpale’s new tiatr is a tale of police and crime, with twists and suspense.
The curtain opens on a businessman trying to settle a deal over the phone. When a young boy asks him for some help, the man abuses and manhandles the youngster. In retaliation, the youngster picks up a fat wooden stick and smashes him. He then manages to evade the cops, catches a train from Mumbai, and comes to Goa.
In the next act, a new police inspector tells his assistants to keep a check on all migrants residing without proper registration. He appears to be upright and talks a lot!
Cut to the next scene and we meet Shawn who is madly in love with Celina. After the initial fuss, she gives in and the two are very much in love. Celina also has a twin sister, Monica, who is in London. Another important character in the tiatr is Candy, a young lady who is married to a differently abled person. The play also includes the character of a destitute, walking with a limp and very shabby in appearance. This guy makes appearances at various places. One day, he enters Celina’s house without warning and something drastic happens. The new cop then begins investigations. The play moves at a brisk pace as the audience is warned of influx of migrants and the importance of tenant verification, as the mystery unravels.
The presentation in this tiatr is good and there are some special scenes, notably at the railway station. Interestingly, the writer-director is a cop himself. Tony provides the lights to sets by Ambajim and Ediles manages the stage efficiently. The cast has Antonette de Maina, playing a double role of Celina and Monica, very well. Vishal is Shawn, a character full of life while Rony is the efficient cop. The talented Jennifer is cast as Candy, a minor role, which she does well. Cajiton is the nameless destitute acting well to keep the audience guessing. Augusto does a cameo. Sally and Caetano are the ‘efficient’ cops. Fiona, Brian, and Joyel provide the humour.
The band packs a punch. Senon (trumpet), Nazareth (saxophone), Jack (drums), Josley (keyboard), and Jos (bass) combine to play some good music. Agusto de Calangute renders the opening song. There are more songs from Jennifer, Xavier Gomes, Benny de Aldona, Tony de Ribandar, Cajiton, and others.
