As part of the celebration of 60 years of dedicated service in the field of education, the parish linkage of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, staged a tiatr, Bhangar Mhojem, with the help of the college students.
It carried a story, which is still relevant in society, apart from a fine script, sleek direction and excellent presentation.
THE STORYLINE
The drug menace is still prevalent in our tiny state of Goa and the evil of the drug trade can be seen penetrating into families and among the youth along the coastal belt. The scourge is steadily making its entry into villages and educational institutions.
The story of the tiatr, Bhangar Mhojem, revolves around a minister, Judas (Marlon Cardozo), his spouse, Maria (Rizel Fernandes) and their two offspring, David (Simon D’Silva) and Vailanka (Megan de Souza).
Instead of exercising his duties towards humanity and his chosen people, the minister is found actively involved in the drug trade. His prime focus and aim is only to amass money through illegal ways. And, in order to find fulfillment in his mission, he enjoys ample support from his only son, David.
The minister’s daughter, Vailanka, is totally against her dad and brother as she is aware that both are treading the wrong path. She is determined to fight the menace of drugs, which will indirectly hamper all the plans of her father and brother.
To garner support and find fulfillment in her mission, Vailanka has her boyfriend, Martin (Jonathan Braganza), extend his helping hand. But, will that aid last till the end? What are the dire consequences to follow?
Amid the fight against drugs, Martin is killed and Vailanka is kidnapped. All efforts to trace the poor girl go in vain.
Peace and tranquility in the minister’s family is ruined. Everything goes for a toss. When Vailanka is traced, she turns insane. Will the minister and his son realize the gravity of the situation and will the two mend their wicked ways?
BEHIND THE TIATR
The tiatr, Bhangar Mhojem, penned by Fr Luis Gomes and directed by Sandeep Kalangutkar, deserve appreciation as a relevant subject has been touched upon and handled diligently. Fr Ramiro Luis has also put in all efforts to make the tiatr a success.
The main characters on stage, Marlon, Rizel, Simon, Vailanka have doled out fine performances. And, the supporting cast has also extended good support.
Megan’s act on the stage as the activist is like icing on the cake and she is the cynosure of all eyes as she leads the campaign against drugs.
In the comedy scenes, there’s Valerius Fernandes and Namashri Parab making all efforts to tickle the funny bone of the audience. The twosome are worth the watch on stage.
MUSIC & MORE
Concerning songs, the students of the college have rendered songs in different categories and different voices say it all throughout. There are meaningful lyrics in every song and each of the songs serves as food for thought. The band is led by Nolvert Cota and you can enjoy soulful music as well.
There are a couple of institutions and colleges taking keen interest in promoting talent on stage through the staging of tiatrs.
And, when such a step is taken in all earnest, the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), Panjim, which is the only academy in Goa to promote tiatrs, should go a step forward to assist such institutions and colleges financially or stage their tiatrs in the villages as well.
By taking such a step, more people will enjoy good quality tiatrs, rather than those monotonous commercial tiatrs which carry the same old stuff in their presentations.