Pascoal de Chicalim’s seasonal tiatr, Atam Amchem Kitem Zatolem? carries a good script with sleek direction. It is an eye-opener for the Goan community, irrespective of religion, migrating to the UK, without a second thought.
In his tiatr, the director warns that we, Goans, could soon turn out to be aliens in our homeland. With a decline in the strength of Goans, and an influx of migrants into Goa, the invasion is not far from reality.
ABOUT THE TIATR
The story revolves around Armando (Justin) and his two sons, Brendon (Vishal) and Frazer (Effifanio). Armando has a disabled brother, Orlando (Augustine de Sanguem), who resides separately with his son, Jaison (Francis), who is visually impaired.
Armando’s sons tie the knot together, and there are new occupants, the daughters-in-law, making a grand entry in the house. Brendon is married to Brenda (Maria) and Frazer ties the knot with Natasha (Sancia).
Soon after marriage, the siblings begin making plans to initiate the Portuguese passport formalities. On the other hand, Armando’s brother Orlando is all out to sell the ancestral property.
He is fortunate enough to get a buyer – Delhi-based builder, Pooja Singh Sharma (Danny), who strikes a good deal with him.
Since childhood, Brenda had never experienced any paternal love from her father. But now, over a period of time, when Brenda grows affectionate towards her aged father-in-law, Natasha misinterprets their relationship.
Brendon steps in with a surprise for everyone in the family. He informs his family that the Portuguese passports are ready and that departure to the UK is expected shortly. Concerned about her father-in-law, Brenda is taken aback, but is forced to accompany her husband.
Meanwhile, putting aside past differences, Orlando considers returning to his brother Armando and decides to live with him and his disabled son. With everyone away from home, Orlando takes advantage of the situation. He goes ahead with his wicked plans as far as the sale of properties is concerned.
Will Armando bow down easily to his brother’s requests? Will Orlando be successful in his notorious mission? Find out the answers in the second half of the drama.
BEHIND THE SCENES
There are outstanding performances from Justin, Vishal, Effifanio, Maria and Sancia. Augustine de Sanguem plays a double role. As a priest, Pascoal de Chicalim makes a cameo in the concluding scene. Francis Coelho stands out in his character role. Danny is equally good as a sardarji from Delhi.
In the comic acts, there’s comedian Michael, Rony, Seezel and Skyla to entertain and they carry a good dose of laughter pills. Seezel is quite flexible in her body language.
In the section of songs, Maria, Skyla and Seezel come together for the opening song, followed by solos from Jose Mascarenhas, Svetlena, Clint and Rons. Ruffi, who plays the saxophone in the band, hops on the stage with a solo.
Comedian Michael also mesmerises the audience with an instant change of costumes while rendering a comedy solo.
There are other songs by Michael and Seezel; Maria, Seezel and Sancia; Maria and Sancia; Maria and Clint; Jose and Clint; and a quartet by Michael, Ronny, Seezel and Skyla.
The band offstage by Richard (trumpet), Ruffi (saxophone), Franco (bass), Jovial (keyboard) and Magny (drums) have provided good live music.
The stage sets have been prepared by Anthony de Ambaji, while Godwin has assisted with the light effects.