Goa tiatr review: ‘Last Kiss’ is far from romantic

Milagres de Chandor’s monsoon tiatr, Last Kiss, carries a good concept pertaining to today’s world, and lays prime focus on unemployed Goans in the State. Being educated and unemployed, they are forced to choose greener pastures across the fence to make a living.

On the other hand, infidelity among the spouses abroad, risky life at the workplace are some other sensitive issues touched upon in this tiatr.

ABOUT THE TIATR

The story is about a father (Milagres de Chandor), his son Remos (Franky Gonsalves), who was recently elected as a panch member. After the elections, the panch member is not in favour of supporting the Goan community, especially his voters.

Instead, when it comes to employment, Remos entertains only the migrants and ignores the people of the soil.

One fine day, in order to congratulate the newly elected panch, the voters, namely Shelton (Vilban), his spouse Liza (Tracy) and their teen son Sean (Russell) visit Remos. But, the panch is criticised by them for his indifference towards Goans.

There’s a rich mother (Evon), whose daughter Swizel (Savanaah) is in love with Raj (Ramson), who is unfortunately unemployed. Swizel’s mom is not in favour of this boy, and tries to keep the two of them poles apart.

However, Raj promises that he will find a way to stand on his feet and fend for his girlfriend.

Rampant unemployment in Goa prompts Shelton and his family to fly to the UK. Raj also finds his way abroad and land a job in a store. Swizel’s mom is all excited and pins high hopes on her future son-in-law.

What is the fate of those who migrated to the UK? What are the risks encountered by them in an alien country? Are our Goans safe abroad? Will they ever return safely to their homeland?

BEHIND THE SCENES

The artistes have been selected as per their characters, and all have given good performances on stage.

Franky Gonsalves plays the lead role and he enacts it well. Milagres de Chandor extends support as a guardian. Evon portrays a strict mother, and Savanaah as her daughter. Ramson is equally good as a lover to Savannah.

There is Vilban, Tracy and Russell as one united family. Jose and Juvency portray themselves as migrants and they enact the character well. Arnaldo Costa is featured as an MLA. Child artiste, Russell, has a very good stage presence.

The scene concerning the flight taking off and landing is worth watching. Other scenes depicting foreign countries are equally good.

For comedy on stage, there’s Joyel, Agnelo, David, Flavia and Steven coming together, and they carry a good dose of laughter pills. But unfortunately, vulgarity raises its ugly head again on stage, which is objectionable.

The unique opening song, rendered by Juvency, Tracy, Savanaah and Renzia is a treat to the eyes. There are seven solos from Lawry Travasso, Juvency, Rosario de Benaulim, Xavier Almeida, Steven, Tony de Ribandar and Marcus Vaz.

Other songs are from Jr Reagan/Juvency, Vilban/Rosario de Benaulim and Tony de Ribandar/Jr Reagan/Marcus Vaz.

A quartet went amiss in the tiatr. Selwyn (trumpet) and his musical team of Theo Alvares (second trumpet), Callitus (keyboard), Clewin (bass), Mauvin (drums), provide good live music.

The stage sets are by Anthony de Ambaji and Dinesh has handled the lights.