‘Ami Khuxal’ – A Message for Goans to be Happy
Goan Drama Stresses on Land Scam Issues
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Goan Konkani drama ‘Ami Khuxal’ written and directed by Braz de Parra and Manu de Mandur provided great and lengthy entertainment to a friendly audience at SIMS auditorium, 10th November 2017.
The story of the drama relates to issues faced by Goansspecially in land scams, and land grabs which are nicely exposed and exhibited by the two directors who starred in the drama as well and both dazzled in lead roles.
Produced under the banner of Avy Productions, the show was supported by Goan Cultural Centre and its president ShriCarmo Santos.
Perhaps the title ‘Ami Khuxal’ left everyone guessing as the audience was glued to their seats till the final curtain. ‘Ami Khuxal’ stresses accountability of every Goan to ensure their property and heritage are preserved which would be the real happiness for generations to come.
The language used in the script-dialogues presented aristocratic vocabulary and quality.
MANU DE MANDUR & BRAZ DE ‘PAR EXCELLENCE’
The drama proved once again that talent of Konkani artistes based in Kuwait is as good as any era that was seen in the past.
Manu D’Souza (Manu de Mandur), with his dazzling presence and in a negative role, was a treat to watch. His catchphrase dialogue in the drama, ‘money, money, money’ was captured by the audience and echoed in the hall every pordho.
Manu’s portrayal of a spoilt-brat was enacted to great perfection and commitment. The character couldn’t have been played any better.
Braz Rodrigues (Braz de Parra) portrayed the ‘friend’ with great tact, timing and a wealth of thunder in his dialogues. Perfect!
MOTHER OF KONKANI STAGE DELIGHTS
Visiting legendary star Jessie Dias looked gracious in her act and costumes, and her dialogue delivery was flawless. She showed her class indeed rendering a ‘canto’ as well. No wonder the veteran actress has earned so much fame on Konkani stage.
Evergreen and powerful voiced Laurente Pereira was super in his act as well and rocked the stage with every line of his dialogue
Visiting Teotonio D’Costa did his part too, it was a cakewalk for the popular persona who is known more as a ‘Mankam Motiam’ presenter than an artiste. Teotonio demonstrated great professionalism in a flawless act, it never looked like he was doing the first show.
GENNIFER, GRACY & YOUNG AVLON SHINE
Gennifer Marshall with her stylish act as a ‘girlfriend’ was fluent; she displayed confidence in her dialogues and in her body language; her costumes were lavish too. She executed her role without a trace nervousness or any hiccups.
Gracy Moraes, a seasoned actress, in the role of an activist was simply outstanding. Gracy is one star who can easily silhouette into a character and make it look so simple. Bravo!
Young Avlon Rodrigues, son of Braz Rodrigues, showed phenomenal maturity and flair in a cameo ‘buddy’ portrayal of his character. Though young he is and still in his teens, Avlon did his part like a hardened artiste.
Gaudencio Gomes as a ‘farmer’ and Martinho Martin as ‘Salimbhai’ made their presence felt too.
COMEDY ENTERTAINS AGAIN
Once again, local comedians Querobina Carvalho, Nelson Colaco and Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha brought pills of laughter around with their amusing dialogues and costumes.
Lucy never disappoints once she steps on stage. She was the ‘darling of the audience’.
Along with mimicry artiste Sheikh Amir, they made a great team and pulled off a rib-tickling, hilarious comedy which was enjoyed by everyone in the audience.
The comedy acts were supported by Comedian SaluFaleiro.
Sheikh Amir brought in for the show gelled in the comedy script enacting roles of different ‘tiatrists’ which is his forte back home in Goa. His comedy was fanciful, and his picture-perfect getups of the characters he played were well applauded.
POLITICAL GRILLING IN KUWAIT
Visiting singers from Goa and Dubai, and versatile local stars from Kuwait kept the crowd enchanted with some meaningful songs.
With a number of political singers featuring in ‘AMI KHUXAL’, the focus indeed was on the ‘grilling’ of politicians. From PM to CM and am to pm – nobody on the clock was spared.
‘Grilling’ of MLAs and Ministers seem to going great guns and in high demand with the Kuwait audience.
Dubai-based Trio Edwin D’Costa, Anthony de Nuvem&Manuxin excelled with their 2 political trios. The Dubaikars outfits were fantastic and the singers showed ‘muscle’ in their words, actions and tunes.
The Trio stars were strongly applauded by the audience with tremendous ‘phew phews’ demanding innumerable repeats. Edwin-Anthony-Manuxin obliged singing something different every time they were called back warranting even more repeats.
Seby de Divar rocked the audience with 2 powerful solos which were well expected of the superstar. Both songs of the superstar had a political theme and without doubt, were repeated.
Visiting Parra Boys consisting of Braz de Parra’s uncle (mama) Anceito F and brothers Greg &Domnic Rodrigues were fabulous with their songs and voices. They sang to rhythmic tunes and wonderful lyrics.
Singing for the first time, the singers were well applauded and admired by the audience.
One of the trio’s songs ‘TikkoAmcho’ hailed director Braz de Parra for his service towards Konkani stage and language.
Parra Boys’ second song ‘Fottingponn’ was another high-profile grilling of politicians.
Kuwait-based singers Balthazar Pontes-Laurente&SebyMascarenhas sang a political song too, it claimed a repeat as well.
ROSARIO DE BENAULIM SHOWS HIS CLASS
Konkani stage celebrity star singer Rosario de Benaulim once again left a mark on the audience with his meaningful and captivating songs.
With a voice as strong as thunder, and clear as a train-whistle, Rosario de Benaulim rendered 2 spine-chilling solos which will remain in the hearts of Kuwait audience for the captivating lyrics, unique tunes, and the message conveyed.
The hazel-eyed singer could remain a superstar of Goan stage for years to come if he continues to compose such rich songs, and maintains his image steering clear of political songs.
Rosario’s duet with QuerobinaCarvalho was equally good although the singers as a pair were not as spiralled towards the end as the melody warranted.
OPENING CHORUS AND OTHER SONGS
Opening Chorus of the drama, a well-composed song accompanied by some classy music, was sung by Braz de Parra, Manu de Mandur, Gracy Rodrigues, Gennifer Marshall, QuerobinaCarvalho, Balthazar Pontes and Laurente Pereira.
Gasper Crasto&EsparansaBarretto had a chic song, in praises of the Almighty, sung to foot tapping rhythm and an inimitable tune.
Laurente sang a magnificent solo while Balthazar Pontes too had a commanding solo on ‘Gonekara’ which had a very difficult tune and jazz music.
Ladies Trio of Gennifer Marshall, Zelia D’Souza and QuerobinaCarvalhowas outstanding with the threesome’s similar dressing and style.
One of the highlights of the show was a song sung by little Valentino Pinto, Valentina Pinto and Joshua Rocha.
The song led by popular artiste DomnicFernandes was entwined with mandos, dulpods and other songs. It was amazingly performed by the kids to dance and dialogue — well applauded and encored by the crowd.
MUSICAL SCORE, SETS & LIGHTS
Drummer Tony Fernandes brought spice to the music with his brilliant drumming which was highly appreciated by everyone not only for the variations of the drummer for each song but his showmanship as well.
Maestro Faustino Fernandes led the music on trumpet, while Maestro Soccor de Melo conducted on lead and rhythm.
Shawn Rodrigues (Keyboards) and Melvin (Keyboards) were exceptional with their music, especially Shawn who handled the fillers of the entire show. Flaviano Furtado on bass guitar completed the band.
The stage setting was amazing with some new ‘home-structure’ mounted on stage, and bright new curtains depicting Goan village sceneries.
Anand Sound Waves provided crystal clear sound.
FELICITATION OF ARTISTES AND THE BITES
At a short felicitation during the interval presented by Goan Cultural Centre, a few special artistes were felicitated as a token of appreciation for their service towards Konkani art and culture.
Artistes that were honoured included Jessie Dias, QuerobinaCarvalho, Edwin D’Costa, Music Maestros Faustino Fernandes and Soccor de Melo.
Fr Xavier D’Souza, chief guest at the event, presented the mementoes.
Special invitees present on stage for the presentation included Agnello Fernandes, BoscoLeitao, Elvira D’Souza, Joseph D’Souza and Carmo Santos.
Directors Braz de Parra, Manu de Mandur, child artistes Valentino Pinto, Valentina Pinto, Joshua Rocha, and Avlon Rodrigues were also felicitated at the hands of Fr. Xavier, who incidentally attended his last social event before bidding farewell to Kuwait.
ROSARIO DE BENAULIM RELEASES AUDIO CD
An audio CD of Rosario de Benaulim entitled ‘Lord I am Coming Home’ was released during the presentation.
Incidentally the 8th Audio Album of the superstar, Rosario chose to release the CD in Kuwait at the hands of Jessie Dias – the ‘mother’ of Konkani stage, and one of Rosario’s all-time favourite actress.
Fr. Xavier spoke on the occasion while the directors Braz and Manu, Rosario de Benaulim, Faustino, Soccor de Melo had a word to share with the audience as well.
Gasper Crasto conducted the proceedings.
‘AMI KHUXAL’ GOING GOA
Encouraged by the response received from Kuwait public, Braz de Parra has shown his intent to stage the drama in Goa with some of the best superstars available in the field.
Watch out for more details on the show.
By Gasper Crasto; Photographs – Rivon Gomes