Way back in the 80s and 90s, rendition of ‘motets’, Biblical operas and operettas on Christ’s sufferings were part of the season of Lent. And priests inclined to music and song would painstakingly work on them and by giving a fine performance, invited the laity to get into the spirit of the season of grace.
Those thought-provoking presentations staged in cities and villages across Goa are on a decline today and they need to be revived for the spiritual growth of the faithful. As part of their mission, the Goa Diocesan and priests of other religious orders could take up this initiative all over again, thus helping the laity to prepare for the Holy Week and Feast of Easter.
For several years, late Fr Nevel Gracias would come out with his Lenten shows annually based on the pastoral themes. Apart from the comical acts which revolved strictly around religion and teachings of the Church, his presentations wrapped with Biblical scenes had a message or two for the audience at large to carry home for reflection.
Fr Nevel’s Lenten shows released every year would be booked well in advance in various parishes across Goa and those respective parish priests would encourage their parishioners to watch them, reflect and renew their lives. Besides the main plot, all the songs included in the show were equally based on varied family, religious and social themes, which again invited the spectators for introspection and mend their wicked ways. Excluding a handful of those directors, who come annually with their Lenten shows during the 40 days of Lent with thoughtful reflections and message, for some it has become a commercial show where songs and comedy provide sheer entertainment to the spectators.
When the Catholic faithful enter the Lenten season in all earnest, such shows have nothing to do with the season of grace and serve only as a source of temptation and distraction. At such a juncture, discernment on the part of the spectators plays the key role to choose what is necessary and right and what is not. Those shows which have nothing to do with the season of Lent should be bluntly rejected by the parish priests and the parishioners. Only those Lenten shows which carry elements for deep reflection and renewal of life should be encouraged.
Perhaps some directors could be coming with their tiatrs during Lent labelled as ‘Lenten shows’ as most of the artistes, both actors and singers, are easily available for their presentations. And with the commencement of the season of grace, most of the commercial tiatrs come to a halt, with the exception of a few.
The Lenten shows lined up for this year’s season of Lent include Lenoy Gomendes’ ‘Iadnik Tum Sasnna-Sasnank’, Calado de Verna’s ‘Jezucho Axirvad’, Fr Doel Dias’ ‘Farizev’, Cruz Pinto’s ‘Sonsta To Bhagevont’, Selvin de Siolim ‘Ani Amkam Tallnent Poddunk Dium Naka’, Willy Silveira’s ‘Israel’, Rons Tavares’ ‘Euzonn Devachi’ and Lawry Travasso’s ‘Kallzantlim Fulam’.
Calado de Verna’s Lenten show ‘Jezucho Axirvad’ is his 18th production during the season of Lent. “This year we are trying to highlight the good works carried out by the Society of St Vincent de Paul in different parishes across Goa,” he mentioned.
“On most occasions, their good deeds towards the poor and the needy go unnoticed and their selfless service with no monetary gain deserves to be highlighted,” says Calado de Verna. He states that there are a good number of shows already booked in various parishes.
For the past couple of years, Calado de Verna has been focusing on the pastoral themes released by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao and scripting his Lenten shows accordingly.
‘Iadnik Tum Sasnna-Sasnank’ is a musical by Lenoy Gomendes. His earlier presentation ‘Tujean Toxem Korunk Zata? was staged in 2020, evoking a good response from the audience. This year’s Lenten show has been scripted by Alfi de Divar, while the story, concept, music and direction is by Lenoy Gomendes. Not dwelling much about the show, he says that it is the ongoing battle against the forces of evil, still alive and active in the world. The main cast includes Chitra, Normandez, Antonio Crasto, Meena Goes, Avito Menezes, Pierson and Elvis Mascarenhas, while for renditions, Ascensa Fernandes, Dinora Baretto, Chiara, Greyna, Cielda, George Gonsalves have been roped in.
Fr Doel Dias’ Lenten show ‘Farizev’ is his 7th production during the Lenten season. His earlier productions included ‘Tum Kiteak Ravtai?’, ‘Carnival’. His cast includes Rupesh Jogle, Malita, Ivy, Candida, Siena Furtado and others. Comedienne Aveena, Sally and Mathew will step in for some comedy acts. Saby de Divar, Xavier Gomes, Evaristo de Arambol will entertain with songs.
“Only Jesus can turn your mess into a message, your trial into a triumph and your test into a testimony,” informs Cruz Pinto, as he gears up to present his 10th Lenten show ‘Sonsta To Bhagevont’. Artistes roped in for this show include Pascoal Rodrigues, Dola, Rosario de Benaulim, Shenaya, Godwin Afonso and Jennifer in the lead roles. For some thought-provoking songs, there’s Saby de Divar, Jose Mascarenhas and other singers, while comedian Agnelo and his team will entertain with some comedy pills.
Willy Silveira’s 7th Lenten show ‘Israel’ throws light on the Promised Land and revolves around family, with prime focus on the conflicts that continue between spouses and other members. The cast includes Peter/Roshan, Scully, Benzer, Alijoy and Aloma, while comedian John D’Silva would be joining hands with Brian and Dorothy for some laughter. Marcus Vaz and Tony de Ribandar would be entertaining with renditions. The stage sets are by Mario, while lights will be handled by Tremson and Macroy will lead with the band.
‘Euzonn Devachi’ is Rons Tavares’ second Lenten production. Last year, he came with ‘Krist Hanv’ and tried to provide food for the soul with a fine presentation.
Drawing inspiration from flowers, Lawry Travasso’s Lenten show ‘Kallzantlim Fulam’ delves into the turbulent dynamics between guardians and children. In the modern world with latest gadgets taking control over everyone and everything, there is pain, frustration among the members of the family and ultimately the need for reconciliation that floods the struggle in the family.
“There’s exploration of love and loss,” informs Lawry, “and the enduring strength of the family.” After a long break, Rosy Alvares steps in for a showcase of talent along with Franky Gonsalves, Anil Pednekar and other artistes. And for some relief from tense moments, there’s comedian Ambe, Richard, Rizton and Myron to entertain the audience with laughter pills.