Lenten tiatrs: Solemn messages through entertainment

The period Lent is when certain tiatrists chose to showcase works apt for the season, in the form of Lenten tiatrs. Prominent artistes with Lenten shows include Fr Nevel Gracias, who has been staging his productions for the past 21 years. This year, under the banner ‘Vel’lekar Nirmiti’, his 22nd Lenten production, titled ‘Tumche Khatir Roddat’, will encourage deep contemplation on one’s personal life. 

“Quite often, we have the bad habit of pointing fingers at others. We also don’t hesitate to gossip about the mistakes of our neighbours,” says Fr Gracias, adding,“What we fail to do is rectify our own wrongs first.What about us? We need to reflect and correct our wrongdoings in personal and family life, before washing others’ linen in public.”

Fr Gracias mentions that his Lenten show carries six ‘cantos’, besides nine songs with reflection on craze for fast food, misuse of mobile phones, neglecting Konkani language, giving up a chaste life and other family- and society-related issues. Other than the old cast that includes Jessica Gomes, Rupesh Jogle, Rosario Botelho, Aloma, comedian Dominic and Luis Bachan, the director has introduced Bladwin in his troupe.

Fr Gracias says that his Lenten show ‘Tumche Khatir Roddat’ had its first show on February 18, 2018 at Navelim and will continue with 25 shows in various parishes across Goa till the Holy week. As earlier, the director hopes to inspire and enlighten the minds of the faithful on various aspects related to personal and family life.

Calado de Verna, who has been serving as a catechist in the Verna parish for the last 26 years, is all set to release his 14th Lenten show ‘Good Friday’, which focuses on family life. His earlier productions include ‘Jezu Sangata Asa’ (2005), ‘Jezu Amkam Ilaz’ (2006), ‘Jezucho Rupkar’ (2007), ‘Jezucho Pattlaudar’ (2008), ‘Jezucho Sondexkar’ (2009), ‘Jezu Tornatteank Dixea’ (2010), ‘Jezu Rakhnno’ (2011), S’oimbacho Rakhonndar’ (2012), ‘Bhavartacho Monis’ (2013), ‘Somudaecho Fuddari’ (2014), ‘Family of the Year’ (2015) and ‘Soldier of God’ (2016).

“With both parents engaged in jobs or businesses,” informs Calado, “they hardly have time for each other and their children.And utter negligence leads to disaster.” His cast members include Peter de Pedda, Dacia, Lino, Agnelo, besides new comers Ofelia, Sanita, Anneli, Socoro and Jose de Benaulim.

Cruz Pinto’s Lenten show ‘Munisponn ani Devosponn’ focuses on abortion. “When a woman resorts to abortion,” says Pinto, “there’s neither humanness nor religiousness in that cruel act. In fact, for childless couples, adopting a child is a beautiful way of feeling complete,” he adds.   

Pinto believes that God uses rescued people to rescue people. “In moments of adversities,” he states, “God is the best doctor and prayer is the best medicine.” 

The members of Pinto’s troupe include Alina, Anif, Joe de Dicarpale, Agnelo Lobo, Evaristo de Arambol, Anil/Olga, Meena, Roma, Rosario de Benaulim and others.

Jr Reagan’s first Lenten show ‘Happy Easter’ is dedicated to all the priests committed to their missionary work, especially those who suffer allegations from others and face physical and mental persecutions. Except for Justin and Crostin from his troupe, the other members are new and include Annie, Joana, Marcus, Sally, Saby, Benzer and Creto.

Other than noted artistes of the tiatr stage, the director has roped in award winning singers of the ‘Goencho Avaz’ edition for rendition of songs. He has also taken pains to introduce digital sound, besides special light effects by A P Rojols. 

Other tiatrs scheduled during this Lenten season include Lenoy Gomendes’s ‘Mhojem Jivit Konnachea Hatant?’, Holy Spirit parish ‘Via Dolorosa’, Lawry Travasso’s ‘Pormollachim Fulam’, Willy Silveira’s ‘Kor Mhojem Kalliz Tujea Kallza Sarkhem’, Romeo D’Costa’s ‘Dha Mandament’, Rosario Leitao’s ‘Niropradhi Mendro’ and two shows by Ligorio Fernandes, namely ‘Tumkam Jezuche Svadhin Korat’ and ‘Zhuttiechea Disa’.