Of the many performances held during the 18th decennial exposition, revolving around St Francis Xavier, there is one which is worth mention, and was performed by school students.
Footprints, a musical on the life of St Francis Xavier, written and directed by musician Sheryl Vaz, with music composition by Placido Rodrigues, was presented on stage by the students and staff of Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Goa Velha, which is part of the Educational Society of Handmaids of Christ, Goa.
The recently concluded 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa inspired many artistes to create theatrical works based on the life, mission and miracles of St Francis Xavier in the form of tiatrs, operettas, musical plays and films.
Such theatrical presentations have helped audiences gain a deeper understanding of St Francis Xavier's missionary life, inspiring them to grow in faith.
ABOUT THE SHOW
The one-and-a-half hour musical, Footprints, with a huge cast of 185 students combined narration, songs and dances on stage, besides visuals on the giant screen. From tiny tots to children of higher classes, the overall presentation was an audio-visual treat to the eyes and ears.
The life of St Francis Xavier brought to light on stage, right from his birth to adulthood, as a teenager and then as a youth, with plans to go to Paris for higher studies and then the change of heart after encountering St Ignatius de Loyola, and the missionary works as a zealous priest in different parts of the world.
Francis Xavier’s guardians, Juan (Simran) and Marie (Abiyola), were well portrayed on stage. Anushri and Khushi Morya played the role of his siblings and were equally good and in a playful mood.
Both the artistes who played a young Francis (Shanoy) and the saint as an adult (Noah), were impressive as well.
The role of Bro Theo was enacted by Kevin, while Julian (Sandeep), companion (Sairaj), friend (Ashwin) and second priest (Sherwin), extending good support to the main cast. The character of Ignatius de Loyola was enacted by Sir Claroy, but he looked much older compared to the other young artistes.
Various dances on stage included a ‘butterfly dance’ by tiny tots, a Japanese dance and a kunbi dance depicting Goa and its rich art and culture. Each dance carried a relevant backdrop as well.
Various dances on stage included a ‘butterfly dance’ by tiny tots, a Japanese dance and a kunbi dance depicting Goa and its rich art and culture.
MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENTS
Most of the songs were rendered offstage by singers Succor de Santa Cruz, Bonita, Jasmine, Veron and Sheryl.
The musicians included Placido (guitar), Dominic (bass), Shane/Volver (violin), Acacio (saxophone), Jesus, Figo (keyboard) and Carlos (drums).
Bhasker Adivrekar's efforts in managing the light, sound and screen elements on and offstage were commendable and deserve appreciation.
A replica of the casket containing the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier was carried in a procession by the students and others. It passed through the audience in the auditorium much before the musical could begin on stage.
This impressive act would have been more impactful if it had been saved for the conclusion of the musical, serving as the perfect climax.
MORE PERFORMANCES
Other theatrical works which were staged during the recent exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier included a tiatr Goemcho Saib by Michael Gracias; a Konkani operetta Porgottnnar by the committee for the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier; a musical play Mhozo Ixtt Francis by Ageema Fernandes, and a musical Xavier’s Mission China by Fr Allan Tavares, sfx.