The tiatr, Taj Mahal Kosolltolem Kai?, written by Willy Silveira and directed by Scully de Souza, speaks about the creation of a ‘Taj Mahal’ in the hearts of true lovers, despite all opposition and hurdles in life.
It is a heartbreaking love story in the first half, and a happy ending in the second half. The role of a betrayer has also been portrayed well in the drama.
Wayne (Willy) and Senica (Scully) are in love and every time they meet, they share their joys, and sorrows with one another. But unfortunately, conditions do not permit them to unite.
After the death of her parents, Senica is taken care of by her uncle Roldao (Peter). Roldao is an alcoholic and takes maximum advantage of Senica for his own benefit.
Being unaware of Wayne’s whereabouts, Senica finally ties the knot with Rahul (Vishal Gawas), a businessman by profession. Unfortunately, she ends up being a maid in her husband’s house.
Her mother-in-law (Roshan) is cruel to her and their maid, Magdalene (Juvency). There’s only humiliation for Semica at the hands of mother-in-law and Rahul.
After abusing Senica physically and mentally, Rahul finally decides to divorce his wife, and unites with his business partner, Ursula (Joynixa).
Senica returns to her uncle, but will he accept her? Will Senica succeed in tracking down her old boyfriend? Where and how do they meet? What is the outcome of their encounter?
BEHIND THE SCENES
The artistes on stage have given excellent performances. Willy and Scully stand out as lovebirds in the beginning, and then their separation and re-union is beautifully presented on stage.
Vishal is portrayed as a villain, while Alijoy comes on stage as a Good Samaritan. Peter and Roshan as guardians are shown in negative roles.
Two new entrants on the commercial stage – Joynixa and child prodigy Jenoy – are good in their acts and dialogue delivery. They definitely have a bright future on the Konkani stage.
For lighter moments, there’s John D’Silva, Brian, Rizton and comedienne Juvency who try to entertain, but the sequences are too lengthy, and of course, overacting by them is noticeable.
In the section of renditions, Alijoy, Juvency and Joynixa come for the opening song, followed by solos from Jenoy, Alijoy and Tony de Ribandar. There are three songs by Francis de Tuem and Olga; and another by Alijoy, Tony and Francis de Tuem which receive encores from the audience.
Other songs by Peter, Roshan are a tribute to C D’Silva, man with a thousand faces; Willy, Scully; Juvency, Joynixa; and a song by Roshan, Juvency, Scully and Olga, which focuses on the medical fraternity.
Norman Cardozo as the band leader with his musical team, Senon de Souza, Nolvert (trumpet), bass (Eliora D’Souza), drums (Jason) have provided good live music offstage, besides the background musical score, which is also by the band leader.
The entire presentation on stage, though entertaining, stretches to an extra 15 minutes, and could have been curtailed by the director. The stage sets are by Pedro Santan and the lights have been handled by Tremson.