Tiatr, Magnnem, penned by Fr Soccor Rebelo and directed by Inas Dias, carries a good storyline and the direction is equally sleek.
At the onset, the curtains unfold to a scene wherein Pedru (Pascoal Rodrigues) meets with an accident and is admitted to the hospital. His wife and children rush to the hospital to find out about his condition.
ABOUT THE TIATR
Peter’s wife, Catarina (Celina), tells the doctor that she is ready to pay any amount, and to save the life of her husband. The doctor (Agusto de Calangute) says the case is critical and only prayer can work wonders.
The story in the tiatr, Magnnem, revolves around an elderly woman Jakin (Ofelia), who resides with her son Peter, his spouse Catarina and their two children, Nancy and Micky (Valanka and Abner as teens and Alina, Mario as youth).
They are content with whatever they have, and they never miss out on family prayer.
On returning from the fields, Peter along with his family, assemble around the altar and recite the rosary. But, the devil (comedian Aston) is around the place to tempt and take the family members away from God.
The devil tries his level best to inflict pain, bring disaster in the life of Peter and his family, but he finds little success and more failure.
Next, he tries to instigate Peter’s neighbour, Seema (Aveena), to carry false news to the family. The landlord (Mario) steps in to drive away his tenants, but everyone in the family stands solid as a rock.
Peter does not have enough money to buy the property from the landlord. However, his old friend (Agusto de Calangute) drops in accidentally and assists by taking him to the UK.
Now, when more money and wealth flows in, the family members give up on prayer life. But, the aged woman in the family is firm in her daily prayers.
When family prayer takes a backseat, what kinds of bad days befall the family? Will the family of Peter stand united or fall apart?
BEHIND THE SCENES
In Magnnem, all the artistes have played their respective roles with ease. Ofelia plays the role of an aged woman, while Pascoal Rodrigues, Celina, Mario and Alina extend good support.
As teens, Valanka and Abner are comfortable in their roles.
Raymond plays a minor double-role of a priest and police officer, and is quite comfortable in both. Among all the artistes, comedian Aston stands out as the evil one. Check out his body language and dialogue delivery at each and every situation on stage.
There’s comedian Joyel, Aveena, Agnelo and Vanesteve for laughter pills and they come together to entertain. This comical quartet carries a good and clean dose of comedy. Check them all out in between the acts.
For those who enjoy songs, Alina comes with the opening song. There are solos from Agusto de Calangute, Evaristo de Arambol, comedian Aston, Pascoal Rodrigues, Valanka and others.
There’s also one song by Evaristo de Arambol and Agusto de Calangute. Except for one song, all other renditions are solos. A variety would have made this tiatr a complete entertainer.
Seby Moraes on the trumpet and his entire band members, namely Mariano (saxophone), Anicet (drums), Rizbon (bass), Jalim de Cruz (keyboard) have provided good live music offstage.
The stage sets are by Thomas Barbosa, while Inacio Dias has taken care of the light effects. Apart from good entertainment, as this tiatr carries a good spiritual message, it should be presented in parishes across the state during the Lenten season.