Lenten tiatrs, during the season of grace, are on the decline today. Instead, some of the tiatr directors bring out new releases during this season on account of the easy availability of commercial artistes.
Ieiat Ani Polleiat, a Lenten tiatr in opera style on a triple stage by Milagres Socio-Cultural Sports and Film Craft Academy, was staged at Colvale and Rivona, Bardez, recently.
ABOUT THE TIATR
This tiatr had several biblical scenes, followed by the main plot on stage. The curtains unfold to a scene where the angel Gabriel (Crystal Fernandes) brings good news to the Virgin Mary (Salome D’Souza), and to her cousin Elizabeth (Neziah Bagul) at the Visitation scene.
The main story is about a rich family, where Celine (Celina Pereira) and her son Maison (Sameer Gadekar) put up under the same roof.
In the poor family, there’s Sharlett (Wilma Fernandes) who is in love with Maison. But, Shyna (Sydel Mendes) steps in, expressing her love to Maison.
A wicked plan is worked out by Shyna to do away with Sharlett’s involvement with Maison. Maison meets with an accident and is disabled and confined to his home. His mother turns insane, too.
Maison is helpless and has nobody to assist him in his adversity. Will Shyna succeed in her wicked mission or will she give up on Maison? What awaits Sharlett for her fidelity towards Maison?
BEHIND THE SCENES
Lenten tiatr, Ieiat ani Polleiat, by Milagres Carneiro, has a story which can be connected to modern-life situations. There are several incidents which help one to reflect.
Biblical scenes in between the acts are well-enacted on a triple stage. Those scenes include the washing of disciples’ feet, the Last Supper, carrying of the Cross and Crucifixion.
As the tiatr moves to a different level, a priest (Anthony Fernandes) steps in with food for the soul. He has many spiritual thoughts to share with Maison as well as his mother, Celine.
Each of the artistes on stage have given good performances. Celina stands out as the mother, while Sameer extends good support as her son.
Wilma, as the fiancée, is equally good opposite Sameer, while Sydel shines in the negative role.
For some laughter moments, Salome D’Souza as Paskin, and Savio Pinto as Pasku, are good comedians and the latter’s body movements and dialogue delivery are worth watching.
In the section of songs, there are solos from Tony de Ribandar and Succor de Santa Cruz. Renditions by Gail Colaco, Soloman D’Souza, Vera Pereira, Shaboneer Coelho, Jenicia Mascarenhas and Amrasha Fernandes follow, and carry good messages.
Vitorin Araujo and his team, namely Rochelle D’Cruz (trumpet), Roy Menezes (saxophone), Jeffrey (bass), Johnny (keyboard), Xavier de Moira (drums) have provided good live music.
In the Biblical scenes, many artistes are involved, and all have played their respective roles with ease. Valerian Fernandes has been projected as Jesus, while Salome D’Souza enacts the role of Mother Mary.
Neziah Bagul presents herself as Elizabeth, and Jacinto Pereira enacts the character of Judas. The stage sets by Benson, Anthony and Densil; and the execution of lights by Raviraj were good.
Overall it’s a good presentation during the season of Lent, inviting the people for reflection and a change of heart.
