Lent is a time for reflection and renewal for the Catholic community. A variety of events are held with that aim, one of these being retreats which are held in various parishes across Goa during the season of Lent.
These two- or three-day retreats, conducted by priests, help the Catholic laity to reflect on their lives, mend their ways and grow in spiritual life.
Apart from these annual spiritual exercises, Lenten shows that are released during the season of grace also help the Catholic community to see, reflect and grow in spirituality.
In the past, Lenten operas and operettas were special features of the Lenten season, but today, they are on the decline.
A handful of Lenten shows are presented in villages today and are based on moral themes. But, some of them have an element of comedy which leads to distraction, thus losing the essence of the season of grace.
The tiatr, Puro (which means 'enough' in Konkani), written by Agnelo de Borim, and directed and produced by Paul Rebello, has a message for everyone during this season of grace.
And, the biblical scenes introduced in the tiatr are connected to real life situations, thus enabling audiences to ponder and reflect on them.
ABOUT THE TIATR
Puro is the tale of Peter (Peter de Pedda), his spouse Olfi (Ofelia) and their only son Basilio (Basilio). Having toiled hard abroad, Peter returns home. But, he is disappointed when he is made aware of his son’s involvement in drugs.
Basilio tries to have his own way, and his mother tries to convince him to change his life, but to no avail. When he is deprived of what he desires, he turns arrogant.
Basilio does not hesitate to steal when he does not get money from his mother. At such crucial moments, Armando (Armando Fernandes) steps in as a good messenger. He sows good seeds in Basilio’s mind.
Over a period of time, there is a change in Basilio’s life. From arrogance, sobreity sets in, and Basilio slowly begins to read the Word of God from the Bible.
There is also a change of heart among the members of the family, and things begin to work for the better.
In the tiatr, Puro, there are a good number of biblical scenes, including the passion and sufferings of Christ, which help viewers contemplate on their lives.
BEHIND THE SCENES
All the artistes have given fine performances, and Peter de Pedda and Ofelia stand out in their role as guardians.
Basilio plays a negative role. Armando comes in as a mediator and distributes good doses of spiritual pills to those in willing to listen.
In the biblical scenes, there is Cruz who enacts the role of Jesus with gusto, and others extend good support to him in various biblical characters.
Evola, Melissa, Remy, Raymond, Felix and Ellis come together for some comedy and they entertain with laughter pills.
For some good listening, there are renditions by Paul, Evola and Peviola in the opening song. More songs follow from Succor de Santa Cruz, Peter de Pedda, Peviola and others as well.
A song rendered by Ofelia and teen, Leslie D’Souza, calls for introspection.
Another song – this one is about nuns – by Peviola and Melissa also calls for reflection. Nazareth and team – Eshban (trumpet), Richard (keyboard), Josh (bass), Manuel (drums) have provided good live music.
The stage sets and light designs have been done by Anthony de Ambaji, Pedro Santan and A P Rojols, respectively.
