Goa tiatr review: 'Mukutt Sorgimcho' has a message of introspection

Pascoal de Costa’s tiatr, Mukutt Sorgimcho, carries a simple story where love, betrayal, jealousy and sacrifice are all wrapped in one, and there’s a powerful message at the end. Who will ultimately win the heavenly crown? — this query calls for some introspection. 

ABOUT THE TIATR

The curtains unfold to a scene in an old age home, wherein Cletus (Joao Manuel), his wife Elsa (Elsa Ferrao) and Paul (Pascoal da Costa) are in conversation with each other. The elderly couple long for their son, who has passed away.

In a flashback, the story is revealed about Cletus, his wife Elsa and their two sons, Newton (Velroy/Peter de Pedda) and Noel (Nathan/). The couple has affection only towards Newton while Noel is neglected. But, Andrea (Connie), who serves as a maid in the house, tries to shelter Noel and extends all her support to him.

Over a period of time, Newton becomes an engineer and Noel is content with his job as a mechanic. The parents humiliate Noel owing to his humble profession, while they sing praises of Newton’s career.

HIGH DRAMA: A scene from Pascoal de Costa’s latest tiatr.

The siblings eventually decide to enter into wedlock – and Newton weds Neomi (Daisy), who is a flirt, while Noel ties the knot with Ruth (), who is a simpleton.

Noel and Ruth are blessed with a child in marriage, but Newton and Neomi are left childless. But, there’s a reason why Neomi is unable to conceive, and this truth comes to light as the drama unfolds on stage.

When the truth about Neomi is out, Newton turns to the bottle. What actually happens in the family are well presented in the second half of the performance.

LIGHTER VEIN: 'Mukutt Sorgimcho' includes songs and laughter moments, too.

BEHIND THE SCENES

There’s a good cast in the drama and each artiste has given a fine performance. Joao Manuel and Elsa stand out as guardians, while Velroy and Nathan as child siblings, and Peter de Pedda and Ivon as grown-up brothers have played their respective roles with gusto.

and Clancy have extended good support to the main cast.

Pascoal da Costa makes a cameo, and delivers strong messages to the audience. It would be good for this tiatr to be presented during the Lenten season for reflection and renewal of the life of the Catholic community.

For some laughter pills, there’s , Kenny, Sandra, Clarence and Fatimo coming together and they entertain with clean comedy and a message or two on preserving traditional trades and protecting the environment.

In the section of songs, there’s Clemcy and Sweety for the opening song, followed by solos, from Marcus Vaz, Erica, Abony de Souza, Rons, Violet and Velroy.

Other songs are by Pascoal, Manuel and Ivon; Peter/Roshan, Violet and Erica; Rons, Sweety and Abony; Violet, Erica and Sweety.

New faces for renditions on stage were a treat to the eyes and ears, and the future of tiatr lies in their hands.

Cresto and his musical team – Jose Dias (saxophone), David Silveira (bass), Jose Carvalho (keyboard), Carvalho (drums) have provided good live music offstage, while Jose Carvalho has also assisted with the background music.

The stage sets are by Anthony de Ambaji and Tony has worked on the light effects.