News: Francis J Saldanha
Pics: Edwin D’Souza
Bahrain, May 26: Konkani dramas are playing a major comeback in modern times especially in the Gulf countries where a large number of the Konkani speaking community lives. Events such as musical shows, films and lately well scripted Konkani dramas provide ample opportunities and entertainment to witness such high voltage dramas to the families and their friends. The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bahrain Konkani community, sensing the pulse of the Konkani language theatre lovers and their eagerness to watch excellent Konkani plays, staged the internationally acclaimed drama ‘Sikeram Driver’ to a packed audience on May 24 at Our Lady of Arabia auditorium.
The much-awaited social event began with a welcome dance by Echelle, Ayona, and Sweeta for the hymn ‘Mai Arabiache Mai’, choreographed by Preetham Acharya. A hearty welcome note and a brief introduction by young and exuberant compere Santhosh Danti was delivered to invite spiritual director Fr Darel Fernandes and all the priests and nuns who were in present on stage, wishing everyone in multilingual languages for the success of the event.
‘Sikeram Driver’ commenced with various characters on the stage depicting excellent acting skills. Renowned dramatist, late Mick Max’s award-winning creation has been well known for best script. As for the artistes, Robert Mendonca as mentally challenged son and Cleeven Mendonca as angry and jobless son, surprised the audiences with their inbuilt acting skills. Established actors Vincy Lobo and Cynthia Mendonca did full justification to their roles. Comedian Sunil Suvarna brought riots of laughter with his superb comedy with multi-lingual dialogues. Proven actress Asha Correa was delightful to watch. But it was quite evident and clear that the top honours and heaps of appreciation should definitely belong to versatile actor Donny Correa as ‘Sikeram Driver’, who not only directed the drama, but portrayed the
main character Sikeram Driver with aplomb, truly captivating the Konkani loving audiences of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain in full attendance on the night. Rohan Lobo Kalakul’s fantastic music added zest to the drama. Brilliant stage was setup by Cletus Rodrigues, dazzling lights by Melwyn Kalakul, vivid sound system by Alfy, backstage support by Ashok D’ Almeida, and makeup by Sajeevan had immensely contributed to the successful showing of the fabulous Konkani drama. Each actor did full justification for their stage characters. It was very much evident with the claps, laughs, and screeches that the audiences were fully enjoying in each and every moment till the end.
At the interval time, as a token of love, appreciation, and support, the sponsors of the event were honored with mementos, which were presented by Fr Darel Fernandes, the spiritual director, along with Ronald Fernandes, core committee member of the SHC Konkani community. On behalf of the Konkani community Fr Darrel rendered the vote of thanks to everyone who was instrumental in organizing the event in an orderly and successful manner.
After the conclusion of the drama, as a token of love and appreciation, mementos were given to all the actors. Donny Correa, the director-actor was felicitated. In return, by acknowledging the love and accolades bestowed on him Donny Correa thanked Fr Xavier Dsouza, the parish priest, Fr Darrel, Vincent Sequeira, Hilary Tellis and the entire Sacred Heart Catholic Church Konkani Community, core committee members in particularly for the love and hospitality given to the entire troupe for their comfortable stay in Bahrain and for all those who witnessed the drama ‘Sikeram Driver’.
The wow moments were well captured by ace photographer Edwin Dsouza.
It was surely an evening to remember for all those who attended the powerful social drama ‘Sikeram Driver’ in Bahrain.