Bombainchem Figur
by J P Pereira
The late Jose Santana Mascarenhas had written and presented this ‘tiatr’ in the year 1975, first at Majorda and later in Abu Dhabi.
His daughter, Angela Mascarenhas, has produced and directed the same presentation and released it on stage, for the lovers of good Konkani drama. ‘Bombainchem Figur’ tells the tale of an orphan girl who is ill-treated by her family, and who will do anything to serve her selfish needs.
Samantha, after losing her parents in an accident, now lives with an uncle and his wife, who never show any sympathy towards her. One night, she runs away from home and lands up in Bombay (now Mumbai). Here she gets a good job, but unfortunately flirts around with many men.
Clara is a widow with two grown-up sons, Tony and Victor. Paucity of funds force them give up their studies and they too leave for Bombay to earn a living. Through Robert, a family friend, the two get jobs in an export firm of one Mr Dias. Here, Tony meets Samantha and the two fall in love. And soon there is chaos in the lives of the two brothers, their mother and their employer. Watch what happens later, on stage, in this absorbing tale of love, ingratitude, evil and final retribution.
What impresses is the story, a topic seldom touched on the Konkani stage. Although written more than 30 years back, the tale hardly appears dated. A fine script, nice sets, good music and performances from the cast add to the quality. Bushka plays the flirtish and two-timing Samantha very well. Antonette is Kim and Dolla is just perfect as the elderly widow, Clara. Godwin is Tony, Willy is Victor and Baptist is Robert. The three act well and Donald as Mr Dias, impresses with his stylish performance. Jocelan plays one of Samantha’s numerous lovers. Luis Bachchan does a humorous act as Pasku providing plenty of humour during the main act. Rudolfina and Cyril are the other comedians. Unfortunately, due to non-availability of actors, the director had to make various changes in the cast, and yet the show was presented very well.
Anthony de Velim with Cruz and others, provide the music. James’ background score during the acts is beautiful. Alisha Mascarenhas renders the opening song. Welcome to the Konkani stage, we hope you continue. In between the acts there are good solos by Marcos Vaz, Anthony San, Young Chico, Ave, duets from Bushka-Steffi, Bushka –Anthony San, Hinoshi- Anthony, two trios by Coney M-Tony-Jr Nelson and a quartet from Bushka-Antonette-Alisha- Jocelan. An enjoyable drama, and a very good effort by the lady director.
