Domnic Coelho has released his family tiatr, ‘Ami Sogli Ek’. Speaking to NT BUZZ, Domnic shares the story of his tiatr and reveals how humanity is lost among humans, at present.
SACHI NAIK | NT BUZZ
Q. Tell us something about your latest tiatr, ‘Ami Sogli Ek’.
I have highlighted family values and the value of each member within the family. The main focus of this tiatr is to portray how an ideal family should be. The story is about a simple man – a husband who gets a job as a government servant and subsequently tends to be a greedy person. He starts taking bribes from the public. Eventually, his wife and daughter help him overcome this weakness and get out of it. The son gets involved with drugs and is rescued by family members. Thus, by giving such examples in the tiatr, I have emphasised how family members play an important role in the overall well-being of the family, by being supportive of each other in moments of distress.
Q. What message have you conveyed in this tiatr? Why did you name it ‘Ami Sogli Ek’?
‘Ami Sogli Ek’ stands for ‘We all are one’. We must not quarrel with each other because of difference in religion, caste, creed, etc. If we think we all are one, anything can be done to promote goodness around us. We must keep in mind that no matter how different we are from each other, we all are human beings. Being human itself, creates unity among us. I have also touched upon the patriotic theme in this tiatr, as to how we can save our nation through unity.
Q. Do you think humans are losing their humanity at present?
Yes, there is a loss of humanity in society. For instance, politicians get involved in wrongdoings for self-interest and personal gains which is absolutely wrong. We, Indians call Pakistani nationals our enemies. But have we ever questioned ourselves about the prevailing enmity within us? Indians have to first get rid of enmity amongst us. Perhaps, that is how humanity will be saved.
Q. What kinds of tiatrs do you like making?
All my tiatrs are related to family and I have never taken any political issue as a main focus, as such. I am a gazetted officer and I do not want any objections whatsoever, in my tiatr. To be very frank, I do not prefer to come up with tiatrs with a political theme, and I do not like to criticise others on stage, publicly. If required, I will advice such person personally, rather than through a tiatr.
Q. How much time do you normally take to write a tiatr?
First and foremost, I think of a topic and note it down in point form. It takes me fifteen days to write the script. I directly type my tiatr which is more comfortable, as it saves time. Further, we take around ten days to rehearse.
Q. How do you manage your tiatr as well as your job?
I have to invest time to write my tiatr. The major task of managing time is during writing and directing rehearsals. Once it is written, and rehearsals are over, the job is done. Once the tiatr is released, there is no problem at all.
You have to just perform then. Earlier I used to come up with only one tiatr annually but due to the artists in my troupe, lately I am staging two tiatrs annually.
Q. You are 59-years-old. Do you plan on being a full-fledged tiatrists post retirement?
I have decided to rest after retiring and not take any extension. I believe that it is my life and I have to rest and enjoy my retirement. Since I have my troupe, I will continue to write, direct tiatrs and be a part of drama.
Q. What challenges do you face as a director?
I like to induct young actors into my tiatrs and mould the amateur which is a major challenge. I try to take young, new actors and train them accordingly. Some new comers have a good voice but they do not know how to deliver it and need guidance to perform. Moreover, it’s much easier to train young actors rather than those who feel they are professionals. Such actors neither have the tendency to change nor mould their style of acting.
Q. Do you think comedy is important in tiatrs?
Of course it is! People have a lot of worries at home and if they find worries in tiatr too, they will not enjoy it. Comedy helps the audience relax and enjoy.
Q. Why do you think sound and light effects are important in tiatr?
Sound and light effects are important in tiatr because it highlights the message being conveyed in a scene, with an impact. It gives clarity to the delivery with emphasis on the scene, the message and dialogues thereof.
(The shows of ‘Ami Sogli Ek’ will be held on May 29, at 3.30 p.m. and June 17, at 7.30 p.m. at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao)