Somzonnent Chuk Zali is a revival of the late Kid Boxer’s ‘tiatr’, to celebrate the birth centenary of the actor. Caetano Manuel Pereira born in Siolim was named Kid Boxer because he was one of those tough children fighting for his rights even at an early age. He was also against any form of injustice, be it against women, the prevalent caste system or government policies. This tiatr written by him more than 50 years back depicts the misunderstandings of families over certain professions followed by women in those days.
Presented on stage by Kala Mogi, Candolim and sleekly directed by Tomazinho Cardozo, the play is a treat to watch. The entire story is set in then Bombay. Antanv is married to film star Mafaldina leaving his family in Goa disgusted over his decision. They feel that the choice of a film actress is bad. So they land up in Bombay to check and are welcomed by the daughter-in-law who plans to give them a wonderful stay. But the narrow minded family just tries to find faults with the loving Mafaldina. There is also a parallel love story between Alban, Mafaldina’s brother and Therez, Antanv’s sister. One day a visitor comes to the house and shows plenty of affection to Mafaldina. The family watches, have their doubts and accuse the young wife of many things. Watch what happens later as the plot unfolds with plenty of emotion, lots of comedy and a message that is relevant even today in many families.
The simple script has plenty to tell. The happenings of those years are realistically portrayed with the right costumes, references and a setting by Timothy Dias that is good to see. Light Effects by Rohan Morajkar are timely and Joy Fernandes provides the background music. The actors do their roles in style. Selza Lopes is the pretty Mafaldina (originally played by Carmen Rose) adding her own style to the role. Joycelin Mesquita is great as the shrewish Therez, (Filomena Braz) pretty, but with her own understanding of morals. Irene Cardoz is Esporans, (Andrew Ferns) the mother always doubting her daughter- in-law while Anthony Carvalho is Jefri (Souza Ferrao) the father fully supporting his narrow minded wife. Antanv (Anthony D’Sa) the indecisive husband is played by Prasad Mandrekar. Versatile Shivanand Naik does well as Alban (Remmie Colaco), the guy falling for Therez. There is a cook in the family. Jeri (Kid Boxer) now played by Comedian 64, creates plenty of laughs along with the other characters. Imagine one comedian making the audience laugh in those days. Today we require more than three for most of the new tiatr. Tomazinho Cardozo, Tukaram Naik, Dnyaneshwar Morajkar, Simonia Cardozo and Shripad Shirodkar support well.
The fine band is led by Nolvert Cota (trumpet). There is Luis Cota (saxophone), Xavier Packlo (drums), Jeffrey dSouza (bass), and Elton Simoes (keyboard). The opening tribute to Kid Boxer is rendered by Irene with Tomazinho. Now about the songs in between the acts! All are golden oldies which were originally sung by the tiatrist who acted with Kid Boxer. Socorro de Santa Cruz renders the stunning Kid Boxer original ‘Ximiter’ in style, and returns later with the Young Menezes original, ‘Parki’. Joe Rose gives a superb rendition of Minguel Rod’s ‘Tarvotti’ and later, ‘Taxi’ from Anthony Mendes. ‘Pipirmit’ (Antonete/Robin Vaz) by Maria Cardozo with Anthony San, ‘Bhikunn Martole’ (Alfred Rose/ M Boyer) by Socorro with Joe Rose, ‘Captain’ (Rita Rose) by Violet DSouza and ‘Bomboichi Birmotti’ (Rita Rose) by Maria Cardozo are the other picks. A mention has to be made of the three ladies, Violet- Dulcin- Jenifer who sing well, ‘Nustekaram’ with Tomazinho and later, ‘Yesvontacho Cholio’. The last named is a tribute to a mother, so why was the father’s name in the title? The tiatr is a treat. Ask the organisers to have more shows. This is something nobody should miss. This is top class entertainment and many will now know the talent, called Kid Boxer. For those who have not seen this actor, check the old classic, ‘Amchem Noxib’ the Konkani movie.