Abu Dhabi: Daiji Rangmandir, in association with the Royal Institute of Music and Arts and Broadway Events & Productions, presented a Konkani play titled “Mamma Retire Zaatha” at the British School Auditorium, Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 19.
The play witnessed a full-house and was widely appreciated by the Konkani community of Abu Dhabi. Rupert Vaz welcomed the audience to the play and Fr Darrick Paul D’sSouza (OFM-Cap) from Bishop’s Office in Abu Dhabi led the attendees in prayer.
The chief guests of the event were Mangaluru ex-MLA JR Lobo and Rachana Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Elias Sanctis. They were felicitated and handed mementoes by Fr Darrick.
In his address, Fr Darrick urged all the members of the Konkani-speaking community to ensure that the essence of the Konkani language is alive by teaching the younger generation and encouraging them to speak the language without hesitation or shame.
After the brief inauguration ceremony, it was time for the much-awaited play which began with thunderous applauds from the audience. “Mamma Retire Zatha” is a play that was originally written in Marathi by Ashok Patole and has witnessed nearly 8,000 shows. The rights to the Konkani version of the play is held by Maxim Rodrigues and Dayan D’Souza directed the play. The actors who put up the play belong to Daiji Rang Mandir (the cultural and performing arts wing of Daiji Dubai).
The story of the play revolves around an elderly couple who live with their three children and their families. As the generational gap between them widens, the elderly mother decides to retire from her duties as a housewife and passes on the responsibilities to her children.
Exceptional performances by the actors made the play come alive and evoked frequent applause as well as laughter from the audience. Asha Correa, who essayed the role of the mother, did full justice to the character through her subtle expressions and dialogues. The play’s director Dayan D’Souza also acted in the play and did a wonderful job.
The Committee who organized this event consist of ten Konkani lovers from Abu Dhabi and call themselves “Royal Friends Abu Dhabi”. They are Flavia Crasta, Sharan D’sSouza, Manoj Menezes, Deral Menezes, John Conrad D’sSouza, Lancy D’Souza, Sachin Noronha, Ryan Vaz, Joel Crasta, and Rupert Vaz.
This team had successfully organized a drama titled “Vechogi Ravncho” presented by Pradeep Barboza and his team in September 2018.
After the play, all the actors and crew were felicitated by JR Lobo.
Regal Furnishing & Storage System, Al Mazroui & Clevy Automobiles, Dunes Hotel Apartments, Al Khalidiya Group, News Karnataka, Quick Accounting Services, Galaxy Star Electromechanical, Michael Moras & family, Benny & Lavina Quadros, Golnaz Flowers, Super Power Electromechanical, and Meridian Travel & Tourism were the sponsorers of the play.
