TIATR REVIEW: ‘Bagentlea Fulam Modem’ focuses on a renewed life

Bagentlea Fulam Modem is the 4^th Lenten production under the banner of ‘Mae Dos Pobres Firgoz, Tilamola’, and has been penned by Fr Aldrin D’Costa and directed by Fr Aidan Fernandes.

ABOUT THE TIATR

The story revolves around Imson (Imson Fernandes), who is imprisoned for his wrongdoings. During prison ministry, Sr Janice (Janice Fernandes) visits Imson and brings hope into his life.

With the help of advocate Neefa (Neefa Clemente), Sr Janice works to secure Imson’s release. Through guidance and counsel, she convinces him that there is always a second chance to turn his life around.

Imson’s father Cruz (Crisilo Cunha) finds it difficult to accept his son on return from prison. He believes that the negative image created in the minds of the people labelling his son as a criminal will linger in the minds of the people forever.

Delisha (Delisha Rebello), who played a key role in Imson’s imprisonment, learns about his release. Once in love, she was jealous and couldn’t bear to see him soaring in his career.

Delisha attempts to rekindle her relationship with Imson, but with sinister intentions. Imson hesitates, fearing that Delisha’s parents, Jerome (Jerome Costa) and Lavita Dourado, will reject him because of his criminal past. However, Delisha assures him that she will take care of everything.

Sr Janice warns Imson to stay away from Delisha, cautioning that she could obstruct his path to a renewed life. When Delisha learns that Imson is seeking a job at a company, she intervenes, preventing him from securing the position.

Hurt by Delisha’s interference that costs him the job, Imson is left disillusioned and decides to return to his old ways. What unfolds next makes for a compelling watch in the second half of the presentation.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The tiatr Bagentlea Fulam Modem highlights the importance of prison ministry and emphasizes the idea of a second chance for a renewed life. It encourages viewers to reconcile with their past and embrace a fresh beginning, much like flowers blooming anew in a garden.

All the artistes on stage are parishioners from Tilamola, Quepem, and are amateur performers. However, their performances are highly commendable and, at times, rival those of seasoned commercial tiatrists.

As guardians, Crisilo Cunha, Jeronimo Costa and Lavita Dourado deliver commendable performances. Imson Fernandes, in the lead role, and Neefa Clemente as the lawyer are equally impressive. However, Delisha Rebello in the negative role and Janice Fernandes as the nun stand out for their natural portrayal. Wavel Fernandes, too, is convincing in his negative role.

In the comic acts, there’s Mifa Oliveira (Rosalin), Amenda Cunha (Antonet), Klevin Costa (Sursurem) and Fr Aidan Fernandes (Forsu), who carry a good dose of laughter pills with them. However, Mifa’s costume could have been more suited to her comic role.

In the category of songs, there’s a choral (Swelan Costa, Pearl Fernandes, Samaira Oliveira and Wavel Fernandes) as the opening song, followed by solos from Nelson Oliveira and Pearl Fernandes. Other songs by Nelson and Fatima (Ulo Jezucho), Nelson and Swelan (Somudai), Pearl, Swelan, Wavel and Nelson (Mog Konnacho), Samaira, Pearl, Fatima and Mackenzie (Utsov), Maesson and Swelan (Goy Hogddainaka), Maesson and Mackenzie (Ho Novro Mugelo) and Swelan, Maesson and Fr Aidan (Aam Aadmi) carried varied themes and messages.

The song lyrics are penned by Fr Aldrin and Fr Aidan, while Cliton Carvalho has composed the music and also contributed to the background score.

Fr Aldrin D’Costa has handled the lighting effects, while the sound has been managed by Alex de Ambelim. 

DETAILS

Tiatr: Bagentlea Fulam Modem

Cast: Imson Fernandes, Janice Fernandes, Neefa Clemente, Crisilo Cunha, Delisha Rebello, Jeronimo Costa, Lavita Dourado, Regan Costa, Wavel Fernandes, Mifa Oliveira, Amenda Cunha, Klevin Costa

Writer: Fr Aldrin D’Costa

Director: Fr Aidan Fernandes

Band: Queter Xavier, Ronni Oliveira (first, second trumpet), Janamica Pereira (alto saxophone), Cliton Carvalho (keyboard), Vegan Costa (bass), Presley Mascarenhas (drums)

Lights/Sound: Alex de Ambelim