Konkani Drama in Auckland “Uzvadd ani Kallok” (Light and Darkness)
By Edward Barboza
Bellevision Media Network
Aukland, 08 Nov 2012: Agnelo Mascarenhas producer, director and actor presented his 7th Drama on 3rd November 2012 in Freeman’s Bay community hall Auckland to a packed audience of more than 300 along with his troupe Paul, Michael, Diogo, Iva, Nita, Arca, Isidore, Jason, Dimple, Clara and Edward.
The drama commenced at sharp 7 pm finishing at 10.30 pm with a 30 min interval. A suspense filled drama kept everyone guessing. It revolves round three childhood friends (Gabriel (Michael), Orlando and Alex (Agnelo) – GOA ). Gabriel, a don, driven by greed and ambition killed his friend Orlando a police officer and sent Alex on a self-imposed exile.
Alex returns 25 years later only to find Gabriel deeply rooted in evil and ironically daughter Nikita (Nita) a police officer. Late Orlando ’s wife Clara (Arca), son Roy (Paul) and Uncle Hitler (Diogo) are struggling to make ends meet. One night, Roy incidentally rescues Nikita from being robbed and love blossoms. Aware of Nikita’s feelings for Roy and unhappy about it, Gabriel tries to get Nikita to tie the knot with Doctor Barboza (Edward) while plotting against Roy on the side. In the midst of all this, Alex posed as a beggar visits Clara and helps with finance. One night unaware Nikita is with Roy, Gabriel tampers with Roy ’s motorbike resulting in a fatal accident. Nikita loses her eyesight and Roy injures his spinal cord. Gabriel under oath from Clara trades Roy ’s eyes for Nikita and pays for Roy ’s operation conducted by Dr. Barboza. Life goes on with Nikita longing to hear from Roy. In the midst of all this, Maushi (Iva) the gossipmonger keeps lighting fires all over town with her malicious gossip.
Finally, Alex unable to tolerate deceit any longer reveals the truth to Nikita and Orlando’s family bringing the title into perspective. Despite being in the light, people were blinded by lies, malice, crime, and misdeed and lived in darkness (Kallok). Light (Uzvadd) comes in the form of truth and justice.
It was Maushi and Hitler who stole the show while suspense, action and comedy kept the audience roaring with laughter and in high spirits.
On the whole, it was a lovely weekend well spent catching up with other Konkans and enjoying the drama with delicious Goan Food.