Kalakul troupe captivates Doha with two Konkani plays at MCC event

By Raj Rodrigues
Pics by Jerald DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 20 Apr 2015: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Qatar, a non-profit social community association affiliated to Indian Cultural Center under the aegis of Indian Embassy hosted the much-acclaimed dramas of Kalakul, lone Konkani theater reporter promoted by Mngaluru-based Mandd Sobhann that is striving to promote Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide,  ’Platform No 3’ and ’Nimane 30 Dees’ (Last 30 Days) as their annual cultural event at Al Ghazal Club hall, here on Friday April 17 at 5.00pm to the packed audiences.
 
 
The theater lovers witnessed a rare, classic entertainment in modern theater through these 2 Konkani comedy dramas ’Platform No 3’ and ’Nimane 30 Dees’ by playwright Arun Raj Rodrigues and directed by Christopher D’Souza Neenasam and presented by young professional team of 14 male and female artistes of Kalakul.
 
 
The evening began with an introduction by MCC Qatar sports secretary Alexis Castelino, followed by welcome song by Alphonse D’Silva and group.
 
 
The playwright Arun Raj Rodrigues briefed about the plays that began on time.
 
 
A short stage programme was held during the interval between 2 plays. President Norbert Corda and vice president Prakash Noronha escorted the chief guest Captain Ravikumar, defense attache of Indian Embassy in Qatar, and founder member and advisory Committee member Jerald D’Mello to the dais.

 

 
 
Presidents of the various Karnataka-based organizations - Ravi Shetty of Tulu Koota Qatar, Deepak Shetty of Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Niyaz Ahmed of KMCA, Abdulla Majeed of SKMWA, Prakash Ajila of Bunts Qatar and Divakar Poojary of Billavas Qatar - were welcomed to the dais and greeted with a bouquet by MCC executive Committee members - Violet Veigas, Winnie Saldanha, Mishal Lobo, Raj M Rodrigues, Ronald Saldanha and Vivian D’Souza.
 
 
MCC president then welcomed the gathering, informed about the future activities and requested the members to be more active and strengthen the bond, and urged all new families to be part of this big MCC family.
 
 
Chief guest Captain Ravi Kumar in his address congratulated MCC on its achievements during the past 23 years of its existence.
 
 
The souvenir editorial Committee Prabha Rego, Prakash Noronha and Sunil D’Silva presented the Souvenir ’Sugandh’ for its release to Capt Ravikumar. The advisory committee and ex-committee members joined the guests on dais for the release of the Souvenir.
 
Riana Pinto, cultural secretary was then invited to conduct the honoring of the artistes. Captain Ravi Kumar, Jerry D’Mello and Norbert Corda honored all the 14 drama artistes with mementoes. The artistes were playwright Arun Raj Rodrigues, director Christopher D’Souza, Neenasam, Hanley Coelho, Melvyn Pais, Clanwin Fernandes, Rohan Lobo, Preetham Rodrigues, Sandeep Tellis, Arun Tauro, Lester Menezes, Rivin Crasta, Maria D’Souza, Neeshma D’Souza and Zeena Brags.
 
 
 
Arunraj Rodrigues addressed the gathering on behalf of his troupe and mentioned about Kakakul activities and requested all to encourage the artistes.
 
 
Prakash Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Della Rego, membership secretary compered  the entire stage programme. General secretary Ryan Renjar and joint cultural secretary Mishal Lobo thanked all sponsors and handled all the announcements.
 
 
MCC Qatar in an effort to promote Konkani language and culture organized this event that was well accepted by the crowd. The audience had a rare opportunity to witness modern theater and to witness the finest exhibition of acting skills by young budding artistes with thorough professionalism. Both the plays sent the audience into split of laughter also giving a message.
 
 
MCC congratulated the whole Kalakul troupe, Arunraj Rodrigues for the great plays, director Christopher D’Souza for his excellent direction, fantastic background score and all their young actors for their immense talent and wished them the best in their future programmes.

 

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MCC also thanked the main sponsor Leen Estate Investment, platinum sponsor Al Amer Garage and Transport, Gold Sponsor Joyston and Joyline Infrastructure Co WLL, silver sponsors Sal Contracting and Trading Co, City Square WLL, Al Balagh Trading and Contracting Co WLL, Lupin Trading, Integra International Trading and Contracting and Construction Development Co WLL and all other sponsors for their support and for the success of this event. MCC also thanked all its volunteers for all their help and support extended in staging this event.