Tiatr Mogi
The name evoked laughter when it was declared and Prince Jacob managed to carry the initial euphoria. It is a well knit tiatr based on the traditional rivalry among in laws. For those who have watched his last three productions based on serious topics, this topic may be just another tiatr on the disputes between in-laws that has been vastly explored by all tiatrists, including Jacob. The topic comes as a disappointment, but then Prince Jacob stamps his class and this season explores a tiatr from the comedy genre.
Sun hifi Sasumaim wifi, is a laughter riot that can be enjoyed by the entire family. What makes this tiatr different from the others is the humour content that is associated with every developing sequence and the solution and outcome that is seen at the end of every scene.
Script
The script is simple. Emphasis is laid on tickling the funny bones of the audience. The corroding of family values and relationship is the keynote of the script. When ego creeps in one-upmanship becomes the order of the day is beautifully portrayed throughout. Love conquers all evil and the good upbringing of the daughter-in-law can save the family from embarrassment legal and penal action too takes the central stage in the script.
Comedy
The comedy is a blast. Decent comedy that Prince Jacob is synonymous with. Actually every character in the tiatr draws laughter some time or the other. Besides introducing comedy in the main storyline, there are some comedy side shows too that take the storyline of the tiatr forward. Tiatr Directors who think that vulgar comedy can fetch an audience, should send their comedians to watch this tiatr and see how people enjoy the comedy. Prince Jacob plays with words and rhyming and the situations in the sequences of the play add to the existing comedy quotient.
Sets
The rich sets are well designed. It depicts the interiors of a businessman’s house. However the house furniture is of poor taste and brings down the richness of the sets. The kitchen displayed through a net scene is great. A bench or too infront of the garden curtain could enhance the jogging scene.
Acting
Prince Jacob brings out the best from his entire team. Even a one dialogue character is shaped well. Jacinto as the father in law enacts hishrole to perfection. Lourdes displays emotions well but fumbles a little in her dialogue delivery. Jonathan as the son is very effective in his character. He should however try to get natural in his dialogue delivery. He has a long innings to play on tiatr stage. Valency as the daughter in law carries the tiatr on her shoulders. Romance comedy, heartbreaking dialogues all get a great treatment from this young artiste who infact has blossomed into one of the finest lead actresses on stage. Michael adds colour and flavour of his own with his costumes, dialogue delivery, mannerisms and stage movements. He is one of the few tiatr actors whose stage movements are motivated and not microphone oriented.
In the comedy section it wont be an exaggeration to say that Prince Jacob has rediscovered his comic nature as displayed in the early eighties. His facial expressions and body movements justify why he was given the title of ‘Comedy Prince’ by the late Fr Antonio Pereira. Under his tutelage Cedric is shaping up as a comedian of repute and displays a good comedy timing. He should give up mundane comedy tricks and emulate his master in presenting good comedy.
Reema displays a lot of promise. She is mind blowing in the first half but loses steam when required in the second half. Veteran Diana, the senior most member of the troupe, is a darling on stage. Her comedy timing is excellent. She strongly displays that age definitely does not matter when it comes to portrayal of a role with intensity.
Music/songs
All songs are well sung and presented. Valency and Jonathan renders the opening chorus with style and gusto. However singing in voices could have enhanced the vocal rendition. Agnelo de Dabolim displays a class of his voice and composition in his solo. There are excellent renditions by the Dubai returned Lourdes and Bony de Ribandar. Cedric too renders a comic solo beautifully but he should learn how to present it in a comic style. There are duos duets and trios too. However no song had interaction in it as needed in tiatrs and the ex president of the Tiatr Academy has miserably failed on this count. Displaying of the same faces again and again in the play and singing could be avoided.
Before the commencement of the tiatr, the musical piece played by the live music band was of a class and great taste. However as the tiatr proceeded the band music deteriorated. Seby Moraes in the lead was captivating but the second lead fell flat. The problem was further compounded with lousy drumming. The background score too has to get a little more prompt.
Direction
One could witness semblances of good direction in this tiatr. The lights complimented the storyline with good effects and visuals. The placement of the last comedy of marriage should have been earlier as just before the act, the main plot gets tense and at that tragic turn a marriage in the family could not have happened. The last scene with the policeman’s entry should pick up speed. Addition of another singer could have eased a lot of load from the actors as lead actors were seen singing three/four songs on stage. The blast scene needs better thinking and execution.
