Saby de Divar, a professional tiatrist since 2010 having lent his vocals and acting skills on the Konkani stage is now set to add another feather to his cap with his directorial debut, ‘Interview’ which released yesterday.
'Interview' is a family entertainer with a socio-political message as it highlights whatever goes wrong in the state. "In this world, we are sent by God who has given us responsibilities which we do not follow. Each of us have a file with us which records both, our good and bad deeds while on Earth. When we pass away, God will pass His judgment through an ‘Interview’ at the 'Gateway of Heaven.' If we pass His interview, we would enter the portals of His kingdom and if we fail, we will be cast away to the inferno in hell. The plot ends with an intriguing twist and the tiatr is a must-watch, the first-time director from Divar said.
For this tiatr, planning started last March after Lent including the booking of the cast and deciding on the dates and places where the Konkani drama would be staged. The inspiration for the tiatr came about spontaneously. While singing on the stage, he sang on socio-political issues bringing to the fore political wrongdoings. And with this play, he intends to open the eyes of the people to the wrongs of our politicians. In the live act, how money power works is portrayed. "The affluent people flaunt their money power wherever they go. If you have a lot of money, you are a winner in whatever you do. And you are considered to be right, even if wrong," he reveals
When this writer was witness to a rehearsal session prior to the tiatr release in Margao, he came to a first-hand experience on how the cast got to the skin of their character. In a particular scene, a girl (Valancia) is seen hitting her friend's mom (Carmen) quite hard which gives a good impression that each character are giving perfection to their roles. The director on his part was very active with gesticulations, expressions and voice modulations endeavoring to get the very best of his cast to the essence of his play.
The cast is a good blend of experience and youth which includes Anil Pednekar, Jaju Fernandes, Elvis/Carmen, Dolla Mascarenhas, Cajie de Cacora, Ciana, Valancia Estibiero, Olga Vaz, Junior Reagan, Benny de Aldona, Comedian Ambe, Comedian Sally, Comedian Humbert, Comedian Neto, Saby de Divar. Ciana, who debuts as a tiatrist is expected to appeal to the audience as a female political singer.
The band comprises of Senon (first trumpet), Agnelo Lobo (second trumpet), Dominic de Arambol (third trumpet), Wilbur on keyboards, Casmeiro on bass and Sheldon on drums. Tony handles the lighting while the stage set-up is taken care of by Anthony de Ambaji with Jose de Velim and Manuel taking the responsibility of stage management.
There are 14 songs in the tiatr which includes seven solos, three duets, two duos (one male, one female), a trio and a panchko. There are also three cantos. The songs are based on religion, mimicry and politics, with one on the raging topic of the coconut tree. The panchko is based on abnormal character. The duos are choral.
Saby de Divar makes a return as an actor on stage after four years and comes from an acting genealogy with his Late father, Pascoal Tome Dias, an accomplished actor. His wife, Tracila Dias is a stage actress as well whose support he acknowledges, as also his mother, Maria Dias, and children, Aushmin and Zia, who are his constant pillars of support.
'Interview' was released yesterday at 7 pm, Tuvem Church and there are subsequent shows across the State lined up at Pai Tiatrist Hall (Ravindra Bhavan), Margao and Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, Vasco, both on February 14 at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm respectively, on February 21 at 3.30 pm, Hanuman Theatre, Mapusa, and on March 6 at 3.30 pm, Ravindra Bhavan, Sanvordem.
