The 75th Production of the ‘King of Centuries’, Rose Ferns,‘Waiter’, is drawing steady crowds to the theatres. The story revolves roundthe two sons of a waiter, one of whom falls in love with the sister of theGeneral Manager of the same hotel where his father is employed. The GeneralManager has certain airs about himself, because he runs the hotel, and looksdown up on the waiter. When he learns that his sister is in love with thewaiter’s son, he is furious and refuses to accept the reality of the situation.
The central plot of the story moves from here on and thefocus is on the waiter, just because his son has the gall to fall in love witha girl who is above his station. The General Manager does not let a singleopportunity to belittle and humiliate the waiter go, but the latter’s savinggrace is that he has the confidence of the proprietor of the hotel who happens tobe a doctor. Now, whether the waiter’s son succeeds in marrying the sister ofthe General Manager, despite the latter’s stiff opposition is better left to beseen live on stage.
Though the title of the tiatr is ‘Waiter’, there is not muchemphasis on the actual professional aspects of the waiter in his day to dayworking. The script however highlights the dignity of labour. It focuses on thewaiter’s character and integrity and that he is an upright and committed familyman who toils hard to educate his two sons well, so that they go on to occupyrespectable positions in society. The story steers towards a family drama withthe usual twists and turns and brings forth ungratefulness of children towardstheir parents. There is also an iota of suspense and a fair amount of tragedyinterwoven which enhances the plot. While the artists do justice to theirroles, Bhuska, who plays a dual role, needs mention for her convincing actingfirst as a mother and later as a daughter-in-law.
The opening song is a treat, showering accolades on theplaywright Rose Ferns for his contribution to the stage, and highlighting hisworks from the beginning of his stage career till date. Similarly, Rose Fernsalso renders a nice solo acknowledging the support he has received from one andall during his journey on the Konkani stage. There a good number of songs inthe tiatr including one political trio, a duet and solos.
The comedy in the tiatr is lively and there is never a dullmoment, with Sally stealing the show merely with his body language andexperience. He is well supported by Comedian Anita and Costy who finds comfortin singing his lines to take the comedy to a rib tickling finish. The play is alittle lengthy in duration though.
The band lead by Anthony de Velim lends good support, with apunchy score and makes the show lively and entertaining. The direction isimpeccable and the light effects are efficiently handled, creating a goodvisual impact.
