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Goan Community Celebrates

 Marshal Fernandes (Raja) and Russell D'Souza (Bal Subramanium)
taking a tour of Goa in Ambott-Tik

On August 26, 2001, the Goan Community across metropolitan Toronto and surrounding areas experienced a cultural event that will remain in the history for years to come.  

A musical comedy show, "AMBOTT-TIK", the first of its kind in North America, was staged in Mississauga at the St. John Paul II- Polish Cultural Centre. It was presented by the D' Costa Financial Group.  This show drew crowds from Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga in Canada, the United States and other countries. It was the first of its kind of shows for the Goans in Canada. For the first time, the Goan Theatre production had a sold-out crowd, and in fact there were people who had to be turned back at the door.  Indeed, a complement for the production crew!  

This show was a brainchild of director, Marshal Fernandes and Sandra Menezes who previously had staged a hit drama "Amche Dolle" which had great reviews.  The producer of the show, Francis D' Costa was delighted to present this event on behalf of the Goan community and D'Costa Financial Group.

Master of Ceremony, Joe Moraes commenced the show at 2:50 p.m., with 8-year old "Goan Nightingale" Stephanie Menezes singing the National Anthem in Konkani, the native language of Goa.  It continued with a trio, "Deu to Deu" (God is God) based on the myths of millennium sung by Joe Vaz, Russell D' Souza and Marshal Fernandes.  

What was different about this show was that it took away the traditional stage setup of Konkani dramas 'Theaters' typically staged in Goa and in Canada.  The stage was illuminated with electronic scenes {by Sinclair D' Costa} and lighting {by Terry Noronha} to go with every song and comedy.  This diversification from traditional dramas created an everlasting impact on the audience.

The comedy was based on a Goan taxi driver, Raja {Marshal Fernandes}, who meets an individual named Bal Subramanium {Russell D'Souza} from Madras. Bal Subramanium comes to Goa knowing that Goa is a fantastic place with beautiful beaches, women and fun.  The entire comedy is based on these two characters that discuss their everyday lives while Bal Subramanium is in Goa.  In addition to the main characters, others who participated in the show included; Carmelin {Grace Fernandes} who was in love with Raja and Bal Subramanium, Madam {Sandra Menezes}, Hotel Manager {Agnelo Gracias}, Customers {A.C. Pereira and Tony D'Silva}, Carmelin's Dad {Francis Fernandes}, and two blind individuals {Reiner and Rhiza Gracias}.  This talented cast ranging from 8 years to eighty- two years, made the audience roar with laughter throughout the show.  In addition to the electronic scenes, another highlight of the show was the creation of a look-alike taxi {by A.C. Pereira}, which portrayed the illusion of a real taxi from Goa.

Goan Folks songs (Mandos/Dulpods) performed by Lucina Pinto and Chorus

The songs, carefully selected by Joe Vaz, Marshal Fernandes and Sandra Menezes, were hilarious with upbeat music by New Illusions.  Songs like Tekno dancer & Goan English Gentleman {Olympio Fernandes}, Simple Dimple {Auggie Pereira}, Famad Randhpin {Rhiza Gracias}, Feeling Shy {Russell D'Souza & Sandra Menezes}, Utor {Cheryllyn Flower}, Kumpar {Joe Vaz & Marshal Fernandes}, Piki Piki {Auggie Pereira & Martha Dias}, Kankonkar {Agnelo, Yolanda and Rhiza Gracias}, Tarvotti {Olympio Fernandes & Ruth Kumar}, Jakru Foslo & Kann Konnache {Tony D'Silva} and many more brought loads of laughter among the audience.  Two songs in particular stole the hearts of the audience; Indian Hippie by eight-year-older Stephanie Menezes & thirteen year-old Rhio Gracias and Nouro Goenkar by Ruth Kumar, which called for encore performances.  One of the highlights of the show was the performance of "Mandos/Dulpods" {traditional Goan Folk Songs} led by Lucina Pinto and Savio Menezes along with a chorus of 25 singers.  This breath-taking performance not only took the Goans back to their roots, but also enhanced the event with its blend.

Concluding the event was the satisfaction of the entire audience with superb hosting of the show by Joe Moraes with hilarious intervention by A.C. Pereira.  This kept the crowd on their toes at all times.  Last but not least, the organisation of the show by the D'Costa Financial group was immensely controlled and contributed towards the success of the show.  Not only did the audience enjoy the show, but repeat performance was requested for the unfortunate that missed this exhilarating performance.

Hats off to the Producer-Francis D'Costa, Director-Marshal Fernandes, Stage Manager-A.C. Pereira, Song Co-ordinator-Joe Vaz, Editor Sandra Menezes, Scene setting  Sinclair D'Costa, Hall Manager Menino Cardozo, Lighting Terry Noronha, M C  Joe Moraes and the rest of the "Ambott-Tik" crew.

The organisers plan to present shows frequently in the years to come.