‘Khell’, now steps into Bardez

MARGAO: ‘Khell’, an extremely popular theatre form in Salcete taluka, south Goa, is now making its presence felt in north Goa.
One such performance was held for the first time in the serene village of Moira, Bardez, on February 11.
The ‘khell’ – ‘Devosponn Asa Punn Munisponn Na’, ‘Tum Bhitor Aum Bhair’ and ‘House of Pinga’ by Xavier de Maina were staged on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Moira church.
Xavier told STOI that he performed the ‘khell’ for the very first time in Moira due to the assistance he received from the parish priest, Fr Simplicio. “There was a very large crowd to view the ‘khell’ that had never happened before in that part of Goa. The response was very good and the audience well appreciated the ‘khell’ that are based on social issues and family drama. I have been staging these ‘khell’ for the last 15 years throughout Goa. This year, I am staging a total of 19 shows with my cast of 18 talented artistes all over Goa. The audience to watch these ‘khell’ generally average between 200-250 people. The shows held at MPT colony, Vasco, drew crowds between 400 and 500 people,” said Xavier.
Vasco witnessed two shows on Saturday, near the church as well as later in the evening at MPT colony. This will be followed by shows on Sunday which will comence at 9am at Jina, Maina-Curtorim; 12am at Assolna; 3pm at Pedda-Benaulim; 6pm near the Sirlim chapel, Chinchinim, and 9pm at Orlim. On Monday, February 16, there will be shows at Gogol, Maina-Curtorim; 12am near Bank of Baroda, Chandor; 3pm at Firguembhatt, Maina-Curtorim; 6pm at Dramapur and 9pm at Velim. On Tuesday, shows will be held at 9am at Mandar, Maina-Curtorim; 12am at Benabhatt, Sao Jose de Areal; 3pm at Nagmoddem-Navelim; 6pm at Assolda-Chandor and 9pm at Navelim,” the director said.
Xavier’s troupe includes Precilia Mascarenhas, Paulina D’Mello, Manuel Dias, Pascoal de Chicalim, Baby Savannah, Menino Sequeira, comedian Riston, comedian Marcian, Benny J de Rebello and Xavier de Maina. The band includes Cruz de Sanvordem (trumpet), Ivo Furtado (drums) Jolan (keyboard) and Faxton (bass guitar). While Allwyn Pereira is the stage manager, Luis de Curtorim manages the sound and Annette Travels looks after transport arrangements, he added.
Another ‘khell’ director Anthony de Ambajim staged his khells ‘Fulam’, ‘Tuka Bhetoitanv’ and ‘Amche Ugdasak’ on Saturday at a Mapusa chapel.
Anthony remarks that his 12-member troupe will stage a total of 45 shows in 15 places during the next four days of carnival. “‘Fulam’ is based upon the present sexual assaults being committed on women, ‘Tuka Bhetoitanv’ depicts an affluent family that has a sole son who desires to be a priest and ‘Amche Ugdasak’ is a laugh-riot comedy. On Sunday, shows will commence at 9am at Dicarpale, followed by Paroda, Dramapur, Nuvem and it will wind up at Utorda at 9pm. On Monday and Tuesday, shows will take place at 9am at Marlem, Borda-Margao, followed by Arlem, near Janota Bazar, Carmona, Sinquetim-Navelim, Baida-Chinchinim as well as at Cansaulim and Ambajim-Margao,” says Anthony.
His cast includes Chitra, Cajie, Aluma, David, comedian Aston, comedian Agnel, comedian Romeo, Selvyn and Anthony de Ambajim. The music is directed by Sir Piety with Raison (saxophone), Angio (keyboards), Jason (drums) and Kenny (bass guitar).