Honest Tiatr Review
Concept
A father works hard to bring up his children after the death of his spouse. He sacrifices his life for his children remembering his spouse. But fate has only suffering in store for him as his son strays into the land of the forbidden. Faith in God can move mountains and he sees a turn of fate for the better
Script
The tiatr script by George is simple proceeding at a snails pace. The sequences of the plot unfold as expected. Nevertheless the audience is kept glued to their seats as drama unfolds in the second half. The portrayal of the character of the son from good to bad and then to the worse and redemption of the bad to good is a journey worth watching. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future is well portrayed.
Acting
The tiatr has a good combination of experienced and relatively new artistes. Aloma and Francisco shine as the children. Francisco displays good shades in his characterisation. Peter de Pedda as the god fearing and trusting dad carries the tiatr on his shoulders. All artistes contribute their share in forming a formidable team on stage.
Music
The tiatr band music led by saxophonist Nazareth is impressive, pleasing and soothing to the ears. The opening chorus by Peviola and Aloma gives the tiatr a good start after the introduction scene of the preaching of St John the Baptist at Jordan River. There are good solos by Socorro de Santa Cruz, Tony de Ribandar, Benny de Aldona, and Paul. But the pick of the day was a solo by Peviola sung with a mesmerising smile on her face. A trio on priesthood by Socorro de Santa Cruz, Tony de Ribandar and Benny de Aldona and an interactive quartet received good applause.
Comedy
The comedy of the tiatr is clean and decent. Comedian Agnelo shoulders the lead in comedy with ease. Comedian Lino is very natural in his act. However the comedy has no relation with the main lot and runs parallel to the plot of the tiatr as in a khell tiatr. The comedians prove that a tiatr can be well presented without resorting to vulgarity and body shaming.
Backstage
The Writer’s vision was brought up on stage with a decent ease by the director Paul who also produces the tiatr. The light effects were impressive. The background musical score was decent and satiating. The stage sets were good.
Direction
All artistes did a good natural job and the Director needs to be commended for this. There was good coordination of the backstage team with the artistes.
Reviewers take
The tiatr is an apt Lenten presentation and people should patronise this breed of tiatr during lent. However, if a few more Biblical scenes were adorned in the presentation giving a message when some grave developments take place, the tiatr could rise to greater heights. The director should also decide the type of songs that are featured in the tiatr as this sets the tone. Variety songs like interactive duets and duos are the hallmark of tiatr; omission of these is a deficiency of the art.
