Eka Patkiak Lagon

WAGES OF SIN

By Daniel F De Souza

A BRIEF romantic misadventure, an illegitimate child, a broken love affair, a miscarriage, followed by a cold blooded murder and consequential suicide all neatly inter-woven together in a plot and you have a absorbing play called “Eka Patkiak Lagon .” The title of the play itself is very catchy giving one the chance to contemplate and imagine. The gist of the plot is how a happy life can take a negative turn and cause irreparable damage all for the sake of one sinner. A sleek presentation ‘Ek Patkiak Lagon' is presently drawing good crowds in the major towns of Goa .

I do not however wish to spell out the story line in detail, since this show is scheduled to be staged through this monsoon season. Nevertheless, as is the trademark of Roseferns shows, “Eka Patkiak Lagon” too has a very intricate and twisty tale, which keeps the audience guessing for the major part of the play. The show however goes a little beyond the customary three hours. The show begins with an opening chorus sung in pairs by six different artistes. This is something different from what we usually see. The opening scene is excellent in its depiction, relevant to the plot and well executed with the appropriate light and sound settings. It received a spontaneous and thunderous applause at Panjim from the viewers. Good work by Tony de Ribandar.

The play which begins on a romantic note at the foot of a village cross also has the most revealing part of the plot at the fag end at the very same spot. Nadia (Roshan) and Rahul (Victor) are deeply in love. Rahul the only son of wealthy Jeremias Machado (Roseferns) reveals his love story to this father. Rahul's father accepts his choice and there is no opposition of any kind.

Jeremias is willing to get his son Rahul married to Nadia. But, when Jeremias visits Nadia's residence to confirm and settle the marriage proposal with Nadia's mother Nancy, (Kezia) the story takes a different turn altogether. There is a quick exchange of emotional words between Nancy and Jeremias in the absence of their two children. The scene is effectively shown with good light effects and background music.

What follows next is a shocking revelation. I do not wish to reveal the secret for it will spoil the charm of seeing the play. Jeremias who all this time was in favour of the marriage of his son Rahul to Kezia does a volte face. He is against the marriage and like a responsible father and in atonement for his past mistake reveals the entire truth behind his behaviour to his son. This is a very absorbing scene and both father and son portray the emotions very well. What happens next, is that Rahul leaves his father's house and goes away without leaving any clue of this whereabouts. He returns back several years later as a priest. Surprised, aren't you? This is what keeps the story moving ahead to reveal the actual sinner.


A touching scene from Eka Patkiak Lagon.
What happens to Nadia one may ask, does she join the convent?? No, she is shattered no doubt with the sudden turn of events and disappearance of Rahul. Her love is too strong and she still pines and longs for Rahul. Nadia spurns off the romantic overtures from Joy a youth who has just returned from Bangalore . Kezia, the daughter of Jeremias enters the scene on her return from Bangalore after finishing her studies. She has her eyes on Joy, but Joy gives her the cold shoulder for he has his eyes set on pretty Nadia. Well, as they say all is fair in love and war, Nadia finally relents and with the help of Jeremias she proposes to Joy and they are happily married. Kezia wants to get even. She combines with Rubberband (Peter) to fulfill her plans. Now, why does Jeremias come to the help of Nadia in getting her married to Joy?? What is the reason for his fatherly concern in the well being of this girl named Nadia?? Well, Jeremias has a valid reason for that little extra concern, and the viewer is all aware of this right through the plot except for Nadia.

The marriage of Joy and Nadia is solemnised by Fr. Rahul, and something strange happens at the time of the nuptials. Thereafter several twists and turns brings Fr. Rahul and Nadia together once again under different circumstances. This gives rise to suspicion in the mind of Joy. He begins to ill treat Nadia, Rubberband and Kezia add fuel to the already burning fire. Nadia conceives but, Joy in his fit of anger and misunderstanding suspects Nadia's fidelity. She undergoes a miscarriage on account of Joy's violent behaviour. Another twist. There is the sudden disappearance of Fr. Rahul. Nobody knows his whereabouts.

What happens finally and how the innocence of Nadia is vindicated in the end is well narrated . But, not before sufficient damage is done and couple of lives are lost under tragic circumstances. All this for the sake of a single sinner!! See the play with your family for it does have a message. Comedians Agostinho Temudo as a corrupt to the core Inspector Joao Baptista Costa and Sally combine extremely well to bring about hilarious laughter at intermittent intervals. Agostinho is just too much and portrays the character very closely with a smooth shaven skull. His actions, dialogue delivery and actions evoke natural laughter. Sally has given good account of himself as a natural comedian opposite Agostinho. The humorous telephone conversation between Inspector Joao Baptista and the caller at the Police station and later the jokes on Valentine Day and Children's Day are really good.

Kezia the newcomer to the Roseferns troupe is a good pick and she has given commendable performance in a double role. She sings and emotes well too. Victor is good in the role of the priest and his singing talents are well exploited by the Director. Ulhas Tari as Joy is very dashing and natural in the role. Looks very confident and well poised. He has also lent his voice well to the opening chorus. Peter (Rubberband) plays a different and a difficult role altogether, but, he has given a polished and appreciative performance in this negative role. His change of costumes suits him well in the given role. Roshan is also good and natural as Nadia and has lent her melodious voice very well to all the ‘kantos' she sings. Roseferns takes the cake for his portrayal of the rich man and sensible father Jeremias Machado.

Juju and his naughty boys have provided soothing musical score and the background music is pleasing and soft without clashing with the delivery of dialogue. Aires Almeida as the light man has done a good job. And the message in “Eka Patkeak Lagon” is loud and clear, ‘Keep away from sin if you want to lead a good life without any misfortunes. A single sinner can sink the boat of your life.'

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