2 weeks Ago By Mario Pires
Inspired by the exemplary life and work of St Francis Xavier in different parts of the world, many artistes have been motivated to bring on stage, or screen, the various facets of Goemcho Saib through drama, films, operettas and musicals. The sole intention of those who are motivated to create their own products is to highlight St Francis Xavier as a man on a mission, whose desire was to proclaim the Good News to others. One among these artistes is Ageema Fernandes, who will be presenting a Konkani play Mhozo Ixtt Francis, based on the life of St Francis Xavier, on December 3, 2024 – the feast day of patron saint – at Ravindra Bhavan , Margao at 7.
30pm. The Konkani play, Mhozo Ixtt Francis , features loads of laughter, and stories of miracles and faith, has been written and directed by Ageema Fernandes. It will be presented under the banner ‘The Goa Culture Guild’.
Throwing light on the inspiration behind the entire project, she mentioned that she was talking to a friend about putting up a play in 2025, and was asked why she did not consider staging a play during the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. “There was instant excitement about the idea,” she mentioned. “And, the need to backtrack did not follow.
My late brother was also called Fraxier, his name being derived from St Francis Xavier. And so, a strong sense of devotion to the great saint continued,” she added. Elaborating on the production, Fernandes said, ‘The Konkani play, Mhozo Ixtt Francis, is centred on a young boy, Santosh, and his relationship with St Francis Xavier.
"There are nine characters in the play, apart from an elaborate stage set, special effects, special sound and light effects, delightful acts, loads of humour and emotional high points," she said. "And, we will be revisiting most of his great works of faith, all woven into a play.” “The entire plot is Goa-centric, highlighting how St Francis Xavier mingled with the locals when he came down to Goa to spread the Good News,” Fernandes continued.
“Initially, the script was worked upon, and following that, the hunt for artistes began through auditions. Once the artistes were identified as per the characters, more developments followed in the script,” she added. “Two hymns in the play are attributed to St Francis Xavier,” the director of Mhozo Ixtt Francis shared.
While she has modest expectations from the audience, she hopes that they will be able to connect with the play while watching it. She has put in her all in every aspect of the show to deliver a quality performance and hopes for a positive response from the audience. “The role of Santosh is played by a Catholic artiste,” Fernandes mentioned.
“But, since he has many Hindu friends, he has tried to pick up the nuances of that typical Hindu accent from his pals and will give his best on stage.” Other productions based on St Francis Xavier being staged in Goa currently include the Konkani tiatr, Goemcho Saib (by Michael Gracias), the operetta Porgottnar (by the committee for the exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier), Konkani film The Candle Still Burns (by Agnelo Fernandes) and the English musical opera, Xavier’s Mission China (by Fr Allan Tavares sfx). You can watch Ageema Fernandes’ Konkani play, Mhozo Ixtt Francis, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, at 7.
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