18 March,2009 10:07 AM IST | | Melissa D'costa
The Witness will be performed by an ensemble cast that includes members of The Newman Choir, Cadenza Kantori and members from various parishes across the city Dancers of The Witness practice a scene. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar
Creativity, talent and the desire to reach out and spread the message of Jesus Christ was what motivated Mumbai professionals Joe and Celeste Cordo, Joscelyn Dias and college students Stephen Alvares and Vichita Kumar to come together to stage The Witness.
What's it about: The musical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ is told by Apostle Peter who narrates the miraculous events in Jesus' life through this dramatic presentation. Speaking about the experience Joe, an advertising professional says, "The Witness was first staged in the city way back in 1984, and is written by Jimmy and Carol Owens. It's been 25 years since, and we wanted the younger generation to enjoy it. That's why we decided to stage it at different parishes across the city." Joe who has also directed documentaries foru00a0 NGOs has used his experience in direction and filmmaking to train the cast of singers, dancers and actors. His wife Celeste, who is in-charge of music and the president of the Cadenza Kantori and the conductor of the Newman Choir, (two choirs which are also performing in The Witness) adds, "We are part of the JB Fernandes Sacred Music Foundation that conducts programmes during the season of Lent. A musical seemed like a good way to reach out to a larger audience. Since, rock music appeals to the younger generation, we have used it to draw in crowds."
It's a team effort: While Joe and Celeste have worked on the presentation of this musical, they have received ample support from the core team that also includes students Vichita Kumar and Stephen Alvares. They are performing and helping out backstage. They have been assisted by project manager Joscelyn who works with an IT firm, and is using his organisational skills to ensureu00a0 everything goes off smoothly.
Edward Mendes, associate Vice President with Datamatix Global Services Limited, who plays the role of Peter, says, "This is a team effort. Some have had to manage studies, others have had to make time from work, but it has all worked out well."
Now and then: Corinne Sequiera D'souza, the costume designer of The Witness says, "While the message of The Witness still remains the same, the way we have communicated it is different. We have tried to present the characters in an Indian setting using Indian costumes like the Kambli, which isu00a0 worn by shepherds in the remote areas of Belgaum, so that people can connect with the characters. In fact, all the characters are dressed in kurtas, sarees and salwar kameezes."u00a0u00a0
Highlights of the musical: This is the first time the organisers have decided to introduce The Witness like a roadshow musical moving out from their usual venue, Bandra, taking it to the western and central suburbs. The musical encourages audience participation especially during the carrying of the cross.
You can watch The Witness on: March 21 and 21, at 8 pm at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Borivli (W) and April 4 and 5 at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, St Anthony Road, Chembur at 8 pm.
Entry: Free entry passes are available at both venues and need to be collected in advance.
