COAT TALES

Coat Tales is an English play directed by Pauline Furlong and written by Anushka Ravishankar is a family entertainer with generous doses of Hindi. The role of the writer is often undermined in a play, but with Coat Tales, Ravishankar plays a lead role from its conception to its staging. In Coat Tales, Anushka draws from stories of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan and dips into the Panchatantra and Vikram aur Betal. It was a play about five Indian folk tales from different traditions which have been re told, to create a play about how a boy becomes a storyteller. The stories are woven with songs, dance and music to create a seamless piece of theatre containing humor, suspense, pathos and valor. Music plays a key part in the play which was staged in the city in collaboration with Tadpole Repertory and Wide Aisle Productions. A band giving them company includes flautist Ritesh, son of famous flute exponent Rajendra Prasanna. Momo Ghosh, the play’s narrator, calls it a theatrical expedition that’s bright and ebullient. There’s a connection between Red Riding hood and princess Nautanki, and the animals coming to life are reminiscent of Brothers Grimm tales.

Friendship

I learned that God sends friends when
we need them the most and every friend
has a special purpose in our lives.

I learned that we often find
new friends in unexpected places.

I learned that despite the distance
between us, a real friendship grows
across the miles.

I learned that though we sometimes
expect someone to kick us down,
a true friend helps us stand back up.

I learned that we should not wait to
express our appreciation for our friends--
if we do, it will be too late.

I learned that we should be open to a
friend's view as two people can look at the
same thing and see something different.

I learned that we should not judge
our friends but respect their
way of life even if we disagree with it.

I learned that we should not only
take the time to talk to our friends,
but we should also listen and try
to understand.
If we can't understand,
we should accept.

I learned that our friends should
always take something good away with
them each time they cross our path.

I learned that friends sometimes
hurt us unintentionally, but we
should forget and forgive.

I learned that friends change
over time and that such change should
be welcomed as it's necessary for growth.

I learned that friends sometimes need
time and space, and we should
be thoughtful and understanding
of their needs.

I learned that you should treat a friend
kindly today, for the people we love the most
are often taken away from us too soon.

I learned that friendship is a candle
that lights our way, and though
it flickers against the
winds of time, distance, and change,
its beauty endures
and shines forever in our hearts.

GOA CARRNIVAL 2010

Event: Goa Carnival .
Date: 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th February 2010
Venue: Panjim, Margao, Vasco & Mapusa

Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited festivals of Goa, which is celebrated here since the 18th century where the entire state plunges into joy-making for 4 whole days. The carnival symbolizes the fun-loving culture that is characteristic of Goa. The carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state, which was a dominion of Portugal till 1961.

The word carnival is believed to be derived from the Latin words 'Carne' (meat) and 'Vale' (good bye), meaning 'to take away meat where people stay away from meat during the 40-day period of fasting of Lent that follows it. The Goa carnival, a 4-day fest, had its birth in Goa during the era of King Momo. He ushered in the Goa carnival just before the Lent season, a season of fasting and penance amongst Christians. Although this festival was primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition.

The parade is marked by the tableau carrying Legendary King Momo accompanied along with his queen and dancing belles wherein the King reads a decree proclaiming his rule for next 4 days, appealing to the public to eat, drink and make merry during the festival period.

During carnival parade there is a riot of colors on the street when the procession comes in its true form, all geared up with sparkling floats and troupes of masked revelers. The parade also included a large number of tableau based on the themes like Goa as well as environmental and social concerns. As a part of carnival festival it is also celebrated in interior locations of Goa in a more traditional way like having one act plays, tiatr, khell, etc to continue lighting the mood of carnival. Though it started as a celebration enjoyed only by the local population, it has today crossed the state frontiers and attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

The parade would be held in major cities from 4.00 pm to 7.00pm as follows:
13th Feb 2010: Panjim
14th Feb 2010: Margao
15th Feb 2010: Vasco
16th Feb 2010: Mapusa