A play about Nano Nagle with a challenge for us all: Gamechanger
By Sr Mary Deane PBVM
We were delighted to welcome a group of actors from Goa in India to perfom the Tiatr Gamechanger. Inspired by the life of Venerable Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters who will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of their foundation next year, Gamechanger explores the legacy of Nano, while addressing modern-day issues such as education, environmental responsibility and social justice.
A Tiatr is a special feature of Goan culture; it uses drama, music, satire and special effects to raise awareness about social and political issues. Gamechanger was written and directed by Alexin de Morjim, with the orginal concept by Sr Sofia D’Souza - a Presentation Sister who teaches at St Pius X High School in Orlim, Goa. The show was first perfomed in Goa before coming to England in October where there were a number of performances in venues in London - at Wembley and Southall - and also in Swindon.
Performed in Konkani, it was an amazing experience, and even though I didn‘t understand it all I was just caught up in the enjoyment, energy, exuberance and talent of the perfomers and got carried away with the performance. I was grateful for my translators who gave a brief outline of what was happening. As we know, music, pathos and laughter can often transcend words.
The show was immensely entertaining, and involved a large group of people including performers, musicians, back stage helpers not to mention friends and volunteers from the Goan community in the UK and Ireland who helped to support this production is so many ways. We were delighted that Sr Sheila D’Sa from the Congregational Leadership Team and Sr Ninfa Da Cruz from the Mission House in Lucan, who are both from Goa, were able to attend the performances in London.
L to R: Srs Mary Deane, Sofia D’Souza, Ninfa Da Cruz, Eleanor O’Gorman, Sheila D’Sa
Throughout the Tiatr we were reminded that just as Nano Nagle was a Gamechanger and transformed lives in her time, each of us has a responsibility to be Game changers in our world today.
I wonder if I am a game changer?
Sr Mary Deane PBVM
Guests on left and performers: Fr Bolmax Pereira, Sr Sofia D’Souza, Alexin de Morjim - Writer and Director
Sisters and Friends of Nano, attending the performance in Swindon