The scriptural parable, ‘The Prodigal Son’, staged on Friday, 24th November 2000, at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait, leaves an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of the audience. As part of the Jubilee celebration, His Lordship, Francis Micallef, hosted this event with a thematic significance of the Heavenly Father’s love for each one of us. KNST’s Allwyn D’Silva expressively led the community into a united prayer.

Evident from the resounding applause, the writer and director of this play, Xavier Mendes, has successfully evangelized the depth of this message - are we not prodigal after all ? The thunderous opening with James Franco’s techno sounds commingled with our friendly Filipino Community Choir and the dancing children in white created a classic impact.

The ‘Mendes Brothers’ one of the stage foremost performers lifted the show to a higher plane with a blend of poignant seriousness (Felix’s role as father) and splitting humour (Derrick as Gornal). Tony Call’s performance added to its individuality. Most of the artistes in the hierarchy from majors to minors, skillfully moulded by Xavier, made their debut on stage - the contemporary Prodigal son (Ashley Vaz), mother (Barbara Kamath), Gornal’s wife (Anita D’Souza). Kudos to all the children and youth who displayed vivid talents under the choreographic guidance of Clementine Mendes and Anita. Janette Fernandes’ super animation signaled messages to the receptive onlooker. Blossom’s keynotes with synthesized effects enhanced the acoustics synchronized with Cassius Gomes music sequences. The side show performers Dr Alroy Fernandes, Charismatic children, James Franco got the spectators into the swing of things.

Of greater importance is the technical crew who invariably go unrecognized or unannounced. The spotlight is now on Bruno Lobo, modest by nature yet whose meticulous planning and ceaseless efforts shouldered the play ‘under construction’ from the minutest to the biggest detail. Audio visuals by Tony Fernandes and stage settings by James Franco, Louis Rodrigues, Rupert D’Costa, Chris D’Silva set a spectacular dimension to the sound-and-light background. Thanks to Ruby D’Souza and Vero Vaz for the radiance and glamour to the scenario. Eugene’s artistic stage props naturally depicted the environment. A proverbial treat of fish and loaves - oops - refreshments awaited a worthy community audience. Enormous thanks to the volunteers and Bruno in coordinating the greeting, seating, serving, printing, colour copying, stage and prop mobilising and serving arrangements.

The Prodigal Son has effectively touched all. Shall we then practice what is preached (from stage?) If only we could fathom our Heavenly Father’s compassion, how much more do we need to focus on God’s Kingdom and claim heirship through our Lord Jesus, the WORD of God. Let there be more inspirational repertoires such as the Prodigal Son to yield and bring forth God’s kingdom to all the ends of the earth.