Uttoradhikaar (The Inheritance) is the story of a time of change that revolves around the DeCunha family estate and the disintegration of its once glorious past. Margarita DeCunha, Portuguese by descent and Goan by birth, struggles to save the estate amidst political turbulence as India and Portugal wrangle over Goa’s ownership. The play produced by Eastern Thespians will be showcased in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from 28th to 31 August at Merchants Hall.
I went to watch the play at the Chelsea Theatre on its opening night. Revolving around a complex theme of identity, roots, allegiance, self-love, relationships, it switches between two eras- connected by similar problems of love, politics, betrayal, and patriotism.
Written and directed by a very talented Dr Debasish Banerjee, the play focuses mostly on Margarita, the loss and pain she faces, torn between duties and her yearning for a perfect Portugese Goa. Chandrayee Sengupta as Margarita is eloquent and quite poignant.
Other actors are worth noting too, though they do not get much scope to showcase their full talent. A bit longish in duration- it has all the right ingredients for a fine theatre rendition. If you are in Fringe, I encourage you to go and see this production.
