Act I
Settings– The main scene of the play is set in a patio, which is an immense square. In the north of the square, there is a white church built on the foundation stone of a temple with Hindu carvings, similar to some churches in Goa. To the west of the patio is a Taverna, and to the east is a trellis balcony that partially overlooks the residence. Most of the action of the play occurs around this residence. In the middle of the square, there are some benches, possibly with a statue of Vasco Gama, the Portuguese explorer. This scene remains unchanged throughout the play, with only a few minor changes. The play takes place before the Indian takeover of Goa, when Goa was still a Portuguese colony.
Scene I – The scene is set in evening, introduces several characters in a scene set at a patio. The characters include a Portuguese local administrator, a Goan nationalist, an old woman with a repertoire of old wives’ tales, an old man, a Portuguese vicar, a Goan Hindu, and a smuggler. They form different groups but interact with each other. The main character, Senhora Miranda, enters the scene and attracts the attention of the regulars. She walks slowly, trying to hide any signs of tipsiness. As she passes by the different characters, she acknowledges some with bows and smiles, but ignores others. The regulars then gossip and remark about her.
In the background of this scene, a young girl and a young man have been talking on a balcony. They have been present but not particularly noticed until now. The regulars gradually leave, and the stage gets darker. The girl’s voice is heard, clear and beautiful, but also strange. She expresses her love for the young man but also her fear of loneliness in the dark. The scene ends with the boy giving her a rose and the girl becoming frightened. The scene fades with the boy’s silent words and the girl’s strange voice.
Scene II– The scene takes place in Goa, with various characters sitting on the patio of a tavern. The Portuguese administrator reflects on the history of Goa and its significance to him. There is a discussion between the Portuguese administrator and the Goan nationalist about whether Goa is a colony or a part of Portugal. The administrator expresses his love for Goa and its cultural diversity. The scene depicts the lively atmosphere of the village, with market days, church feasts, and cultural celebrations. The conversation shifts to the exploitation of Goa by the Portuguese administrator, which the nationalist accuses him of. The administrator defends himself by stating the financial burden of maintaining the colony. The conversation becomes tense, but they eventually continue drinking and enjoying the day. The vicar and the Goan Hindu engage in a conversation about religion and the church being built on the Hindu temple. The old woman and old man reflect on the destruction and devastation that has occurred in Goa. The smuggler interrupts the conversation and boasts about his wealth and connections. Alphonso enters the scene and is warmly received by the group.
Alphonso enters a gathering and drinks the Portuguese Administrator’s glass without permission. As Alphonso passes by various individuals, including the Vicar, an old man, and a smuggler, they greet him warmly. Senhora Miranda, Alphonso’s mistress and wife, eagerly embraces him and they share passionate kisses. They discuss their relationship and Senhora Miranda playfully teases Alphonso. Senhora Miranda expresses her desire to go to Portugal and reminisces about her former husband who died. Alphonso mentions his hometown in Portugal and his eventual plan to return there. Senhora Miranda expresses her dislike for their current location and her longing for Portugal. Alphonso questions Senhora Miranda about her father and her stories about her home. Senhora Miranda laughs off the conversation and suggests they dance and get drunk. Alphonso reveals he has a gift for Senhora Miranda, a gold necklace with a heavy cross pendant. Senhora Miranda admires the necklace and plans to wear it to church.
Senhora Miranda and Alphonso are engaged in a conversation about their relationship. Alphonso expresses his desire to stop talking, while Senhora Miranda wants to continue the conversation. They discuss the nature of their relationship and the way Alphonso behaves towards Senhora Miranda. Senhora Miranda reminisces about her past relationship with her husband and compares it to her current relationship with Alphonso. Alphonso questions Senhora Miranda’s statements and expresses his confusion. They share a tender moment and discuss Alphonso’s past as a boy. Senhora Miranda suggests that Alphonso could have a better life and job if he returns to Portugal. Alphonso becomes excited about the idea of taking over the Administrator’s job and living in a grand mansion. Senhora Miranda reminds Alphonso that he would need training and work in Portugal before being sent back to Goa. They discuss the possibility of starting small and finding a regular job elsewhere. Senhora Miranda becomes emotional and dreams of going to Lisbon. Alphonso teases her about different locations, including Diu, Daman, and Lisbon. Senhora Miranda becomes overwhelmed with emotions and cries.
Senhora Miranda expresses her desire for Alphonso and talks about her changing desires as she gets older. Alphonso is confused by Senhora Miranda’s words and tries to change the subject. Senhora Miranda expresses her disapproval of Alphonso’s friendships with certain people, specifically mentioning the Goans. Alphonso questions why there is a problem with his friendships and Senhora Miranda explains that they come from different backgrounds. Alphonso mentions that they both have parents and children, hinting at their shared humanity. Senhora Miranda becomes defensive when Alphonso mentions their child, Rose, who is dark-skinned. Alphonso reassures Senhora Miranda that Rose is beautiful and it doesn’t matter to him. Senhora Miranda insists that Alphonso ask her about Rose’s father and her own father. Senhora Miranda reveals that there is a discrepancy in her story and questions her own legitimacy and Rose’s parentage. Alphonso remains silent, indicating that it doesn’t matter to him. Senhora Miranda expresses her discomfort with colored people and her fear of feeling dirty. Alphonso defends Rose’s cleanliness and asserts that Rose is Goa.
Senhora Miranda expresses her pain and love for her daughter, who was conceived in a dark and bloody manner. Alphonso finds Senhora Miranda’s love to be dreadful and frightening. Rose, who is deaf, tries to remember what a voice sounds like and taught herself to read lips. Senhora Miranda tries to convince Alphonso to have a drink, but he refuses, stating that she takes advantage of him when he’s drunk. Senhora Miranda pours drinks for both of them, hoping it will equalize them, and they discuss what men talk about when they drink. The conversation becomes heated, and Alphonso slaps Senhora Miranda after she provokes him. Alphonso decides to leave for good, and Senhora Miranda tries to convince him to stay or take her with him. Senhora Miranda brings Rose into the room and talks about Alphonso’s feelings towards her. Alphonso cannot bring himself to look at Rose and eventually runs out. Senhora Miranda reassures Rose and predicts that Alphonso will return.
Scene III- The scene opens with nobody on the patio except for a boy and a girl (Rose) on the balcony. Senhora Miranda sits under the balcony and observes the boy and Rose communicating silently. Senhora Miranda becomes curious and raises her umbrella to knock on the balcony, alerting Rose. Senhora Miranda questions Rose about the boy and learns that Rose doesn’t know him but has communicated with him before. Senhora Miranda observes the boy and concludes that he is a stranger. She suggests that Rose call him in, and Rose hesitantly does so. The boy, Krishna, enters and introduces himself to Senhora Miranda and Rose. Senhora Miranda offers him a drink, but he declines. They engage in conversation, and Senhora Miranda notices Krishna’s focus on Rose. Senhora Miranda asks Rose to leave and get tea. Senhora Miranda compliments Krishna’s speech and finds him impressive. She questions his age and whether he is a real man. They discuss various topics, including drinking and equalization. Senhora Miranda brings up the difference in skin color between Rose and herself, suggesting it should mean something. Krishna dismisses the idea, leading to an argument about matching and rhyming.
Senhora Miranda is furious and attempts to strike Krishna, but he catches her hand and states that he does not commit violence. Krishna expresses his love for someone, mentioning that they have a deep connection and he has waited for them for a long time. Senhora Miranda comments on Rose’s preference for sweetness in her tea and makes it with one spoon of sugar for Krishna. Senhora Miranda walks around the room, speaking cryptically about Krishna’s speech and implying that he must pass through her to reach Rose. Senhora Miranda instructs Rose to tell Krishna to leave, and Rose hesitantly repeats the words. Krishna reacts angrily to Senhora Miranda’s actions and calls her a beast. Alphonso, who is drunk, enters the scene and Senhora Miranda embraces him passionately. Senhora Miranda speaks to Alphonso, mentioning that they have a lot to do before something can happen. Alphonso pleads for Maria, and Senhora Miranda enjoys hearing him say her name. Senhora Miranda introduces Krishna and Alphonso to each other and insists that they go to the Taverna for drinks. Krishna leads Alphonso out, and Maria changes her clothes and waits on the balcony. Krishna walks along the patio towards Maria’s house, while the Bench-Watchers observe silently. The people of Portuguese Goa react with hate, distrust, and fear towards Krishna as he walks towards Maria’s house. Krishna enters Maria’s house, and she greets him with a proud and triumphant smile.
Asif Currimbhoy Goa Act II Summary
One Reply to “Asif Currimbhoy Goa Summary Act I”