By Ms Rica Lavilla and Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby, PNG, 15 August 2016 -- Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu staged its first ever live musical entitled ‘Live the DREAM’, on August 15, 2016 at the school’s Kurongku Hall, to a packed audience of 1,800 guests.

The musical, an adaptation of the Spanish presentation of ‘Don Bosco, a cantata’ by Fr. Belarmino Sánchez sdb, was translated into English by Mumbai based Salesian Fr. Ian Doulton sdb. It was localized for Papua New Guinea by Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb and Ms. Rica Lavilla.

The Salesian family headed by the newly installed Provincial of PNG-Solomon Islands Fr. Peter Baquero, SDB, Fr. Nicolas Guidi, first secretary of the Apostolic Nuncio, Mrs Coretta Naig, Executive Director of TFF-Education, different religious orders in Port Moresby, performers’ parents, guardians and friends came to watch and musical play staged by a cast of three hundred and twenty members.

Live the Dream, presents key moments in the life of Don Bosco, his youth, his joyful vision of faith in what was in store for him, his cheerful and attractive sanctity. It is about St. John Bosco’s first extra-ordinary dream when he was nine years old. In his dream Little Johnny Bosco found himself fighting a large crowd of rowdy lads who were cursing and fighting. He tried to stop them but they refused to listen to him. Suddenly, a man appeared, who said, “Not with blows will you help these boys, but with goodness and kindness! In his autobiographical Memoirs of the Oratory, Don Bosco said, his first dream was the most important one. It was the dream that set the course for his entire life.

The theater performance was excellently rendered live with instrumentation and a back-up choir by the music group. Little Johnny was played by Christopher Naukue of Gr. 9 Besucco class while Don Bosco was portrayed by Howard Unna of Gr. 11 Srugi. Mrs. Abono Miwasa one of the school’s ancillary staff played the character of Mama Margaret. As she sang, ‘Now you’re a priest forever’ she brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. Groups of performers from different departments including the teaching and non-teaching staff added color and excitement to the musical. The narrators and present day images of parents and students brought the message closer to everyone in the audience. “The musical inspires the young to make a positive change as the characters portray the dream of Don Bosco with feeling and emotion”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereria sdb, coordinator of the production.

Every scene was challenging, in that it invited the audience to look attentively at the problems that youngsters grapple with today. It strives to encourage the youth to move from the mere statement of a problem to follow the example of the Saint of youth. Live the Dream is not just sight and sound to behold, it also encouraged everyone who watched and took part in the different roles to share in living today Don Bosco’s dream at nine. A grateful director, Ms Rica Lavilla was filled with emotion as she expressed her thanks to every member of the cast and crew for the weeks of hard work, sleepless nights and endless practice.

Expressions of appreciation were on the lips of all in the audience. Here are a few comments:

“Congrats! I was impressed by the many staff, students and collaborators who put in their best to present an inspiring and entertaining show. Thanks and God bless”, - Fr. Ariel Macatangay sdb, Principal of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko.

“It has been an excellent and overwhelming performance. My son is a quiet by and we were overwhelmed to see him on stage”, - Mr Pukari Tore, who came to Port Moresby with his family specially for the performance.

“The musical was very enjoyable and a real treat to Don Bosco”, - Fr. Clifford Morais.

“Awesome! I loved the performance and am proud of my Alma Mater. I was touched by the message to relive the dream”, - Emil Vake, PTCA President and past pupil.

Earlier in the day, Fr. Roger Miranda sdb, celebrated the solemn Eucharist in honour of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother. He was joined by Fr. Paul Kote, Radio Maria, Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb and Fr. Sonny Farjardo. Bosco Got Talent, the Community Day and the Bible Quiz will follow in the days ahead. All these are part of the 201st birth anniversary celebrations of St. John Bosco.

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