Master Vaz to open tiatr Academy

Master Vaz to open tiatr Academy
15 Feb 2009, 0014 hrs IST, TNN


PANAJI: Tiatr Academy of Goa will be inaugurated by Master Vaz, an eminent tiatrist and Goa State Cultural Awardee, in the presence of chief minister Digambar Kamat on February 16, 2009 at 5.30 pm during a function jointly organized by Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture, Panaji & Tiatr Academy of Goa at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

Fifteen tiatr artists from Mumbai and Goa namely Ophelia, Antonette,Titta Pretto, Anita, Clara, Lucasa, Star of Arrosi, Antonio Moraes, C D Silva, Thomas Antao, Remmie Colaco, M Boyer, John Claro, Master Vaz and Philomena Crasto will be honoured on the occasion.

The main function will be followed by a cultural programme of comedy skits and songs by professional and amateur artists consisting of Roseferns, Peter-Roshan, bab Myton, Victor, Maria Menezes, Rosy Alvares, Lawy Travasso, Joana, Edilson, Baby Rioma, Prince Jacob, Supremo Hubert, Agostinho, Selvy, Jesus, Hortencio Pereira, Anil Kumar, Fatima, Rocky, Baby Zlyana, Xavier Gomes, Marcus Vaz, Felcy, C D Silva, Shaikh Amir, Marcelino de Betim and Ben Envagalisto.

The programme will be co-ordinated by Mario de Vasco and compered by Daniel F de Souza.

http://mefeedia.com/entry/tiatr-academy-of-goa-a-show/14510322

http://ishare.rediff.com/filevideo-tiatr-academy-show-id-575320.php




http://gasparalmeidawrites.blogspot.com/2007/12/konkani-cd-classic-goa-hits-of.html

16 Goan personalities get cultural awards

16 get cultural awards
BY HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, APRIL 30 - State Cultural awards were bestowed on 16 personalities for their immense contribution to the field of art and culture, at an impressive function held at Kala Academy here.
The award recipients are: Damodar Mauzo (Literature), Dr Somanath Datta Komarpant (Literature), John Gomes Kokoy(Literature), Maruti Venkatesh Kurdekar (Music), Augustinho Costa alias August De Panchwadi (Music), Ramanand Baboirao Raikar (Music), Mahananda Babuamonkar alias Yelekar (Drama), Patrick Dourado (Tiatro), Maria C Cardozo alias Jessie Dias (Tiatro), Rama Bhima Perni Vaghurmekar (Folk Art), Benicio Vitorino Pereira (Folk Art), Madhusudan Krishna Chari (Bhajan), Madhusudan Gangaram Thali (Bhajan), Shripadbuva Ramkrishna Dhole (Kirtan), Paulino Fernandes (Craft) and Shyam Dulba Kalangutkar (Craft).
The Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who is also the Minister for Art & Culture was the chief guest and presented the awards.
Dr Somanath Komarpant and John Gomes Kokoy also expressed their views.
The CM congratulated the recipients on receiving the awards. He further stated that the directorate had worked really hard to organise the events. The main credit should go to the director and if the captain is efficient and who can bring out the output then the office and Government also runs smoothly. The CM also congratulated the Director of Art and Culture because under his leadership the Department of Art and Culture received ISO 9001 trademark. The CM further said that Government is providing help to the artistes to show their talent exposure in different parts of the country and in the world.
Development Commissioner and Secretary (Art and Culture) Anand Prakash, Chairman of Selection Committee Shreedar Kamat were also present. The Secretary of Art and Culture, Anand Prakash welcomed the guests with the bouquets.
The Chairman of Selection Committee Shreedhar Kamat Bambolkar presented his view on the occasion stating that culture is the heritage of the State and stressed the need to preserve it.
The Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolyekar proposed the vote of thanks and Tripti Chari compered the function.

“Tiatr” must be given its rightful place - the BJP Cultural cell

‘Tiatr is cultural heritage of State’
MARGAO, JUNE 25 – Maintaining that “tiatr” must be given its rightful place, the BJP Cultural cell has expressed surprise at the step-motherly treatment given to Konkani tiatr by the Kala Academy by deliberately keeping it out of the Goan-multilingual drama festival this year.
BJP Cultural Cell Convenor, Siddhanath Ulhas Buyao said that Konkani tiatr is the cultural heritage of Goa and is by far the most popular drama form in the State today.

“Konkani tiatr today is no more a drama-form of any community, but belongs to all Goans. It is appreciated and supported by all Goans”, he said.
Buyao said during the Ganesh festival, one will find Konkani tiatr being staged in all the mandaps and the audience is from all the communities.
In fact, he said that Konkani tiatr has gained so much popularity in Goa that the name of “Konkani tiatr” should have appeared first in the list of the Kala Academy while organizing the festival.
Buyao said the Cultural Cell of the BJP believes that all drama-forms of Goa should get equal representation in all festivals, organized by the Goa government, without any bias.
“The Kala Academy is in full knowledge, that it’s highest revenue today is coming from Konkani Tiatr alone. Then with what justification do they drop out Konkani Tiatr from such festivals. Is this not a concealed communalism of the Congress. Is this not a Congress type of divide and rule policy”, he asked.
Saying that the BJP does not believe in playing politics with Art & Culture, Buyao said the BJP will take necessary measures with the help of Goan people to ensure the Kala Academy gives due recognition to tiatr.

CM throws open Ravindra Bhavan

CM throws open Ravindra Bhavan
HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JULY 20 – Amidst showcasing of Goa’s diverse art and culture, the Rs 20-crore first phase of the Ravindra Bhavan was formally dedicated to the people of Goa at a glittering ceremony here on Sunday evening.
Flanked by South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and Rajya Sabha MP, Shantaram Naik, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat led the citizens of Salcete to formally inaugurate the imposing centre of art and culture at Goa’s biggest air-conditioned 1150 capacity auditorium named after Pai tiatrist, Agostinho Joao Fernandes.
Union Art and Culture Minister, Ambika Soni could not make it for the inaugural ceremony due to political compulsions, but she was represented by Union Secretary for Art and Culture, Abhihit Sen Gupta, who appeared impressed with the stage setting as well as the cultural programme. “The creativity and talent of the artists is simply brilliant”, he said, while lauding the Goa Art & Culture department for getting the ISO-9001 certification.
In his address, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the day will be written in golden letters as credit goes to Madgavkars for hosting the biggest Ac auditorium in the state. “Margao was not just the commercial capital, but the state’s cultural capital. But, unfortunately, most of the art and culture facilities were concentrated at Kala Academy, leaving Madgavkars and Shashtikars behind. The inauguration of the Ravindra Bhavan will put back Margao again on the cultural map of Goa”, he said.
Kamat made a humble appeal to the citizens to treat the Ravindra Bhavan as their very own and help in its maintenance. “Citizens too should share the responsibility on the maintenance of the cultural centre”, he appealed.
Kamat took digs at the opponents by saying all the artists who performed at the inaugural ceremony are all Goan “We have not brought any outsiders to perform”, he said and reiterated the government’s resolve to help local artists.
“Today is truly the day of art and culture’, remarked Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik and requested the citizens to treat the centre as their own house.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said the dream of people of South Goa and Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has finally come true. “When I was the Chief Minister, Kamat asked for the Art and Culture portfolio. He wanted to build the Ravindra Bhavan facility in Margao”, Sardinha recalled.
Director of Art & Culture, Prasad Lolienkar said the open air auditorium will be build in the second phase.

Goa's Innovative, Creative Gift To India's Multicultural Ethos

Goa's Innovative, Creative Gift To India's Multicultural Ethos
by NANDKUMAR KAMAT

TIATR to offer a simple definition, is the self censored, liberal and progressive, democratic and dynamic theatre of the fun loving Konkani speaking masses. It is a polychromatic kaleidoscopic celebration of the travails and triumphs of life - life as seen from an ordinary Goan's perspective. It is absolutely different from modern Marathi or Konkani theatre.Tiatr is Goa�s cultural, social and political window.
Tiatr is a non-violent medium of mass catharsis. The audience of Tiatr establishes a communion with the stage. The members laugh, cry, weep, sing-along, cheer, despair, celebrate, applaud, taunt, ridicule and at the end of the show seem excited but relaxed. Good tiatrs have become household cultural icons. Many artists who actually lead a simple private, non-glamorous life also achieve instant celebrity status.
Although it is not admitted sincerely - Tiatr is undoubtedly Goa's innovative and creative gift to the vast spectrum of India's mind boggling multicultural ethos.
Tiatr was Goa's rediscovery of forgotten Indo-European traditions. The residual folk elements of Tiatr are still traceable in jagor,lokam khel and intruz. The Italian opera was possibly born out of ancient Indian musical theatre (sangitikas). It bears a typical Indo-European cultural stamp. Goan artists in Bombay were inspired by the Italian opera. Originally they performed crude imitations. But later original scripts were written - many with progressive social themes. After many innovations and modifications the Goan tiatr achieved its� present identity, probably before the beginning of the Second World War.
Tiatr remained neglected till the newly established Goa Kala Akademy in 1974 decided to organise Tiatr competitions at the state level. These competitions caused an explosion of young talent. The beauty of this competition was its� simple organization and consistency. Today Konkani Tiatr has become a secular stage. What was originally seen as a theatre dominated by Roman Catholic artists has proved today as an accommodative form which welcomes any talented Konkani speaking artist irrespective of religion, caste, gender. The tiatrists have also moulded themselves as messengers of peace, social harmony, justice and upholders of secular spirit of India. Tiatrists, who present powerful social themes, have volunteered to act as conscience keepers of the society.
Let us contrast their undeclared mission with the self styled fascist moral police who have recently erupted in cities like Mangalore. As long as Tiatr is flourishing and thriving, the society would never tolerate the fascist virus of moral policing in Goa.
Modern Tiatr has undergone vast transformation in the past 30 years. More than 2000 shows of tiatr are performed every year. With an average audience of 700, it is estimated that more than a million people patronise tiatr. Globalisation and economic recession have not affected the popularity of tiatr because people relate to this form intimately. Tiatr fully deserves the status of cultural industry because it is a source of direct and indirect employment of more than ten thousand Goans who do not depend on any subsidy from the state government. Tiatr producers work with meager capital and are often stretched beyond their financial capacity to support a good production. Therefore by officially according the status of cultural industry to Goa's Tiatr, the government would be offering employment security to ten thousand Goans. This makes sound economic, cultural and political sense.
February 16 is a red-letter day in the post liberation cultural history of Goa. Consistent with the objectives of UNESCO and commitments made in the cultural policy of Goa, 2007, Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat took concrete, positive and determined steps to establish the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG). TAG would be formally launched by the legendary tiatrist, Master Vaz (Jose Francisco Vaz), at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on February 16. All the efforts of the tiatrists to get state recognition which was denied to them for past 117 years have not been wasted. TAG would be an all-purpose vehicle to preserve, conserve and promote Tiatr and all the issues - economic, cultural, social, administrative associated with this theatre and the industry. Formation of TAG is a signal to the global cultural community that as promised in it�s cultural policy, the government of Goa is committed to usher in a cultural democracy.
There is also broad political support for TAG, which indicates that our politicians have also understood the power and potential of this theatre. The government may liberally support TAG in future but ultimately success of its� mission would depend on team spirit, team work and action plan of Goa's small community of tiatrists. They need to sink their differences, if any, work together and lay down a strong foundation of TAG. TAG need to also work closely with Konkani Akademy, Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Konkani Sahitya Parishad, Asmitai Pratisthan, Dalgado Akademy, TSKK and XCHR, Kala Academy, Goa University, institutions of Government of India, Goan organisations abroad and the institutions promoting indigenous theatres in Europe and Asia. TAG need to aim for the status of UNESCO accredited national Academy in future. That would promote international collaborations and exchange of research scholars.


The centenary (1910-2010) of recorded Konkani music begins from this year. This is a historic occasion because Konkani singers and musicians have enriched India�s musical traditions. Frank Fernand, Chris Perry, Alfred and Rita Rose, Micael Martins, Jacint Vaz, Anthony Gonsalves, Sebastian De souza, Dattaram, N Datta, Emiliano Da Cruz, Padmashree Remo Fernandes and the Mageshkars (Lata, Asha, Hridaynath) are a few illustrative legendary names. People would love to know more about India's most popular trumpeter, Antonio Xavier Vaz - fondly known as Chic Chocolate. Who can forget his music in 'Albela'? TAG needs to celebrate the centenary of recorded Konkani music. An international archives of Konkani songs and music albums need to be established. A global biobibliographic, musico and filmographic database of all Konkani artists needs to be created. TAG could also publish an annual directory of Tiatr artists and yearbook on the tiatr industry. Formation of TAG adds a feather in cap of CM Mr Digambar Kamat. He would be remembered as a politician who understood the importance of Tiatr as a powerful creative cultural form and extended a hand of patronage to take a significant step towards making Goa a vibrant and flourishing cultural democracy. Let there be an all round applause for success of TAG.

http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=2009021654


(Picture insert courtesy Rewon Gomes & KGTS}
(c) All rights reserved, www.goa-world.com




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Tiatr Day 2007 Celebrated

Tiatr Day 2007

Kala Academy Goa Celebrates 'Tiatr Day' on 17th April every year since
1996. On this day KA felicitates selected tiatr artistes for their lifetime
contribution to the field of Tiatr..

Some highlights:
- Ophelia in her speech said Miss Mohana, her sister, was the first female
artiste to act on stage.
Ophelia (see video clip) disclosed that the daughter of Late C Alvares is
making a film titled ' DISON KUDDO AIKON BHERO'
She as usual, finished her speech by singing a few line from the popular
patriotic song (see video).

- Jr. Rod was not seen (it appears that he has boycotted the ceremony as his
father Minguel Rod never honoured by the state.

A general question to all Was it Tiatr Day Celebration or the 115th
Anniversary of Tiatr? Everyone knows that a Cat take the place of a Dog, so
is the case of our Kala Academy in Goa, there are non-tiatrist and non-goans
warming the big seats, these seats must be occupied by real tiatrist in
order to organize such celebrations.

1. Bai Ophelia I'm extremely Happy that you have been felicitated for
your lifetime contribution to the field of Tiatr, in your speech you
mentioned your Sis. Mohana as the first female artiste to act on stage, just
see here below the history of our Goan Women in History, which I feel is a
brief answer to clarify the point, No offence please.


A TRIBUTE TO WOMEN IN GOAN HISTORY

"Women's Day" was celebrated worldwide on 8th March 2005 and a tribute was
paid to all women living and dead as well. There were a lot of reports on
every News Paper, lot of debates on the TV broadcast, etc. etc.

While reading one of our Goan Newspapers "THE SUNDAY NAVHIND TIMES" dated
13th March. 2005, I was really surprised to read one particular article on
"Panorama", I'm sure you too will be astonished.

Many may even have just neglected the article, but all those who are
preserving the Goan History records, this could be very vital, specially to
Tiatrist and students of present times. The article was written by "Mr.
Prajal Sakhardande" (Pages from the past), and the text reads as follows:-

THEY WERE THE FIRST.
A Tribute to Women in Goan History.

The first Goan woman psychiatrist was Dr Ms Adelia Costa and Laxmibai
Talaulikar, Gawdulaka Kholkar were the first voijins.
The first Goan woman scientist was Dr Ms Beatriz De Menezes Braganza.
The first women Sports Director of Goa and a Phd in Sports was Dr Ms Suzana
D'Souza.
The first professional Goan Women Photographer was Palmira Coutinho.
The first Goan model was Sooranga Moolgaokar for Raja Ravi Verma's paintings
in the 1870's.
The very first woman actress on the Indian screen was a Goan from Asnoda,
her name was Kamlabai Kamat (Gokhale). It was a silent film produced by
Dadasaheb Phalke, the the father of Indian Cinema in 1913. People hardly
know this fact.
Durga Khote (Lad) another Goan from Sanvordem followed soon and became
popular.

The first Goan womam to act on Marathi stage was a classical singer named Jyotsna Bhole.
The first Goan woman to act on Konkani stage (Tiatr) in the first Tiatr Italian Bhurgo in 1892 was Regina Fernandes.
The first Goan girl to act in the first Konkani film Mogacho Aoundo in 1950 was Lena Fernandes.
The first Indian to win the "Miss World" title was Goan Ms Rita Faria in the year 1966.
The first Goan painter was Prafulla Dhanukar.
The first Goan woman classical singer Kesarbai Kerkar was bestowed the title
"Surashree" by Poet Laureatte Rabindranath Tagore.
Mohana Palkar was the Goan dancer at the court of the Peshwa in the year 1875.
The first woman historian of Goa was Maria Ermilinda Stuarts Gomes and almost contemporary to was Propercia Correia Afonso Figuerido in the late 19th and early
20th century.
The first Goam Woman Teachers were Ana Joaquina D'Souza Correia and Piyush
Bandodkar.
Imelda Tavora was the first Goan Radio Star among women.
Ashatai Phadke and Radhabai Kamat were the first women Kirtankars of Goa.

The first Goan women poets were Gokulbai Talaulikar, Godavaribai Naik,
Seetabai Kundaikar and Sosuaka Kenkre.
The first two wrote Marathi poems and the last two wrote "Abhangas" and
"Ovyos" respectively.
The first Konkani woman poet of Goa was Smt. Vijayabai Sarmalkar.
The first woman Konkani Prose writer of Goa was Sheila Kolambkar Naik.
The first Konkani woman writer to win the Sahitya Academy Puraskar for her
work "Sapanphullam" was Meena Kakodkar.
There have been Goan Women journalists, nurses, singers, sports women,
social activists and workers, caterers, councilors, educationists, bankers,
women in technical fields, fashion world, historians, librarians, women
running tea-shops, hotels, businesswomen, columnists and so on.
We cannot forget the women who composed the Dhalo, Jugdyo, Ovyo, Davlimandi,
etc.

To all of them my humble tribute and salute on the occasion of "Women's
Day" - 2005.

2. In the second place Jr. Rod has every reason to be upset, it was these tiatrist like. Miguel Rod, Kid Boxex, Anthony Mendes, Young Menezes, Souzaline, Valente Mascarenhas, M. Dod, Airestides, etc who kept these tiatre alive, but how many of them have been felicitated? They are totally forgotten, but new comers who have influence in Kala Academy and those who do chamchagiri have been falicitated although to date these new comers have done not much for the welfare of Tiatr. The rest is history.

Mog assumdi,

Tumcho khalto,
Sanny De Quepem - Kuwait.
17/04/2007





_____________________________
Great tiatrist Remmie

- Jerry Fernandes, Vanxim

Recently Remmie J Colaco, the famous tiatrist of yesteryears, celebrated his 83rd birthday. May God give him many more years. Remmie is a tiatrist par excellence. His songs, which AIR plays, depict the kind of a person he is. The songs always have a good moral like “Borim Follam”, “Chedeacho Fuddar”, etc. His religious songs “Ankuar Moricche Dukh” and “Mog Jezucho” are masterpieces. AIR should play his songs often and should dig out more old records of his as his songs have a message for young the old alike.

In his heyday, along with M Boyer and Jacinto Vaz, Remmie made a deadly trio. His political songs were well appreciated by the audience. “Ghorachem Sukh” was one of his lovely tiatrs, which people like even today.

Thank you Remmie, for doing yeoman service to the Konkani stage. Your message through your songs will always be remembered by us.

www.oheraldo.in
_________________

SOMETHING UNIQUE... PORTRAITS OF TIATRISTS

-------------------------------------------
SOMETHING UNIQUE... PORTRAITS OF TIATRISTS-------------------------------------------


OF TIATR AND TIATRISTS: Alex A A Fernandes aka Portrait
Atelier informs that he has just completed his series on
contemporary tiatriste. The whole process took about
three weeks and was shot in his studios in Goa and Mumbai.
They will be on display and sale at the Fontainhas Festival
from November 26 till December 3.

Alex says he initially planned to display these pictures (of
34 various artist -- "who so graciously came forward to be
photographed" -- at the IFFI (International Film Festival of
India). He approached the authorities in charge of the
festival to give these artist exclusive coverage in terms of
gallery space at the INOX or the Kala Academy.

"I had decided to foot the whole bill for shooting the
pictures plus framing them and printing an introductory
brochure which gave a brief history for each artist. It soon
became apparent that the people responsible for the
organisation of the events at the IFFI didn't want to see me
or listen to what I had to say. Maybe I have to brush up on
my reading skills as I did not fully comprehend the meaning
of the abbreviation 'IFFI'. International Film festival held
in Goa for foreginers and out of state film personalities, at
the expense of Goan tax payers. (I pay my taxes to the CCCP).
Or maybe tiastriste (whom I consider very good actors) don't
fall into the category of actors. Either way, I would like to
invite all of you to see the portraits of these wonderful
people, and would appreciate your feed back. Also please
extend this invitation to your friends or any one who would
like to see these portraits with a unique flavor of Goa."

GOANETBYTES ADDS: The photos are real great.
Do try and take a look at them, or write to
Alex

LATE JOAO FERNANDES WILL BE GIVEN RECOGNITION

Excerpt from yesterday's Goacom Daily Newsclippings:

"LATE JOAO FERNANDES WILL BE GIVEN RECOGNITION: "Late Joao Agostinho
Fernandes will be given due recognition by the government of Goa" stated Mr
Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, while addressing a houseful
audience during the inaugural function of Kala Mogi's Tiatr Festival
yesterday, at Kala Academy, Panaji. The Chief Minister was reacting to the
suggestion put forth by Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Kala Mogi,
Candolim, in his welcome speech, that the Tiatr being the most popular
dramatic form of Goa, late Joao Agostinho Fernandes, known as the "Father of
Tiatr" due to his invaluable contribution to the tiatr stage 100 years back,
should be remembered by posterity by naming the Open Air Theatre of Kala
Academy as Joao Agostinho Fernandes Open Air Theatre. Mr Parrikar informed
that many Ravindra Bhavans are being constructed by the government and
hinted that a Ravindra Bhavan, instead of Kala Academy's Open Air Theatre,
will be named after Late Joao Agostinho Fernandes, the "Father of Tiatr".
(NT)"

I am extremely happy to know that late Joao Agustinho Fernandes, the writer
of the first Konkani Tiatr a century ago, also known as "Father of Tiatr",
will be honored by Goa government by naming one of the Ravindra Bhavans
under construction after him. Thanks to Tomazinho Cardozo for the valuable
suggestion to the Chief Minister.

Moi-mogan,
Domnic Fernandes
Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA

16/02/2004

Goa's Tiatr -- Grossly Ignored

Goa's Tiatr -- Grossly Ignored

Tiatr! the very word brings to mind various times spent in viewing a good act on stage -- that too in Koankanni -- Goa's official language.

Various tiatrists have come and gone, played their part and let the torch of the tiatr burn through younger generations and upcoming talents.

But, years down the line, despite Goa producing various tiatrists of great caliber and talents, none of the tiatrists have been honoured, despite Goa having so many theatres where tiatrs are staged.

The Goa government, which historically and traditionally has favoured the marathi theatre, specially at the kala academy, has done little, where it could have done much, to promote the tiatr and the tiatrists.

The tiatrists on their part are also a divided lot, always trying to out do each other through stage names and self-imposed titles like king of centuries and prince of centuries, queen of the stage and princess of the stage, etc.

Even during the recent, and now almost fizzled out -- Romi koankanni agitation -- there was little unity among the tiatrists, and eventuality the politicians took the tiatrists, Goans and koankawani lovers for a jolly good ride.

Goa's kala academy is a sad story in itself...touted as Pratapsingh Rane's fiefdom and Manohar Porrikars money spinning machine through the first IFFI -- the kala academy is named after Dinanath Mangueshkar -- in this the less said the better -- but the Goan Government could have done better by at least naming a gallery or a stand after great koankanni stalwarts like Alfred Rose, Lorna, Chris Perry and Jacinto Vaz...

Now we are waiting for years to see the much hyped Ravindra Bhavan at Margao...the auditorium has taken ages to build and people of margao and the tiatrists feel that it will only be opened close to the next hustings. Here too the Goa government has failed to honour great koankannit tiatrists by at least making a mention of them.

Most of the tiatrists have been used by opportunist politicians like Churchill Alemao, Mickey and others only at the time of the hustings to sing and compose songs and skits relating to the candidate by throwing a lot of money, booze free flowing also.

Once the purpose of the elections was achieved -- the tiatrists were discarded like used condoms...only to be reused at the time of the next hustings.

Ask Wilmix or a Prince Jacob...and he will tell you how Churchill, let down the Romi koankanni movement after his selfish motives was achieved of getting elected and clinching the coveted PWD portfolio.

Still today, many a tiatrists look forward to the politicians to sponsor their tiatrists and also to assist in the producing of various albums and cds.

At one time, several tiatrists tried to influence commercial establishments to sponsor the production of tiatrists, but sadly that trend didn't live long.

I feel that tiatrists are given much honour and respect outside Goa, when they come with a tiatr, than in Goa itself.

As the tiatrist fraternity celebrates the annual tiatr day...i propose that all the tiatrists unite under one banner for the casue of Goa's culture and keeping the tiatr alive sans Government aid, which will never ever come. The Goa government may cunningly promote marathi theatre as it has always done with an eye on the vote bank, but a tiatrist and the tiatr will never be looked into by the Goa government and also the minority community MLA's and ministers and MPs.

It is time Goans come out to support the tiatr...and the tiatrists keep producing quality tiatrs.

Good luck.

Kind regards
Cedric da Costa
Dubai

Government urged to give tiatr industry status

Government urged to give tiatr industry status
NT Staff Reporter
Panaji April 17, 2005:

The 10th 'Tiatr Day', organised by Kala Academy was celebrated amidst
presence of galaxy of tiatr artistes at Dinananth Mangueshkar Kala Mandir,
this evening. The editor of Vavraddeancho Ixtt, Fr Peter Raposo was the
chief guest on the occasion.

In his speech, Fr Raposo said that tiatr was an important centre of Konkani
theatre movement in Goa and urged the tiatr artistes to keep up the
tradition by taking tiatr to the cross-section of Goan communities. The
member secretary, KA, Dr Pandurang Phaldessai and Mr Govind Kale were also
present.

Stating that new tiatr writers should choose social subjects in their
presentations, Fr Raposo said it would help the entire Goan community to get
attracted to tiatr stage. Tiatr being a powerful source of entertainment in
Goa, he said the young tiatrists should tackle social subjects in their
tiatrs.

Tiatr being a prominent form of entertaining-cum-educating the people, Fr
Raposo said the state government should accord industry status to it. He
also demanded financial support from the state government to tiatr for its
overall development.

Six senior tiatr artistes were felicitated for their outstanding
contribution to the development of tiatr stage in Goa. Those honoured at the
hands of Fr Raposo included Domingos Inacio Sebastiao Vaz, Joaquim Caetano
Rato (Jack Bandis), Francisco Xavier de Filomena Almeida (F X Almeida), Jack
Souza Ferrao, Marcelina D'Costa (Celina) and Romouldo D'Souza (Paul Romy).

Besides, Fr Raposo also distributed prizes to the winners of the 30th tiatr
competition and cantaram contest, organised by Kala Academy. Later, the
prize winning tiatr Dhaago by Dramatic Troupe of Ribander was staged. The
president of Dalgado Konkani Academy, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Mr John Claro,
Mr Mike Mehta, Mr Premanand Lotlikar and many other tiatr artistes were
present on the occasion.

Earlier, the KA's member secretary, Dr Pandurang Phaldessai explained the
aim of celebrating annual Tiatr Day. He said that KA was celebrating the day
since 1996 and honoured the artistes, who had contributed for the
development of tiatr in Goa. (The Navhind Times)

--- Forwarded by http://www.goa-world.com/ ---

“Tiatr Akademi” kityak zai ?” - by WILSON MAZARELLO (WILMIX)

GULF-GOANS E-NEWSLETTER

BRESTAR - PODD'DEA FATTLEAN: (26)

“Tiatr Akademi” kityak zai ?”

SERKARANCHO TENKO NASTANA

Konkani Tiatrak , ek-xem soulla vorsam bhorlim (116 years).
Heam, ek-xem soulla vorsant, Tiatristani khub vaur kela.
Konkani Tiatrant kitlinxinch bodolpam ghoddun haddlim.
Konkani Tiatr boroch sudhrailo.
Hem soglem, Tiatristani, aplea bolsantle duddu khorchun kelem.
“Tiatr- poloinnar”-anchea adharan kelem.
Tiatrachea moga khatir, kelem.
Konkani bhaxechya ani Goyche kole-sonskrutaiechya, moga khatir, kelem.
Serkaracho kosloch adhar nastana kelem.

TENKO ASLO ZALEAR

Tor chintat , zorui serkaran il’lo punn tenko dil’lo.
Il’lem punn anudaan dil’lem, zalear Tiatristani, hoch Tiatr, anink kitlea unchlea paunddear pavoum xoktolo aslo to.

“TIATR” MARUNK CHINT’TALE

Punn itlim vorsam, Goychya ekai serkaran, Tiatra-sovem apleponn dakhoilem nam.
Konkani Tiatr, Gokarancho nhuinch zal’lea porim te vagtale.
Te somzotale , ki ek dis Konkani Tiatr kabar zatolo.
Konakni Tiatr Goyant urchona. Mortolo.
Punn, te noko zale Konkani Tiatrachim pallam, kitlim ghott assant tim.
Te noko zale, amcheam purvozani Konkani Tiatrachi bunhyad, kitli ghott korun dovorlya ti.
Tiatr kossoch kabar zaunk nam.
Velyan, Tiatr odhik ghott zait gelo.
Odhik fank zoddit gelo.
Konkani tiatr dis-an dis “Lokpriya’ zait gelo.

TONDDANT MATI

Tiatr marunk chintale, tanchya tonddant mati poddli.
Aiz konkani Tiatrak sor zai sarki, Goyant dusri ekui “machi’ nam.
Sorv dhormancho lok, Konkani Tiatr pollounk eta.
Hacher ekuch thavem zata, ki Konkani Tiatrant, kitem tori borem assa, jem lokank avoddtta.

TIATRAN GOYCHI “BHUIM” VENGOILI

Konkani Tiatr-an zorui Italia-chea Operantlean zolm ghetlo, torui Konkani Tiatran Goykarponn vengoilem.
Konkani Tiatran, Goyche matient “rig” ghetlo.
Aiz Goychya Tiatrachim pallam , goychea ikrai Talukeani pauleant.

“SOTH” DOLLEAM SAMKAR ASSA

Ojap dista, ek “machi”, serkaracho kosloch adhar nastana, itlem-sogott, koxe porim, korunk pauli kai mhunn.
Pauli ti paulich, ani hem “soth” aiz amcheam dolleam samkarak assa.

“SOTH” SVIKARTA ?

Alinch, tiatristanchem magnnem ttallunk zaina zaun , Goycho Serkar, Konkani Tiatrak, itlem tori , atensaum diunk lagla.
Ho, atancho, Goycho Serkar, Konkani Tiatr Goykarancho mhunn, manun gheunk lagla. Soth svikarunk lagla.
Oxem kitem tori, amkam aiz, dissunk laglam.
Khorem vo fott , hem beginuch kollttelem.

“TIATR AKADEMI”

Goy Serkaran, “Tiatr Akademi” ghoddun haddpachi khoxi, dakhoilea.
Tor, Tiatr Akademi ghoddun haddli zalear, Tiatrak zaum tiatristank, koslo faido kai ?

FAIDEACHI ?

Poile suvater, Tiatrachi udorgothi khatir, serkar duddu khorchitolo.
Kitle duddu khorchitolo, hem matr pollounchi goroz assa.
Konkani Tiatrachim, boroupam, digdorxon, bizle-vapur, machie-manddavoll, “technology”,songit adi. adi. sudhortelem.
Thoddkeant, amchean oxem mhunno-ieta, Konkani Tiatr-ancho “dorzo” unchlya paunddear pautolo.
Tea xivai , Konkani-Tiatr, team-team Goychyam vattharani pautolo, zuim aiz meren pavunk nam.
Soglyam tiatranchim pustokam xapun etelim, ani amche tiatr, fuddle pillgyank vachunk mellttele.
He amche aundde ani hem amchem sopon.


KONN CHOLOITOLO ?... KHUINCHE LIPIENT CHOLOITOLO ?....

Punn hem sopon khoreponnich purem zatelem zalear, fokot, “Tiatr Akademi” ghoddunuch haddli mhunnon zaina..
Ti “Akademi” cholounk, Tiatranchi zannkari aslelech munis assunk zai.
Tiatrancho boro fuddar chint’tole munis, te Akademint, assunk zai.
“Romi Lipi”-echi, zannkari aslele munis, te Akademint assunk zai.
Tiatr, tiatr-rupantuch urunk zai.
Tiatrachem, “nattok” korpacho proitn, korunk favonam.
Nam tor tich Akademi, Tiatranchi “vatt launk” khori.

ZATA...ZATA.....ZATA.........AZUN ZAUNK NAM.

Sod’deak tor, “Tiatr-Akademi” zaupachi assa mhunn, voros maiz zalem, ami aikotam. Azun suru zaunk nam.
Ti kiteak suru zaina tem, serkaruch zannam.

“KHOXI” ASSA , “MOG” NAM.

Ek karann zaum eta , “Tiatr-Akademi” tor serkarachea “priority-list”-ar nanch.
Tacheaun, chodd gorjechim, serkarak, anink zaitim kama assant.
Serkarak” Tiatr-Akademi” ghoddun haddpachi “khoxi” assa, hacho orth osso zainam, ki serkarak, tiatrancho “mog” assa.
Oxem dista ki ,fokot, Tiatrist fattik laglyat mhunn, serkar hem korta.
Fokot Tiatristank “somadhan” korunk. Itlench.


TIATR AKADEMI AMCHO HOK’K

Serkarak, tiatrancho “mog” assum, vo nassum, amkam Goykarank tor, amchea tiatrancho “mog”, assa.
Ami Goykarani, amchea Tiatranchea fuddarachem chintun, hi “Tiatr-Akademi” koxei porim , serkara-koddchyan, ghoddun gheunkuch zai.
Hi serkarachi “zabdari”, ani ho amcho “hok’k”


Wilmix Wilson Mazarello
wilson_mazarello at rediffmail.com
www.goa-world.com exclusive

______________

The 34th Tiatr competition which commenced on September 9 to October 7 continues, daily at 7 p.m. at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy, Campal.

Machi Mogi, Morjim will stage their tiatr "Axea" by Aleixinho John Fernandes on September 18 (Today)

"Pavsa-Assor Kor", by Joaquim Dias will be staged on September 19, by Vaddy Sports Club, Merces.

United Dramatic Association, Carambolim, will stage "Rinnkari", by Joaquim D'Mello on September 22.

Sancoale Drama and Cultural Association, Sancoale, will stage "Khotto Poisso" by Charles Fernandes on September 23.

Britona Dramatic Academy, Penha-da-Franca, will stage "Pissud-Nakat", by Augie D'Mello on September 24 whereas Sao Minguel Club, Dona Paula will stage, "Khon Guneanvkar", by Eusico Fernandes on September 25.

Paingin Kala Krida Sanskritik Mandal, Paingin, will stage "Hem Oxench Choltolem", by R B S Komarpant on September 26.

"Mhonvall Vikh", by Cyril Almeida will be staged on September 29 by Kala Bharati, Murgao.

The concluding show "Dev Ani Dhorm" by Carmina Fernandes will be staged on October 7, by Our Lady of Remedios Chapel Association, Ribandar.

http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=2008090628


http://www.goa-world.com/goa/tiatr&tiatrist/index.htm




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CECIL PINTO'S COLUMN:

Do you know who I am?
Apples & Oranges - Identity crisis at the airport

By Cecil Pinto
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_____________________________________________________________________________________13,Aug 2008

Act responsibly

The opening of the Rs 20-crore first phase of the Ravindra Bhavan in the Commercial Capital of Goa, Margao last month fulfilled the long cherished dreams of the Madgavkars and Shastikars of having a state-of-the-art auditorium.
Though Margao has been a cultural hub down the ages, since Liberation all the cultural activities were held in Kala Academy, Panjim, but the opening of the 1,150 capacity auditorium, which is rightly named after Pai Tiatrist Agostinho Joao Fernandes will give the Shastikars an abode to view the diverse cultural functions at Margao. It will be a boon to all khell-tiatr/tiatr lovers in South Goa.
The inaugural also perhaps marked the first time that all the artistes who performed were Goans and this was a good sign as the Government was encouraging local artistes. On that day, the State Government also announced the State Cultural Policy 2007, which would guide the roadmap for all cultural activities in the State.
The policy said that a Goa Tiatr Academy would be established in order to monitor the overall development of tiatrs/khell tiatrs in the State. This will give a major boost to all our tiatrists and budding artistes.
The formation of the Tiatr Academy should encourage more people to join tiatr troupes and showcase their talent as compared to the earlier part of the century where tiatrs were looked down by the elite and the middle class Goans.
The State Government has also taken a right direction by deciding to have a cultural centre at Upasnagar, Sancoale, the foundation of which was laid in the first week of this month.
However, it is not enough that only new auditoriums are built, the Government should also see to it that the local artistes preferably tiatrists etc. are given first preference to stage their shows, particularly on holidays and Sundays, rather than leasing out the auditoriums on the above days to host other events.
Tiatrists should not face hardships as they face at present. Sometimes tiatrists are put into lot of inconveniences as the Kala Academy Auditorium plays host to outstation functions like Lions clubs meetings etc. on the above days.
Tiatrists sometimes have to undergo hardships by even spending nights outside the Kala Academy office so that the next morning they can book their shows for the above days. Authorities should phase out the leasing of the auditorium on holidays and Sundays in such a way that all tiatrists get an opportunity to stage their shows and there is no bad blood among the tiatrist fraternity.
The Lions Club meetings etc. can be held at the Kala Academy auditorium, but tiatrists should be given preference to stage their dramas on holidays and Sundays as these are the best days the Goan families prefer to watch tiatrs.
It is also the responsibility of the people who go to these world class auditoriums to see that they are kept clean. Tiatr lovers should not take eatables, beverages etc. inside the auditorium and even if they do so, they should take the responsibility to ensure that no eatables or beverages are left inside the auditorium, which could affect the clean atmosphere.
Will the new Ravindra Bhavan help the tiatrists or not, only time will tell.

www.oheraldo.in

Tiatr Academy of Goa

From: JoeGoaUk
Subject: [Goanet] Tiatr Academy of Goa
To: goanet@goanet.org
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009, 8:22 PM
Tiatr Academy of Goa
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk12/3279371147/sizes/l/


I don’t really know what is the Tiatr Academy is all about but
what I do know is Tiatr Academy is good for (Goa) Tiatr
for its overall development etc

I remember somewhere in early 2007, the then Art and Culture Minister
Mr. Digambar Kamat constituted a small committee headed by Tomazinho,
Wilson (Wilmix), Prince Jacob, Premanand, Fatima etc

I also remember Wilson subsequently resigning from the committee.

‘Tiatr Academy’ for the tiatrists and the tiatr lovers is like a dream come
true.

Finally, it is set to inaugurate on 16th February 2009 headed by its president
Politician and
Ex Speaker of Goa Assembly Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo.
See pic for other members of the Tiatr Academy.
Also, on the day, 15 senior Tiatr personalities will be honoured
(See list in the pic)
Followed by Cultural Programe/Entertianment by top Tiatrists like Rosefens,
Rosy, Prince Jacob,
Humbert, Marcus Vaz, Felcy etc etc
see the pic for the complete list.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk12/3279371147/sizes/l/

Wishing all the best to Tiatr Academy of Goa.

At this time, I would also like to thank our Digu bab
(Honorable Chief Minister of Goa) for making this dream come true.
I must say, Digambar deserve all the credit not just for
Tiatr Academy but anything that relates to art and culture.
I know he is the best minister for Art and Culture we ever had.
And this is not the first time I thank him.
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/message/588

Sadly, I will not agree with any one says he is the best minister
or CM for Aam Aadmi.
I know, I have seen, how aam aadmi put to great hardship
in various Govt. departments.


Joegoauk@yahoo.co.uk

for Goa & NRI related info...
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/

For Goan Video Clips
http://youtube.com/joeukgoa

[Forwarded by Lino B. Dourado]

Cracks emerge in nascent Tiatr academy

While this writer collated the views of tiatr lovers on the "Tiatr" academy which is to be inaugurated on 16th February, 2009 at 1730 hrs IST at the "Pai Tiatrist" Joao Agostinho Fernandes Hall at Margao Goa, there was a volley of support for the proposal to grant posthumous awards to the trio, Lucacinho Ribeiro, Joao Agostinho Fernandes and his spouse Ms Regina Fernandes. Even others ought to be considered posthumously now itself. Else the awards ceremony should be differed for a later date they felt.

When this writer spoke telephically to the Chairman of the Tiatr Academy Mr Tomazinho Cardozo on Friday the 13th February, 2009 on the issue of posthumous awards and the criteria adopted for selection of tiatrist, besides putting up photgraphs of the trio at prominent places he stated that a) the committee had proposed to award those in the age group of above sixty and above seventy and those who were infirm and may not be available the next time round. It would be an annual excercise he said and therefore the fear of being left out does not arise. IThough 10 were to be selected each year this time round they have settled for 15. However as regards the posthumous award he only stated that photographs of the pioneers viz Mr Ribeiro and Mr Fernandes would be given the due place. When asked why Regina was left behind when she rightly deserved the award being the first woman on stage even before any woman came on stage and even the Marathi drama stage, had not had a woman on stage then; he merely stated that he would make a mention of her role during the inuagural but nothing beyond that and he stated that he had plans to form a separate Committee for a woman's wing in the Tiatr academy at a later stage. He also went on to add that there were several other Goan tiatrists who have achieved much more and were even pioneers in Rap dance etc but since there was no documentation others have got the credit.

Though there is an element of truth, in what he says about the documentation that is in no way convincing why Ms Regina has been left out. Even though he claimed that now it was late, he was reminded of the fact that one of the audience members from Mungul Margao indeed had proposed to the panel Chairman during the two day "first Roman Script Cultural and Literary Conference" on 20th and 21st December, 2008 at Pai Tiatrist Hall that Regina should be honoured considering it is her 100 death aniversary on 30th December, 2008. This proposal was accepted and it was obviously the right moment to honour her. Merely paying lip sympathy is an insult and the Government ought to take note of such biased attitude. When one of the lady members who is on the committee of the Tiatr academy was asked for her views she fully supported this view but did not dare to go public as she was a member of the Tiatr academy.

None of the ladies considered for the award even though living can have the gumption to receive the award if Regina has been left out others stated.. It is she who dared all when there was a stigma for ladies to perform on stage on 22/11/1904 therefore Tomazinho needs to justify the reason she has been left out.

Lest he contends that no photo of hers is available the same was made available to him and the Directorate of Art and Culture by this writer.

:Later since the CM could not be contacted this writer spoke to the Director of Art and Culture and impressed upon him to do justice to Regina Fernandes and have her portrait. He was aware of the discussions held by this writer with Chairman of the Tiatr Academy Mr Cardozo and promised to rectify the same.

Ironically today's edition of the Herald carried an advertisement inviting tiatro lovers for the function, but sadly the photograph of Ms Regina has been left out. This could have been because the observations were made only after the advertisement was released and Saturday Sunday being a non working day it is left to be seen if they make amends on Monday.

Meanwhile Mr Wilson Mazarello agreed that Regina Fernandes should be considered for an appropriate place, however he is not a member of the Committee of the Tiatr Academy.

Another, member Mr Osvy Viegas has come out with another stinker directed to the Director of Art & Culture Mr Prasad Lolayekar, wherein vide a letter dated 14/02/2009 (copy available with this writer) he has questioned the criteria for selection of playwrights for State awards. He has launched a diatribe against the selectors who he claims were not competent to distinguish between "artists" and performers". No doubt he was all praise for the Government instituting awards but selection was biased. How come a "participant" like Concessao D Silva "Conny M" was awarded the State award when he was a mere non de script musician? What happened to several others like "Carlito" from Navelim whose passion for music was so great in the Company of late Chirs Perry that he also won accolades from his employer the Bahrain military band for his artistic rendition of the trumpet.

He also spoke of artists like Fidelis from Chandor, Mr Alex Mestri from Maddel Margao - a violinist and Band Leader who deserved State awards.

He was also furious over the mudslinging resorted to by Lolayekar who was obsessed with his heading the Department "as if his own" and put the blame on selections on Tomazinho Cardozo. Mr Viegas also alleged that Tomazinho did state that it was apparently a political decision to include Conny M.

According to Mr Viegas the Government should constitute a panel of selectors and invite names of consideration before granting awards. They should peruse the bio-datas of the artists shortlisted and only after ascertaining the facts they should finalise the awards.

Meanwhile there has been some further tremors being felt even before the inaugural function where it has been alleged that those adorning the Committee of the nascent Tiatr Academy are the same who have been given the privilege to perform at the musical show after the inaugural. If this is what the Tiatr Academy is all about it the less said the better.

Many felt that the Government should not have appointed Mr Tomazinho Cardozo a politician (ex Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly) with due respect to his credentials in the field of performing arts. Infact they feel that the same disunity and bias among the tiatrist will reflect on the functioning of the Tiatr Acdemy and the pro-devanagari lobby of which the CM extends covert support will have the last laugh seeing the death of the Tiatr Acdemy even before it completes 100 days they stated. Even the amount of Rs. 15 lacs budgetary support and that the Government is still scouting for premises is a pointer for things to come.

In another development there has been a vociferous demand that in the same breath that tiatr lovers have demanded the restoration and preservation of the "House of Pai Tiatrist" at Modsai Margao which was supported by Rajya Sabha MP Mr Shantaram Naik a similar demand has been made to preserve the now nearly in ruins abandoned home of noted poet Baki Bab Borkar. The Government has already named a road after him at Porvorim and many feel that the homes of both Joao Agostinho Fernandes and that of Baki Bab Borkar should indeed be preserved for posterity.

It is hoped that the CM who has been addressed on these issues will as Head of the Department of Art and Culture see merit in the observations and do justice before the ensuing event.



GODFREY J . I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
gonsalvesgodfreyji@yahoo.co.in

14/02/2009

[Poster courtesy: joegoauk@yahoo.co.uk
received via. Lino B. Dourado]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Eminent Tiatrist Master Vaz to open Tiatr Academy on Feb 16

Eminent Tiatrist Master Vaz to open Tiatr Academy on Feb 16


MARGAO- Legendary Tiatrist, Master Vaz (Jose Francisco Vaz) will inaugurate the much-desired Tiatr Academy at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on February 16 in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, who will be the chief guest.
Establishment of the Tiatr Academy has been long overdue for development and encouragement�of Tiatr, a unique Konkani art form which began some 117 years ago. Veteran Tiatrist and former speaker of the state legislative assembly, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo would be the president of the Academy.
Speaking to The Navhind Times, Mr Cardozo said the setting up of the academy would go a long way in improving standard of Tiatr. He observed that Tiatr has survived the vicissitudes of time for the last 117 years without any help from any quarters, adding that now for the first time a Tiatr academy is being set up. He gave full credit to the Chief Minister for the formation of the Academy.
Tiatrists across the board have hailed the setting up of the Academy. Welcoming the establishment of the Academy, eminent Tiatrist, Wilmix Mazarelo said the academy would be good for the Tiatrists. However, he rued about the budgetary allocation of Rs 15 lakh for the body. He stated the amount sanctioned is not enough as the Tiatr has a following in Goa and many parts of the world. He said budget should be 10 times more than the one sanctioned.
Noted Tiatrist, Roseferns observed the Academy is going to be the backbone of Tiatr as an art form in the state and elsewhere, while well-known Tiatrist, Mario Menezes said the Tiatrists should be happy with the development adding that it�s a dream come true.
The editor-in-chief of Konkani magazine Jivit, Mr Michael Gracias -- who is himself a Tiatrist of repute -- said that Tiatr is a popular art form in Goa. He informed that every year more than 2000 Tiatrs are staged in the state, so for this very reason there is an urgent need for research and documentation on Tiatr, especially preservation of old Tiatr scripts. He said that with the setting up of the Academy, it could now be possible to preserve old neglected scripts.
Sources disclosed that old Tiatr scripts are being neglected and given step-motherly treatment due to some kind of feud going on among the Konkani lovers --- those who are for Devanagari script and those against it.
It was disclosed that the Goa Konkani Academy at one stage had requested to collect scripts of great Tiatrists of bygone era, adding that around 100 Tiatr scripts were collected then but only 10 Tiatrs were published in book form, which included the works of legendary Tiatrists like Souza Ferrao. The other Tiatr scripts, it is disclosed, are waiting to be published.
Tiatrists said that with the formation of the Academy this unique art form is expected to be developed further on technical fronts like direction, stagecraft, lights, designs and background music.
It is also expected to preserve old Tiatr manuscripts and put an end to the dearth of wind instruments like trumpets, saxophones and clarinets etc, in addition to preserving old songs in whatever way for the future generations like the songs of Jacinto Vaz, Anthony Mendes, Alfred Rose, Chris Perry etc.

61st Death anniversary - Pai Tiatrist "Joao Agostinho Fernandes"

On his 61st death anniversary today 29/08/2008 tiatrists in Goa paid homage to
"Pai Tiatrist" late Joao Agostinho Fernandes at a brief one hours function held
at the Ravindra Bhavan - Pai Tiatrist - Joao Agostinho Fernandes A/c Indoor
Auditorium at 1300 hrs.

The function began with a small introductory speech by konkani playright and
Convenor of the days function Mr Wilson Mazarello paying tributes to the
legendary tiatrist revered by past and present tiatrists.

Floral tributes were jointly paid by the Rajya Sabha MP Mr Shantaram L Naik,
the Chief Guest on the ocassion and senior tiatrist hailing from Sanvordem Mr
Remmie Colaco by garlanding the portrait of Pai tiatrist at the entrance of
the A/c Indoor auditorium (the largest of its kind in Goa 1150 seats)

The Chief Minister of Goa Mr Digamber Kamat who could not grace the ocassion
owing to extensive Business of the House on the last date of the ongoing
monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly deputed the Asst Director,
Directorate of Art & Culture Ashok V Parab to do the honours in paying tribute
to Pai Tiatrist by offering a floral tribute on his behalf.

Others who paid floral tributes were Dr Francisco Colaco an eminent
cardiologist (a neighbour of late Chris Perry and "Pai Tiatrist" in Modsai
Behind the Holy Spirit Church at Margao Goa ).

Following this brief tributes the motely but reasonably good gathering of forty
three tiatrists and other well meaning citizens, many of the tiatrists
expressed their thoughts on the works and times of Pai Tiatrist

Mr Wilson Mazarelo the Convenor of todays function described the unique
features that Late Agostinho stood for;


He stated that Pai tiatrist despite earning this distinction conferred upon him
never ever looked down on Lucacinho Ribeiro who he considered his guide and
mentor having staged the first tiatr on a Konkani tiatr “Italian Bhurgo " was
staged at the New Alfred Theatre Bombay (Mumbai ) on 17th April 1892 Easter
Sunday. He recollected that Pai tiatrist, was a strict disciplinarian. Pai
tiatrist condemned the earlier khell tiatrs zagors etc which were both
extempore and were a vulgar display of drunkenness etc which failed to attract
decent crowds.

He recollected the times when Pai tiatrist wept at the Cross Maidan in Mumbai
when he saw tiatrist indulging in slanderous and defamatory acts against their
co-tiatrists and prayed for the unity of tiatrists.

Mr Remmie Colaco who was given the place of honour ( the only living playwright
who had the opportunity to perform in tiatrs staged then by Pai Tiatrist) did
not speak on the ocassion due to his frail health but chose to convey the need
to foster unity amongst the tiatr fraternity.

Mr Mike Mehta (Adv) and konkani playwright saluted Pai tiatrist for he believed
that the stage was the platform provided by Pai Tiatrist for all the
playwrights to express themselves on societal issues. It was the stage which
gave one a forum for expression during the erstwhile Portuguese regime ---the
fora for fearless power of speech in action and song and therefore it was
incumbent upon the tiatrists to ameliorate the feelings of Pai tiatrist and
live up to his expectations.

Mr Shantaram L Naik Rajya Sabha MP speaking on the ocassion admitted that he
had only read of Pai tiatrist, and his works, but considering the fact that Pai
tiatrist had documented his works for posterity ( Incidentally most of his
works are lying in the Goa Konkani Academy taken from his family by the the
Chairman of Goa Konkani Academy without any remmuneration for the same ) Mr
Shantaram Naik expressed confidence that he would be able to work together with
the konkani playwrights and do whatever possible to provide them assistance at
the Central level.

Mr Prince Jacob pleaded for granting industry status to the tiatrs. This would
help them get facilities which are hitherto deprived. He pointed out that if
granted an industry status it would provide employment opportunities for the
youth of the state. He however expressed resentment over the fact that
financial assistance given by the Government for the promotion of tiatr works
in Konkani would not be beneficial if the same is in the official language
Konknni in devanagari script. He therefore pleaded for recognition of Romi
Lipi as the only viable alternative to maintaining unity among th Goans.

Mr. Prince also expressed the desire that the indoor auditorium coming up at
Kala Bhavan at Sancoale be named after Kid Boxer who hailed from Cortalim..

Mr Anil kumar another tiatrist did not approve of the MP's views to have the
tiatrs of Pai tiatrist be enacted de novo with changes to suit the present
times. Without mincing words Mr Kumar impressed upon the MP that re-mix should
never ever be accepted as this would destroy the esssence of the original plays
and preferred that the old tiatrs of Pai tiatrist be performed in its original
form. He also pleaded for recognition of Konkani in Romi lipi (script)

Others who spoke were Mr Premanand Lotlikar, Mr Conney M a musician turned
tiatrist.

Mr Parab the Asst Director, Directorate of Art & Culture promised all
government support to improve upon the status of the tiatrists. At the
requests of the tiatrist he agreed to make the stadium available for all
tiatrist performance on 21st December, 2008 the 137th birth anniversary of Pai
tiatrist.

Dr Francisco Colaco admitted that he while he took pride in always stating that
he was the neighbour of late Chris Perry he would now also take pride in being
the neighbour of Pai tiatrist. He spoke for his immense love for music but had
also expressed his desire to perform on stage, but then there were not many
takers for his idea. He however expressed his strong desire to perform on the
konkani stage as this was the true fora which permitted the Goenkarponn to be
seen in its vibrant form

Fr Pratap Naik Director TSKK Porvorim speaking on the ocassion, hoped to assist
Dr Colaco not only to perform on the konkani stage but also to help Dr Colaco
to script and direct his own konkani play which indeed would be a revolution in
the tiatr world which was otherwise in earlier years looked down by his
community.

Mr Mario Menezes pleaded for unity among the tiatrists and was pleasantly
surprised to see the gathering of tiatrist despite the odd hour and the short
notice.

Ms Fatima expressed profound thanks to late Pai tiatrist for it was Pai
tiatrist who was the first person to introduce woman on Konkani stage ; his
first wife Regina and later his second wife Luiza Maria Colaco also performed
on stage at a time when even the Marathi theatre did not have a woman on the
stage. This she said gave her tremendous encouragement when she first set foot
on stage at the tender age of five years.

She thanked the CM of Goa Mr Digamber Kamat for keeping up to his promise to
name the Indoor auditorium after Pai Tiatrist.

The function ended with a vote of thanks by Prince Jacob

It may be recalled that Pai tiatrist was born on 21st December, 1871 and died
on 29th August, 1947 just over a month after our country attained Independence
at GT Hospital and was buried in Mahalaxmi . He resided in rented apartments
at Girgaum and was a parishioner of St Theresa’s Church Girgaum.

Meanwhile some veteran citizens visited the grave of Pai tiatrist at St Peters
Catholic Cemetry at Mahalaxmi in Mumbai and paid tributes at his memorial today
according to reports received by this writer from Girgaum Mumbai telephonically.

The Curtorim MLA and Santacruz MLA were requested to move a calling attention
motion or make a mention today during zero hours -- to

a)thank the government of Goa for naming the Ravindra Bhavan indoor stadium
after Pai tiatrist.
b)to request the Government of Goa to confer upon him the highest award for
his role in Konknni tiatrs by posthumously giving him an award.
c)to request Government of Goa should also preserve his humble house at Modsai
Margao Behind the Holy Spirit Institute to serve as a memorial for posterity
and to recognize the rich contribution of Konkani tiatr to the Goan community
world wide
d)The family of late Pai Tiatrist who live on humble earnings should be given
special pension or financial assistance to maintain the home and to preserve
his works
e)The Goa Konkani Academy should return the original scripts which lie in their
custody as no monetary assistance for the same was given to the family, by the
then President of Goa Konkani Academy Mr Uday L Bhembre.(Adv)



However until the time of writing, while the session is in progress it is not
known whether the motion would be put to the House as the Monsoon session of
the Goa Assembly was still seized with tremendous business remaining to be
conducted before the close of the session and passage of the Budget which has
to be passed today.

Meanwhile the RS MP Mr Shantaram Naik has expressed his desire to visit the
humble home of late Pai tiatrist tommorrow alongwith this writer at Modsai
Margao Goa and also that of late Chris Perry nearby to have a first hand
impression of his settings and family.

Photographs of the Ravindra Bhavan/Pai tiatrist/his family/and his tomb are
available with this writer on request.




from the Ravindra Bhavan "Pai Tiatrist auditorium" Margao/Secretariat
Porvorim

GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)

29/08/2008

RAVINDRA BHAVAN MARGAO OPENED

On 20th July 1969 when US astronaut Niel Armstrong set foot on the moon it
was a giant leap for mankind.

Thirty nine years later for the citizens of Margao the commercial and
cultural center of Salcete and South Goa district the inauguration at the
hands of Secretary (Culture) Government of India Mr Abhijit Sengupta (in the
absence of the Union Minister for Culture Ms Ambika Soni the Chief Guest of
the day ) of the newly constructed 20 crore Ravindra Bhavan Opp Swimming pool
at Fatorda with a 1150 seater ac auditorium, today 20th July at exactly 4.20
p.m. at a well organised function turned out to be a red letter day.

The construction began in 2002 according to Director of Culture Mr Prasad
Loliyekar who spoke to this writer and the entire job was entrusted to the PWD
Govt of Goa.

This Bhavan the third of its kind in the State (others are the Ravindra Bhavan
at Curchorem and the Raajiv Gandhi kala Kendra at Ponda under the Department of
Art and Culture ) boasts of the first 1150 seater AC auditorium in the whole of
Goa.

Mr Sengupta the Chief Guest of the function stated that the Union Minister Ms
Soni could not come due to sudden developments in New Delhi (apparently
referring to the trust vote on 22nd July 2008 of the UPA government over the
nuclear deal) He stated that he was impressed by the cultural presentation (
the lamp dance was applauded by the audience ) the size of the stage and ensured
that as per the wishes of the Union Minister Ms Soni whatever support his
ministry could extend to the Department of Cuture in Goa.


Speaking at the function the CM Mr Digamber Kamat told the gathering that his
first demand to the then CM and present South Goa MP Mr Francisco Sardinha was
to give him the portfolio of Art & Culture and not Power. It was his ambition
to have a state of art auditorium for Margao the cultural centre of Salcete and
South Goa as the people had to go to the Kala Academy at Campal Panaji.

Today he claimed to have achieved this dream although it was delayed due to the
reasons of sound accoustics needed for the same. He complimented the architects
the PWD for fullfilling his ambition. He said that Margao had produced a
significant number of artistes and was proud to have named the indoor auditorium
in the name of late Joao Agostinho Fernandes known as "Pai tiatrist"

He castigated indirectly a section of the people under the banner of a local
outfit who were agitating over the ODP 2011 for Margao by saying their protest
was akin to a mother putting a black mark on her child to ward off evil. For
while the Margaoites were celebrating the birth of the Ravindra Bhavan there
were others putting a damper on these celebrations. He re-affirmed that his
Government would always adhere to the wishes of the public and wherever there
were lapses he was amenable to correction.


A visibly upset CM further said he was proud that all the artistes who have
performed were Goan artists ( apparently to remove the blot on his image as a "
saviour of migrants ") .

He said that the Department of Culture was the first to have been awarded the
ISO mark a unique distinction for a government Department in the whole country.
Yet another achievement he stated was that Goa was the first State in the
country to come out with a cultural policy. He stated that while in New Delhi
the Union Minister Ms Ambika Soni had complimented his efforts and recommended
to other states to ameliorate this policy in their respective State.

For the Goans and Konkani 'tiatr mogis' there is yet another reason to
rejoice. Following the vociferous demand by the Konkani 'tiatr mogis'
and pro Romi lipi activists a befitting tribute has been paid to a famed Konkani
"tiatrist" playwright of yesteryears who earned the sobriquet Pai
Tiatrist for the 1150 seater AC indoor auditorium has been named after late
Joao Agostinho Fernandes who hails from a small dwelling H No: 306 at Modsai
Borda (near the residence of late Mr Chris Perry) now in the Fatorda Assembly
Constituency.


Chief Minister Mr Digamber Kamat needs to be applauded for keeping up his
promise on this issue.

It may be noted that well in the 19th century entertainment in Konkani was
mainly in the form of zagors and khells. But its cheap and vulgar
form of entertainment did not appeal to the high browed and well meaning
citizens, and was often a subject of ridicule by others. It was left to one
Lucacinho Ribeiro from Bombay (now Mumbai) an ex employee of an Italian Opera
troupe to form the Goa Portuguese Dramatic Company and stage for the
first time a Konkani tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" at the New Alfred Theatre Bombay
(Mumbai) on 17th April 1892 Easter Sunday. It was staged in the original format
of seven acts ( four pre and three post interval) Later when Lucacinho parted
ways with other of his colleagues one of whom was late Joao Agostinho Fernandes
and disbanded his Company to form a new one Ribeiro and Cruz Company which eventually paled into oblivion a la sudden death it was left to late Joao
Agostinho Fernandes also from Mumbai who took up cudgels to lead the troupe.

Joao Agostinho Fernandes Born on 21.12.1871 wrote his own script (unlike others
who merely translated works of other operas ) and staged original plays
following the new format of seven acts with around 18 songs (now four acts and
12 side songs as of now ) Some of the plays "Belle de Cavel or Sundori
Cavelchi" being the first staged in 1895 thereafter Batkara de Panzare
Part I staged in 1904.

His first wife Regina Fernandes became the first women female actress to adorn
the Konkani tiatr stage in November, 1910 at a time when even women in the
Marathi drama stage shied away owing to social stigma . Later his second wife
Luiza Maria Colaco also performed on stage and later in 'Batkara de Panzare'
Part II. He formed the ˜Dom Carlos Dramatic Unity" and staged "Dotiche
Kestaum" in 1906, Vauraddi etc and is believed to have he written nearly 27
scripts of which 16 were staged .

One of the strong point that endeared him to tiatrist of yester years and to
this date is that Fernandes believed in good direction, quality of contents,
appropriate music, diction, rehearsals and apt roles for the characters in
tiatrs . Thus Konkani tiatrs were placed on a firm foundation and began earning
acceptabilty of the crowds that thronged to visit P T Bhangawdi in Mumbai. He
had even painstakingly published his works in book form for posterity. Tiatro
affeciandos have therefore rightly called him the “father of konkani tiatr”
He died on 28th August, 1947 after a brief illness and had nearly fifty years
of dedicated service to Konkani tiatr and leaving behind his children from both
spouses.

The CM Mr Kamat presented momentos to Ms Ana Maria Quadros Fernandes the kin of
late Joao Agostinho Fernandes besides others who have helped set up the Bhavan
viz Mr Rego Consultant Mr Bhave Architect Marwin Fernandes.

Later the CM released the State Cultural Policy 2007 a document prepared by Dr
Nandakumar Kamat of the Goa University.

Mr Shantaram L Naik requested the people to treat the Ravindra Bhavan as their
own to maintain its cleanliness etc so that the institution could nurse the
talents of our children . He stated that during the visit to West Bengal he had
the opportunity to visit the modest home of Rabindranath Tagore and was
impressed with its maintainance which ensured that all the personal belongings
including the slippers of the great stalwart after whom the Bhavan has been
named is preseved.



Mr Prasad Loliyekar Director of the Department of Art and Culture also spoke on
the ocassion. The Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council Mr Johnson
Fernandes appealed to the CM to provide a special concessional package for the
Konkani stage tiatrists as presently the rates have not been decided yet.


The rehearsal hall security hut entrance foyer 200 seater Conference hall
cafetaria landscapping and garden musical fountains based on wind instruments
administrative block has been part of the phase I inaugurated today..

The 2000 seater open air auditorium, museum, library, art, gallery, black box ,
mini conference room, the music and dance schools have to wait a litter longer
before they see the light of the day.

While the indoor stadium is known after Pai Tiatrist the open air auditorium
will be named after Laya Bhaskar Khaprumam Parvatkar

The opening programme was the National anthem followed by the welcome song a
Soliloquy programe a Hindi song Jadugar floral presentation lighting of the
traditional lamop

Ms Sharon, Felcy, Antony San will presented cantarams Monologues by Fatima de
Souza (in Konkani), Rajiv Hede (Marathi) Raghunath Sacordekar and Madhuri
Shetkar besides a Magic show by Vasant Sawant were other events of the day.
Quepemchim Kirna of Elvis Gomes presented a Mando folk dance. Mahila Mandal
avedem of Amelia Dias presented the kunbi folk dance Siddhi Vinayak Kala Sangh
(Suresh Gawade ) presented Samai folk dance Sai Gajanan Sanskrutik Manch
musical folk dance. Architect Mr Marwin Fernandes also sang in English a
thanksgiving song on the ocassion.

The dignitaries that were present were Rajya Sabha MP SMr Shantaram L Naik South
Goa MP Mr Francisco Srdinha Chairperson MMC Mr Johnson Fernandes ex MLA Mr
Subhash Shirodkar several Konkani tiatrists Mr Pundalik Naik Chairman Goa
Konkani Academy Justice (retd) Eurico da Silva Dr. Francisco Colaco eminent
cardiologist and others.

The other programme lined up for tonight is a music recital by Anup Jalota which
already had crowds lining up to witness the programme.

There are several other cultural programmes lined for the week beginining
tommorow but some prominent crowd pullers are expected on 22nd Roseferns tiatr
Maim Muzo Upkari hanv 25th Ghorabache Vantte Mario Menezes
On 27 “Awagha Rang Ekechi Zala by Ntyasampada Mumbai
On 29th Daiz a musical programme of old Konkani songs with comedy and mimicry by
Vandana Productions Borim by Agnel de Borim
On 31 tiatr Rong by Prince Jacob .
All these programmes are open to the members of the public.

Sidelights


a) Ravindra Bhavan will be an autonomous body.
b) the Speaker Goa Legislative Assembly Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane did not attend
the function
c) the Secretary (Culture) and MP Mr Francisco Sardinha left abruptly
d) the portrait of late Joao Agostinho Fernandes bore the name of the painter
but not of "Pai tiatrist" this was brought to the notice of Vice Chairman Kala
Academy who promised to rectify the same.
e) the function on the stage started exactly at 4-20 p.m
f) Justice (retd) Mr Eurico Santana Da Silva in an off the cuff remark statecd
that the Ravindra Bhavan becoming a reality was unbelievable and was full praise
for the same.
g) the six years delay was attributed to the PWD taking care of the nitty gritty
to make the project a success.
h) the entire edifice of the Bhavan pales the Kala Academy into insignificance.
i) outside the venue was a huge pose of police to avert any untoward incident
j) there were many citizens about 150 from Fatorda Margao under the Citizens
Welfare Committee the newly formed NGO opposing the ODP 2011 Margao with black
bands their placards. They shouted slogans as the CM left the venue
k) the citizens were treated to a lavish treat in the cafetaria after the event.
l) the CM posed with the tiatrists and kin of Pai tiatrists for a photo round up
m) though the hall was reasonably packed with a lot of policemen in civil
clothes many prominent citizens were conspicuous by their absence
n) there were several migrants and Moslems leaders too present for the ocassion
o) the Ravindra Bhavan at night when lit up is indeed a cynosure of all eyes
p) when this writer asked the CM on what design the Bhavan was conceptualised he
pleaded ignorance and said that the PWD were given a free hand to decide.
o) several visitors and children were delighted with the several fountains
around the Bhavan.

from the Ravindra Bhavan end


GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
gonsalvesgodfreyji@yahoo.co.in

Jul 20, 2008