'Mumbai-based tiatrists ignored'

'Mumbai-based tiatrists ignored'
2 Jun 2009/Times of India (Goa Edition)





MARGAO: Non-recognition of the work of Mumbai-based tiatrists, especially while picking awardees for the Goa State Awards, is great injustice to the
efforts of these artistes, said veteran tiatrist Cyriaco Dias. He was speaking at legendary tiatrist A R Souza Ferrao's birth centenary celebrations at the Ravindra Bhavan in Margao on Monday.

"The work of Mumbai-based tiatrists is never taken into consideration at the Goa State Awards, although their contribution to the development of tiatr is phenomenal," said Dias at the programme organized by A R Ferrao Cultural and Charitable Trust.

While explaining the reason for the same, Tiatr Academy of Goa president Tomazinho Cardozo said, "Non-recognition of these tiatrists is due to the domicile clause. But I admit that it is injustice to the enormous contribution of Mumbai-based tiatrists."

Chief minister Digambar Kamat, who was the chief guest, stated that his government would always work towards recognizing the efforts of the tiatr fraternity in protecting Goa's identity. "The sanctioned amount of Rs 1.5 crore towards the newly formed tiatr academy is a contribution of the state to set up the academy building," he said.

Deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho felt that the directorate of art and culture should play a prime role in recognizing the efforts of tiatrist in preserving Goa's identity.

A website and a book dedicated to Ferrao were also launched on the occasion.