Monday, June 1, 2009

A R SOUZA FERRAO - Birth centenary celebrations begins

A R SOUZA FERRAO - Birth centenary celebrations begins

The “Pai Tiatrist” – Joao Agostinho Fernades (JAF)indoor auditorium, Margao, which was packed to capacity reverberated at exactly 7.30 P.M to the echoes of the tiatr “Gouyo Put”. The tiatr staged 57 years ago, bringing back nostalgic memories of that famous Konkani playwright, a musician, singer, composer , director, the hat donned, well attired bespectacled gentleman, late Augusto Remedios Souza Ferrao (b: 1.6.1909 d: 6.3.1978) a native of Ambora Raia, whose inaugural “Souza Ferrao Birth Centenary Celebrations “ under the auspices of the A R Souza Ferrao Cultural and Charitable Trust and the Tiatr Academy, Govt of Goa got underway. .

This time round his tiatr was directed by veteran Konkani playwright Shri. Anilkumar and others viz; Fatima, Jessie, Angela, C D Silva, Ben Evangelist, Anthony San, Marcus Vaz, Mil-Mel-Nel, Xavier Gomes Conny M, Antush Comedian Jesus.

The inaugural function began at 6.00 P.M with the lighting of the traditional lamp . Ms Flora Wilma Souza Ferrao welcomed the gathering and explained the objectives of the Trust.

Ms Ovita DSouza gave a brief narration of the life of her grandfather A R Souza Ferrao

Alzira D Costa, Sasha Rebello, Sonali & Sunny Fernandes grand children of Antonelio Conceicao Fernandes (s/o Pai Tiatrist )and Priyanka offered bouquets to the dignitaries.

Ciriaco Dias a Konkani playwright since 1942 minced no words to express his disenchantment towards the tiatrist from Mumbai who were not bestowed any State awards till date. Some of them are dead and others will soon follow suit he said. He reminded the Government that it is the tiatrists of yesteryears who sacrificed every thing for the benefit of the society with no monetary returns. He chided the Government for merely appointing committees and launched his tirade against those that constituted such committees who displayed a lackadaisical attitude towards the sentiments of the tiatrist. he however said that CM Digamber Kamat had stood by his promises and would surely rectify such obstacles.

Chief Minister, Shri. Digambar Kamat the Chief Guest speaking at the inaugural function assured the Tiatrist of all support to their cause. His Government has released grants for the Academy to have their own premises a promise he made at the inauguration of the Tiatr Academy on 16th February, 2009.

Later he released a book on A R Souza Ferrao which gives incite in to the life and times of A R Souza Ferrao and several pictures.

CM also inaugurated a website on A R Souza Ferrao on the ocassion

Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mauvin Godinho, Guest of Honour, speaking on the ocassion said that unless the audience extends support to the tiatros this aspect of Goan culture will not flourish.

Mr. Rico Rod (Ricardo Vincent Rodrigues) the inimitable comic faced, comedian a native of Sirlim supported the views of Cyriaco and paid a tribute in memory of late M Boyer (who they fondly called Manu) with a song unaccompanied by music.

Mr Tomazinho Cardozo President of the Tiatr Academy tried to convince the audience on the technicalites that prevented the Goa Government from awarding the Bombay based tiatrists. But this did not find favour with the audience.

President of the A R Souza Ferrao Cultural and Charitable Trust thanked the audience.

Special momentos were given to the CM, Dy Speaker, President of the Tiatr Academy and Rico Rod. A special momento was also given to Anil Kumar who had willingly agreed to re-act the play on today's ocassion.

A maid Lourencin of Mr A R Souza Ferrao who used to look after their house in Fatorda and was always available at the beck and call of A R Souza Ferrao and other tiatrist who practiced there was given a cash award on the ocassion.

Mr Domnic De Souza compered the programme. The family of Pai Tiatrist were special invitees on the ocassion.

Flora Wilma Souza Ferrao the daughter of Mr. A R Souza Ferrao who otherwise lives in Arossim speaking to this writer at her Maddel Grande , Margao residence, candidly admitted that “ while the tiatr audience remembers him for his stage performances , her father indeed was an excellent musician . Yes - Music - was his forte he loved to participate in Goan folk songs and dances “ . Indeed in a befitting tribute to his musical prowess the second day programme at the same venue and time will be devoted to Konkani dance, song ,and music by eminent , Mandos Dulpods by Goyche Noketram - Marianella Mascarenhas e Dias, Instrumental music on by Theresa Figueiredo, Goretti Pinheiro Chernol Mendonca, Antonio Fernandes, Lourdes Soares, Celina Andrews and Marisa Andrews. Cansauleche Kala Mogi and songs from several films viz Amchem Noxib, “Nirmonn” ‘Sukachem Sopon’, ‘Kortubancho Sonvsar’, ‘Boglantt’ ani ‘Bhuierantalo Munis’.. She also confirmed that the song “Sorg Tujea Doleani “ lyrics were by her father Souza Ferrao sung by Lorna Cordeiro with music by Chris Perry.

“Dad was the first Konkani artist whose musical programme in Konkani was broadcast by All India Radio Bombay on 11.November 1936. Later Columbia Gramaphone Co Ltd also recorded his songs” . She added – “while Dad was employed with P & T as a draughtsman, it is here he met my mother late Antonette Pinto (died on 9.5.1987) who also worked in the same office– a love marriage indeed . . In Goa the family moved from Ambora Raia several years ago to Fatorda to carry on their business. At this house which was otherwise closed while they were away, at Mumbai, Konkani tiatrists used the premises for their practices.


According to Wilma as she is commonly known “Dad worked wonderfully well in any female role and his attire in the role of a “kunbi” was par excellent”

What made them think of these celebrations and setting up the Trust. “Dad had donated most of his tiatr and music proceeds for social and charitable causes. My brother Henry now abroad and myself are well settled in life . We did begin by donating a hearse 2008 to the Lions Club of Majorda-Cansaulim-Velcao - that was thirty years after his death. Indeed he died in Bombay in 1978 of an undetected illness which was later diagonised as “white” jaundice. The other plans of the A R Souza Ferrao Trust is to set up a Music School for youngsters at dads house at Fatorda, which is now being developed. An area specially carved out for the “tiatrists” to continue with their practice as before, and there are plans to stage his “ tiatrs” original plays” . “Many of his works were destroyed when an adjoining building collapsed on their building at 5 Oak Lane, Near St George Hospital at Flora Fountain ----added her husband Mr. Ivor De Souza and a native of Arrossim and the President of the Trust.

The other members of the Trust now registered on 6.1.1989 as - Charitable and Cultural --are Mr. Jerry Covaco, Vice President, Ms Ovitta D Souza Secretary, and Mr. Henry Souza Asst Secretary and Flora Wilma Souza Ferrao Treasurer.

When quizzed specifically why none of the two children Wilma and son Henry ventured into tiatrs – well Wilma admitted that “there were several intercine rivalry among the Konkani playwrights that often surfaced and destroyed creativity and talent. Dad was a disillusioned man when some of his close colleagues parted ways and this hurt him immensely until he died”

Today ironically even as the mortal remains of Padmashree Manuel Santana Aguiar 78 a veteran Konkani playwright await burial (on 2nd at 3.30 p.m.) at Santemol in Raia, and the birth centenary celebrations of A R Souza Ferrao are underway in the Pai Tiatrist - JAF hall it is a sheer coincidence that the duo who acted in tiatrs of Pai tiatrist could be watching the celebrations from their heavenly abode.

Sidelights of the event:
The function started at 6.00 awaiting the CM
A one minutes silence was observed in memory of departed soul M Boyer.
The almost one hour and fifteen minutes speeches to an extent bored the audience.

from the Pai Tiatrist auditorium

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

1/6/2009

Young Goans Club, Bahrain condoles the death of M.Boyer


“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains immortal.” - Albert Pine, English Author.

Young Goans Club, Bahrain deeply mourn the sad demise of Padmashree M. Boyer - the icon of Goan language, drama and art.


May God grant his soul eternal rest.
Our condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of all the Goans in Bahrain.

:::Managing Committee
& Members of Young Goans Club, Bahrain:::

M.Boyer…..the legend lives on

M.Boyer…..the legend lives on

●Tomazinho Cardozo


If there was one dramatist who dared to experiment with innovations on the Konkani stage besides delivering stellar performances in innumerable tiatrs and lending his distinct voice to thousands of timeless songs (kantaram), it was M Boyer.

Considered to be a living legend of the tiatr movement, the 78 year old M Boyer, born on October 11, 1930 and christened Manuel Aguiar, took an avid interest in acting and singing right from his childhood. However, his parents, not too keen on seeing their son grow up to be a performer, tried to discourage him from pursuing his passion.

But, despite all their attempts, Aguiar never gave up his love for the stage. He was a determined young man and continued to pursue his dream under the pseudonym, M. Boyer.

Although he didn’t possess a very melodious voice, it was M Boyer’s lyrics and signature style of singing that left several audiences spellbound and placed him among the most sought after singers of Konkani stage. In fact, it was very rare for him to leave the stage sans a thundering applause from his audiences and pleas for an encore performance.

That M Boyer was a gifted performer was manifested by his ability to mesmerize audiences through his extempore composition of lyrics on stage, laced with wit and sarcasm. While his songs mostly addressed issues related to the decline of good values in society, they also criticized the misdeeds of tainted politicians and leaders.

This multi-faceted personality will also be remembered as one of the finest script writers of the Konkani stage. He penned many tiatrs, some of which are timeless. Dramas such as “Bhurgim ani Bhangar”, “Adim tem Atam Hem”, “Kazari Put Xezari”, “Sonvsar Sudorlo”, “Ghor Dukhi Ganv Suki” and “Chintnam Zalim Sopnam” find a place among his most memorable works.

But, the one tiatr which created history was “Ekuch Rosto”. It was penned by M Boyer and was based on communal harmony shared between the two major communities of Goa.

M Boyer’s contribution to tiatrs and kantaram is invaluable. Because of his huge role in enriching and preserving Goan culture and traditions, the Sangeet Natak Academy in New Delhi – the highest cultural institution of India – honoured him with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award. Incidentally, M Boyer is the only Goan artiste to receive this prestigious award.

The government of India also took note of his great contribution to Goan culture and bestowed him with the prestigious Padmashri. M Boyer will, therefore, go down in history as the only cultural artist from Goa to have received both, the Sangeet Natak Academy Award and the Padmashri.

Apart from his unforgettable contributions to tiatrs, M Boyer lobbied for the preservation fo Goan identity. He believed that the Konkani language alone could strengthen the foundations of Goan identity. To support his cause, he participated in all movements and agitations which were organized to preserve the state and its identity. He used the Konkani stage and his songs to arouse feelings of solidarity in the Goan people. He also succeeded to a great extent in his attempt to convince the people of the importance of Konkani to the Goan identity.

M Boyer was an institution by himself. His unwavering dedication to the Konkani stage was exemplary and led to him securing the highest position in the tiatr fraternity.

Tomazinho Cardozo
Candolim, Goa

Note: This Article was published on Times of India (Goa Edition) on 31/05/09


- As forwarded to Gaspar Almeida, Moderator
Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter on 1/6/2009

KGTS CONDOLE THE DEATH OF PADMASHREE M. BOYER


KGTS CONDOLE THE DEATH OF PADMASHREE M. BOYER.

KUWAIT-GOA TIATRISTANCHI SONSTHA (KGTS) - KUWAIT , deeply mourn the death of our most respected and Senior-most Tiatrist, Padmashree M. BOYER, expired on 30th May 2009 at Raia-Goa.

May the Almighty GOD give strength and courage to his bereaved wife Martha, Sons and family members to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.

President and Members of
Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha - Kuwait.


1/6/2009

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__._,_.___

Dalgado Konknni Akademi Condoles M Boyer's death

(Premanand A. Lotlikar)
President,
Dalgado Konknni Akademi
(Mob: 9822135236)

Dalgado Konknni Akademi Condoles M Boyer's death

Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) expresses its deep grief for the passing away of M.Boyer, writer-director, actor and composer-cum-singer of Konkani stage.
During his life time he educated the tiatr lovers through his tiatrs and songs. Sonvsar Sudhorlo, Ghor Dukhi Ganv Sukhi, Ekuch Rosto, etc. are some of his educative dramas. Through Ekuch Rosto he spread the message of communal harmony. He contributed to Konkani language with his rich tiatr scripts and songs and improved the overall standard of tiatr. Due to his efforts to take tiatrs to new heights he was awarded by several organizations in Goa and abroad. He was the only goan to receive the highest cultural award of Sangeet Nattak Akademi, New Delhi.
The death of this veteran tiatrist is a big loss to Konknni stage and leaves a vaccum in the field of tiatr which is hard to fill.
DKA prays for his departed soul and offers condolences to his breaved family.

30/5/2009

M.Boyer - Dead

Noted Konkani playwright Mr. Manuel Santan Aguiar popularly known as M Boyer expired today morning at 10 a.m at his residence in Santemol after a prolonged physical disability. He was 78 years (born on 11/10/1930)

He ruled the Konkani stage for well over half a century and the first to earn a Padma Shree, (amongst the Konkani playwrights ) besides several state awards and other awards. He rose from humble beginning but his inimitable style endeared him to audiences wherever he performed.

Acting was inborn and despite being reprimanded while at school Catholic Education Institute in Margao he continued to pursue his acting mission under the pseudonym
M Taylor and later M Boyer.

His first play was "Rinkari"and he excelled in direction script writing singing acting etc He leaves behind his wife and five sons. The funeral date and time is yet to be announced

from the Raia end

GODFREY J I GONSALVES
BORDA MARGAO
9822158584

30/5/2009

Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) expresses its deep grief

30/05/2009

To
The Editor
Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter
(Attn: Mr. Gaspar Almeida)


Sir,

Kindly publish the following press note in your esteemed daily.

Thanking you,

(Premanand A. Lotlikar)
President,
Dalgado Konknni Akademi
(Mob: 9822135236)



PRESS RELEASE


Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) expresses its deep grief for the passing away of M.Boyer, writer-director, actor and composer-cum-singer of Konkani stage.
During his life time he educated the tiatr lovers through his tiatrs and songs. Sonvsar Sudhorlo, Ghor Dukhi Ganv Sukhi, Ekuch Rosto, etc. are some of his educative dramas. Through Ekuch Rosto he spread the message of communal harmony. He contributed to Konkani language with his rich tiatr scripts and songs and improved the overall standard of tiatr. Due to his efforts to take tiatrs to new heights he was awarded by several organizations in Goa and abroad. He was the only goan to receive the highest cultural award of Sangeet Nattak Akademi, New Delhi.
The death of this veteran tiatrist is a big loss to Konknni stage and leaves a vaccum in the field of tiatr which is hard to fill.
DKA prays for his departed soul and offers condolences to his breaved family.


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A big e-welcome to you. Tumcam Maie-mogacho ieukar. Enjoy Life - This is not a rehearsal! Konkani uloi, boroi, vach ani samball - sodankal. Hich Goenchi osmitai ani amchem khalxelponn. Goenchi amchi Konkani bhas! Ekvottachem saddon Goenkaranchem. This is Gaspar Almeida from Parra, Bardez, Goa, based in Kuwait and am connected with the www.goa-world.com website created by Ulysses Menezes, and as Moderator of the famous first of its kind Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter (since 1994) and The Goan Forum and several Goan and Indian associations and forums and e-forums in Goa, India, Kuwait, The Middle East and worldwide.