World renowned architect visited the House of "Pai Tiatrist"

World renowned architect visited the House of "Pai Tiatrist" Joao Agostinho Fernandes at 306 Modsai Margao Goa in mid October 2008 at the invitation of this writer to examine the feasibility of restoring the 140 year old home and preserving it for posterity.

This follows the earlier visit of Shri Shantaram L Naik the Rajya Sabha MP who visited the House, at the instance of this writer and was impressed by the desire of the family viz his daughter-in-law Ms Ana Maria Carolina Quadros Fernandes and his grand-daughter Sharmila Fernandes to fulfill the wishes of "Pai Tiatrist" and his son late Tony Fernandes to preserve the same. Mr Naik promised Government assistance towards this end and also wrote to the Chief Minister thereafter.


While the issue is being pursued to its logical conclusion, it must be appreciated that several playwrights have assured similar support for the same once the plans for restoration are in place by Architect Gerard Da Cunha who is working on the same.

This will be a tribute of sorts to not only Pai Tiatrist but also his spouse Ms Regina Fernandes who was the first lady to act on stage on 22/11/1904 when no other woman set foot on stage fearing social stigma.


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

[Pictures provided by Godfrey J.I. Gonsalves]
(c) All rights reserved.

Tomazinho tells govt to honour tiatrist C Alvares, Prem Kumar

Tomazinho tells govt to honour tiatrist C Alvares, Prem Kumar

PANJIM: Dalgado Konknni Akademy President Tomazinho Cardozo called upon the state government to honour tiatrist C Alvares and Prem Kumar posthumously for their contribution to the Konkani language and Goan community, although they did not reside in Goa.



Speaking at a condolence meeting organised on the demise of Konkani stalwarts, writer Fr Moreno de Souza sj and tiatrist Prem Kumar, Cardozo said that though the duo did not reside in the state, their contribution to Goa was immense.



Eulogising Fr Moreno de Souza and Prem Kumar, Cardozo said that Fr Moreno had written thousands of articles that touched the hearts of Goans. Miguel Braganza spoke of ironic circumstances Goa may have to face in future. "If we do not make the effort to preserve our language by keeping aside differences over script, we may have to mourn for our language in the years to come," he said. Others who spoke included Fr Mathew Almeida sj, Fr Pratap Naik, tiatrists Cyriaco Dias, Premanand Sangodkar, Anil Kumar, Fatima, writer Pundalik Naik and St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes.

Gomantak Times / 19-10-2007

TIATR ACADEMY - INAUGURAL AWARDS - 2009

The Govt of Goa is inaugurating the Tiatr Academy on 16th February, 2009 at the "Pai Tiatrist" Hall Margao. They have advertised for premises only on 4th February, 2009 and it is not clear whether the infrastructure for the same is in place.

Meanwhile the inaugural function does not seem to be on a sound footing. This appeal has been made to the Chief Minister of Goa, who also holds the portfolio of Art & Culture.
In case if netizens and others agree with the contents of this letter, they could also extend support to the issues .

Kindly circulate the same to evince support for the same

********************

12/02/2009

Shri Digambar V Kamat,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa,
BY FAX / SPEED POST
Altinho Panaji Goa

SUB: TIATR ACADEMY

It is learnt from the Directorate of Art & Culture, GoG, that 15 Konknni playwrights will be awarded on the ocassion of the inauguration of the Tiatr Academy on 16/02/2009. The criteria adopted for their selection is not known, as there are many others who have faded away unrewarded for their roles, in the over 117 years of tiatr history and some of the present ones have already received National or State awards.

Those presently listed to receive the awards hailing both from Mumbai and Goa are :
Ms Ophelia, Ms Antonette, Ms Titta Pretto, Ms Anita, Ms Clara , Lucasa, Star
ofArrosim, Mr Antonio Moraes, Mr C D Silva, Mr Thomas Antao, Mr Remmie
Colaco, Mr M Boyer, mr John Claro, Master Vaz and Philomena Crasto.

However, it is the humble opinion of several individuals that no Tiatr Academy can be constituted or be on a firm footing without honouring posthumously, those pioneers that have played a stellar role in the field of tiatr. These are

a) Mr Constancio Lucasinho Caridade Ribeiro alias Lucasinho Ribeiro n/o Assagao Bardez who staged the first play “ Italian Bhurgo “ on 17.04.1892 ( now observed as Tiatr Day )

b) Mr. Joao Agostinho Fernandes ( 14/12/1871 to 29/08/1947 ) n/o Modsai Borda Margao who earned the sobriquet of “Pai Tiatrist” for his inspiring role in staging Konkanni tiatrs bringing discipline , good performance , and original scripts in tiatrs ( he has since been gracefully honoured on 20/07/2008 by the Govt. by naming the 1150 A/c indoor auditorium and his portrait prominently displayed in the hall)

c) Ms Regina Fernandes n/o Raia, wife of Mr Joao Agostinho Fernandes who was the first woman to act on Konknni stage on 22/11/1904 even before any other women set foot on stage and whose death (on 30/12/1908) centenary was observed last year.

Their portraits should also adorn the public places of performing arts in Konknni and also the Tiatr Academy premises, so that their contribution to ‘tiatr” will not only be remembered for posterity to inspire coming generations to come into their foot steps.

Kindly do justice to this proposal before the event at the “Pai Tiatrist “ Hall on 16/02/2009.

GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
gonsalvesgodfreyji@yahoo.co.in
12/02/2009


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Romi Konkani move elicits mixed reaction

Romi Konkani move elicits mixed reaction

28 Sep 2008, 0544 hrs IST, TNN
THE TIMES OF INDIA


PANAJI: The recommendation of the advisory board of the official language cell to allow the use of Konkani in Roman script for official communication received a mixed response, but some felt it would help dispel the friction between groups over the controversy over use of scripts.

"It is a good step as it will help unite both camps and help the cause of the language," Vincy Quadros, a Konkani writer and poet said. Stating that people in any section should not feel discriminated, he said that the row over the script had unnecessarily created bad blood in the Konkani world.

Agreed N Shivdas, Konkani novelist, "If people need a certain script for their understanding, why rake up a controversy over it?" Naik pointed out that the use of Roman script by government agencies or for official purposes is nothing new. In the past slogans, pamphlets and matter for wider coverage through public displays, especially by the health department was being written in the Roman script.




Konkani lovers feel that if the government assures them that their correspondence will be replied to in the Roman script, many will use it for official purpose. "Those conversant with it will use it and not English as some do now," Quadros said.

However, N Shivdas, who has written in the Roman script for many years, pointed out that the Official Language Act should not be amended at all. "It is better to maintain status quo on the language issue, but Roman script needs to be protected," he said. The government has recently pursued a couple of initiatives, especially setting up of a tiatr academy, bowing to demands from protagonists of the Roman script.
Naik also points out that the issue of the Roman script should not be identified with any community or religion. "Identifying the script with a particular religion or community is bad. Anybody can write in any script," he said.

Prashant Naik said that approving of the use of the Roman script for official communication will spur other linguistic groups. "We may end up with demands from every section to reply to communication in their own languages," Naik said.
___________________
Awe-inspiring ‘Police’
Savio Falleiro, Margao
Congratulations to Director/Producer/Comedian Agostinho and his entire troupe for the awe-inspiring feat of 150 shows of the beautiful and meaningful theatro/drama ‘Police’. May the New Year see the success reach yet another milestone – the double century.
‘Police’ is a must-see for employees in general, and for police, government servants and elected representatives in particular. The drama conveys an excellent message for all those who allow themselves to be suppressed by their political masters and/or obsessed with their personal objective of making a fast buck. ‘Police’, besides giving a boost to the righteous not to despair on account of disorientation or disillusionment, also shows the power-hungry the ultimate futility of addiction to power at any cost. Incidentally, the director rightly shows that all public servants (the police in this case) are not bad, and that standards set by exemplary cops should in earnest be emulated by all others who blindly succumb to pressures and temptations.
All tiatr/drama directors and producers like Agostinho, Fr Nevel Gracias, Mario Menezes and others, ably assisted by their support staff, musicians, stage artistes etc, need to continue their wonderful work of conveying their strong social messages, especially in the present times of deep turmoil and dilution of values. Keep it up during 2009 too.

www.oheraldo.in




__________________
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Idea in Motion to set up 'Tiatr Academy' - CM

CM assures equal facilities to Devnagiri, Roman Konkani

MARGAO

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, today, assured to give all facilities to Roman script as enjoyed by Devnagiri, in an effort to help the development of Konkani language in the state. He also promised government help to all magazines published in Konkani.





The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest, at the one year celebration of the Konkani magazine `Jivit’ in his home town. Stating that Konkani language was the only identity of Goans, Mr Kamat opined that for Goa to progress, development of Konkani language was crucial. The Chief Minister also disclosed that he had put in motion the idea of setting up the `Tiatr Academy’.






For Konkani language to progress, Goans should stop fighting in the name of scripts and fight to get equal grants for Roman script writers and tiatrists, Deputy Speaker, Mr Mauvin Godinho reasoned. Earlier the organizers released three Konkani books at the hands of the dignitaries and felicitated five prominent personalities who contributed for the growth of Konkani language.


The Navhind Times / 11-09-2007

Tiatr academy will be set up soon

Tiatr academy will be set up soon


Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has said that, a tiatr academy will be set up in Goa soon. He said tiatrists should come forward to take benefit of the academy, the constitution of which is being drafted to help the growth of tiatr in all directions.

www.oheraldo.in
14 Sept. 2007


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Tiatr Academy will give boost to tiatrist

Tiatr Academy will give boost to tiatrist: Tomazinho
HERALD NEWS DESK/PANJIM, JUNE 11, 2008


The panelist comprising of tiatrist at a debate titled: ‘Is tiatr achieving the aspirations of Goans?’ were unanimous in their opinion that tiatr which has an impact on the Goan society needs to be encouraged by the government through subsidy, reserved plots, extra awards and setting up of a tiatr academy.

Senior Tiatrist, Tomazinho Cardozo while explaining the history of Tiatr that existed since 1892 said that ‘Tiatrist need financial support and government must hasten the setting up of a Tiatr Academy which has already been sanctioned which will further give a boost to tiatrist. Our standards are increasing but professionalism is lacking, but tiatr in Goa will never die and has a bright future, he said.




When asked why there is no censorship for ‘Tiatr’ in Goa when the same existed during the Portuguese regime and even currently exists in other states including Maharashtra, he said that in a democracy the freedom of expression must not be curtailed, besides in Goa there is no room for vulgarity or obscenity as what the Goan viewers want is clean fun and a good entertainment package.

Another senior tiatrist, Joe Rose who started acting from the age of seven said that although he has been performing in Goa, he was not considered for the state award merely because he did not have a 15 year residency certificate. I was an artist in Bombay, but I am a Goan, besides art and culture has no boundaries and why this injustice? he questioned.




Prince Jacob a tiatrist whose tiatrs are popular said that it is important to convey a good message and have a high-quality story because the show is watched by the whole family. When asked how he selects his topics, he said that it is based on everyday issues.

An upcoming female tiatrist Dolla Mascarenhas said that more women should be encouraged to take part in tiatr as they too have excellent talent. Juino De Souza moderated the debate.



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50 golden years celebrations of Santan H Viegas

50 golden years celebrations of Santan H Viegas






Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat is seen felicitating Santan H. Viegas for completing 50 years in Konkani music Kala Academy Campal in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary Francis Silveira, Peter Figueiredo Secretary KSSKK and Armando Almeida

Konkani Songit Somajik Kala Kendr, Taleigao in collaboration with Kala Academy Campal felicitated Santan H. Viegas for completing 50 years in Konkani music. Viegas was felicitated by Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat at Kala Academy Campal. Also present on the occasion were Parliamentary Secretary Francis Silveira and Peter Figueiredo Secretary KSSKK.

Kamat praised Viegas for his rich and varied continuous contribution to the Konkani music and told him not to put an end to his work and go on uplifting the young generation. Mr. Armando Almeida said that Viegas is a true son of Goa proved himself by his work in music and theatre. He has written and composed 1200 songs comprising a great deal of variety like comedy, social, political and of course dramatic themes. No credit was given to him by those who sang his composition. Famous tiatrists like Mil-Mel-Nel sang to his composition for the last 30 years which are outstanding. Others like F.X. Pereira, Rafeal Araujo, Xavier Almeida and Late Piety also sang his composition which were meaningful and family –oriented, every members can enjoy the lyrics without fear of listening to any kind of slang or vulgar words which is a norm today. One can truly get mesmerized by his songs. His songs not only makes one standup in awe and tiatr –lovers would time and again request for his songs to be sung again, all this has earned him prestigious awards, at a Kala Academy Tiartr and singing competition and also at a competition organized by Vandhana production, Margao, and his solos, duets and trios have won him the first place besides various other prizes.

http://drjackdesequeira.com/50_golden_years_celebrations_of_santan_h_viegas.html

Equal status sought for Roman script of Konkani

Row over official status to Roman script resurfaces

Equal status sought for Roman script of Konkani
http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/09/stories/2006070901740300.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Official Language Act, 1987, recognised Konkani in Devanagari script as the State's official language
It provided for use of Marathi for all official purposes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PANAJI: The demand to accord official status to Roman script of Konkani is gaining momentum ahead of the State Assembly election.

The Official Language Act, 1987, recognised Konkani in Devanagari script as the State's official language and provided for use of Marathi for all official purposes.

The issue of dual script of Konkani, which was then shelved to keep the demand of Marathi protagonists at bay, has resurfaced now after 19 years. Votaries of the Roman script feel deprived of the benefits of the Act.

Prince Jacob, Tiatr Academy convener, said: "For the past 500 years, Goan Catholics have been using Roman script for Konkani in their cultural, social and religious activities. Owing to this, a standard Konkani was evolved and it became popular."
Tiatr is a popular form of traditional drama in Konkani, which is prominently scripted (in Roman script) and staged by Catholic artistes.

Supporters of the Roman script have got the support of a section of the ruling coalition led by South Goa MP Churchill Alemao. But the Congress may once again find itself divided over the issue.

Protagonists of Marathi, who feel that the language was denied official language status, are also waiting to push their demand.

Protagonists of the Roman script were lobbying with ruling party MLAs and Ministers to push for an amendment to the Act through a private member's Bill. But it was a letter by Congress Vichar Vibhag to ruling party MLAs and Ministers urging them to oppose the move that sparked the controversy.




Uday Bhembre is chairman of Vichar Vibhag and an advocate of Devanagari as the uniform script for Konkani. The letter said: "There is no doubt that the writers in Roman script should be encouraged and that they should get facilities on par with the others, but for that no change in the Act is required."

"Unfortunately, in Goa, scripts are related to religious communities. This is not conducive to communal harmony and unity," Mr. Bhembre said.

Mr. Bhembre said that Roman script for Konkani was used only by a section of the Catholic community, which was a minority in the State.

If the Official Language Act was amended, protagonists of Marathi would find it easy to further their demand for equal status to Marathi, he said.

For the ruling dispensation, the issue has wider ramifications as the party relies heavily on the Catholic vote bank, at least in South Goa. Moreover, it is also seen as another handy weapon for Mr. Alemao to unsettle other Catholic leaders in South Goa Congress ahead of the Assembly election.

The ruling party's stance is that the Congress resolved the official language issue in 1987 and it will be an ill-conceived move to rake it up when elections are hardly a year away.

The Goa Catholic Church has so far kept itself out of the controversy. BJP Goa unit president Rajendra Arlekar told The Hindu that his party would not support amendment to accord official status to the Roman script as it was an alien script for an Indian language.

(The Hindu / 9 July 2006)

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Rs. 15 Lakh sanctioned by Goa Govt.

CM pledges fin help to boost Romi Konkani

21 Dec 2008, 0012 hrs IST, TNN
(THE TIMES OF INDIA)


MARGAO: Chief minister Digambar Kamat, speaking at the Romi Konkani Writers Summit at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao on Saturday said that all financial help will be provided by the government for the development of Konkani in the Roman script.

Kamat said that Rs 15 lakh have already been sanctioned by the government for the cause. He said that in the last cabinet meeting it was already decided that a tiatr academy be set up.




Acting president of the sammelan, Vincy Quadros, president of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Premanand Lotlikar and secretary of the sammelan, Tarkeshwar Naik were also present.

Fr Pratap Naik, director of Thomas Stephen's Konknni Kendre, Porvorim was the guest speaker for the occassion. Two Romi Konkani books besides a souvenir were released at the event. Octavio Rodrigues was felicitated for promoting cultural activities, Cursinho Pinho and Elly Fernandes for their contribution to journalism, Esminia Dias, for promotion of folk dances and Patrick Dourado for the promotion of tiatr.


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Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

‘Proposed Tiatr Academy to become reality soon’
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, OCT 13
Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said that the proposed Tiatr Academy will become a reality later this month.
“The government has framed the Constitution to guide the functioning of the Academy. The Tiatr Academy should fall in place by this month”, Kamat said, while addressing a function held to mark the second anniversary of Konkani monthly magazine Jivit.
The Chief Minister informed the gathering about the steps taken by his government to promote Konkani in Roman script.
Various speakers, including deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Mauvin Godinho, urged the government to work out an advertising policy for newspapers and magazines published in regional languages.
Tomazinho Cardozo said the government’s new advertisement will affect the small newspapers and magazines published in the regional language and called for a separate policy for the periodicals in regional languages.
Cardozo also raised the demand for according official status for Konkani in Roman script for the development of Konkani language.
Mauvin Godinho, Vincy Quadros and others echoed similar sentiments when they urged the government to protect the interest of small newspapers and periodicals published in local languages.
Noted Konkani activist, Eric Ozario also spoke.
www.oheraldo.in

Goa Budget 2008-09 highlights allocation to set-up Tiatr Academy

Art and Culture
• Thrust on completion of on-going Ravindra Bhavan Projects and taking up new projects.
• Construction of an Annex Building at Kala Academy.
• Government to institute 2 Fellowships for promoting Research work in the memory of Late Dr. D.D. Kosambi.
• Government to set-up Tiatr Academy.



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See Link below:
http://goagovt.nic.in/bud0809/budgethighlights08.pdf
(Page 4)

Tomazinho Cardozo is appointed Tiatr Academy president

Tomazinho Cardozo is Tiatr Academy president

The state government has appointed former assembly speaker Tomazinho Cardozo as president of the Tiatr Academy under clause 6(a) of the constitution of the Tiatr Academy.
The other members of the academy include Sharon Mazarello, Marcelino de Betim, Roseferns, Prince Jacob, Premanand Sangodkar, Mario Pereira, Joe Rose, Jessie Dias, Mike Mehta and Fr Nevil Gracias.

(Times of India - Goa Edition)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIGO&login=default&AW=1231395524390
www.goa-world.com/goa/ music/ - The Online Music Station for KONKANI
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________________

Tiatrist

This is about Tomazinho Cardozo as a tiatrist

I too have not seen him in any tiatr other than his own ‘ Kala Mogi -Candolim’ group.
But that does not mean that he is not a tiatrist

Tiatrist or tiatristponn is something that you should have in your blood.
And as far as Tomazinho Cardozo is concern, he has it all.

He being an active politician like Village Sarpanch for many years and also Ex. Speaker of Goa Assembly (1995-99), may not have been able to take up Tiatr professionally.

If am not mistaken, about 51 years ago, he (Tomazin) acted in Joao Cardozo Tiatr ‘ODRUXTTI JIVIT’

I must say that ‘tiatristponn’ runs in the blood of entire Cardozo family

Watch this clip yourself:
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=pMy-Fk_TsJY

Another one here
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=uDgRxWw7KGw

Another silent clip
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5406704632460905054

Here are some pics of Cardozo family
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk11/1387643731/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk11/1387644915/

(As posted on goanet.org)
15/06/2008

Govt scripting yet another row over Tiatr Academy?

Govt scripting yet another row over Tiatr Academy?


MARGAO, SEPT 26, 2007

Will the affairs of the proposed Tiatr Academy be carried out in Roman script, Devnagiri or English?

This question has occupied the minds of a section of tiatrists, as the task
of putting a Constitution in place for the Tiatr Academy has got underway with the government circulating a draft Constitution for suggestions and objections.

Tiatrists in the know say the draft-Constitution is silent for reasons best known to the government on the question of script, when it is a common knowledge that Tiatr is written in Roman script.

Take for instance, the aims, objectives and activities of the Tiatr Academy.
The draft constitution says the Academy aims at fostering and developing Tiatr
and its dances, music, songs and literature and also promoting through them the
cultural unity of the State and the country.




Tiatrists have sought to know whether the aim to foster and develop Tiatr
and its literature would be in Roman script or any other script. “Why is
the government silent on mentioning the words “in Roman script” after the word
literature?” asked a prominent tiatrist.
He said mentioning of the word “in the Roman script” is essential, considering the commitment of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and his government to promote Roman script.

Another Tiatrist pointed out to the provision relating to the Academy's Member Secretary. Pointing out to the duties of the Member Secretary, wherein he is expected to look after the office correspondence, a tiatrist maintained that all this correspondence will necessarily be in Roman script.


http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=1805&cid=2
27-09-2007

Goan Tiatr Academy

Goan Tiatr Academy


On 27th April 1892, a 27 year old lad from Assagao in Bardez, Mr Lucasinho Ribeiro from Bardez staged the first known Konkani play , a translation of a popular Italian soap opera of that time and was titled “ Italian bhurgo” .


Though it was a mere translation of an Italian opera, staged at the new Alfred Theatre in Bombay, it is regarded as the first Tiatr from Goa. However it was Mr. Joao Agostinho Fernandes from Margao, also known as Pai Tiatrist, who scripted his own original play “sundori Cabelchi” which catapulted the Goan Konkani Tiatr in its unique art form on a great journey.

116 years of Goan Tiatr history,is a great achievement . Before the advent of the Tiatr, the Zagor and khell were the art forms of theatrical expression in Goa and were mostly prevailing in North and South Goa respectively.


Today Tiatr has been taken to each and every corner of the world by various stage artists from Goa who surfaced on the Konkani stage regularly and shone at state as well as the international levels.



In 1956 the khell tiatr or non-stop tiatr came into existence. Unlike films there being no chance of retakes, the stage actors have to be thorough with their dialogues as the same has to be delivered live on stage.


Recently the tiatr as an art form was plagued with various problems and there was a fervent plea from the tiatrists to the government to declare them as a small scale industry. Some tiatrists have expressed happiness at the response given by the Chief Minister Mr Digambar Kamat but are however doubtful about the final outcome and are however optimistic about the governments decision.

Athough it is a tough task, tiatr’s have survived in Goa. Staging the tiatr for three hours in Goan auditoriums which normally are ill-equipped with the infrastructure and also taking the dramas to the villages has been quite challenging given the cost factors . However despite all odds the tiatr has triumphed and some of the tiatr shows have crossed the century mark.

It was therefore with open arms that the government decision to recognize goan tiatr by setting up a tiatr academy was welcomed. The government of Goa has decided to set up this academy with an initial grant of Rs 15 lakh and the tiatrists of Goa hope that the Academy would actually fructify into a reality and would also speak of the governments commitment to the Konkani language.

http://goacom.blogspot.com/2008/12/goan-tiatr-academy-on-27th-april-1892.html
Monday, December 22, 2008

Tiatrists keeping fingers crossed over Tiatr Academy

Tiatrists keeping fingers crossed over Tiatr Academy
by ERWIN FONSECA

19-12-2008

The state government has decided to set up a tiatr academy with an initial grant of Rs 15 lakh.
This decision has given some recognition to the Goan tiatr, but there is a mixed feeling among tiatrists and many are keeping their fingers crossed over this decision as they are skeptical about its outcome.
Goan tiatr has a history of 116 years. Prior to this the Zagor and Khell were quite popular. This art form was mostly prevailing in North and South Goa respectively.
However, on 27th April 1892, a young 27 year-old lad from Assagao in Bardez, Mr Lucasinho Rebeiro staged a Konkani translation 'Italian Bhurgo' of a popular Italian opera at that time.
Though Mr Rebeiro staged this first tiatr�at New Alfred Theatre in Bombay it was�a mere translation.
It was only after Mr Joao Agostinho Fernandes from Margao, known as Pai Tiatrist staged his original script penned down entirely by him� with the name �Sundori Cabelchi� that the Goan Konkani tiatr in its unique art form began its journey.
Various stage artists who surfaced on the Konkani stage from time to time shone not only at the state level but even at the international level. Tiatr was taken to each and every corner of the world by these tiatrists.



It was in 1956 that 'khell tiatr or non-stop tiatr' came into existence. Like films there is no retake here therefore a stage actor has to be thorough with his or her dialogues as he is to deliver them live on stage in front of an audience.
This art form has been plagued with various difficulties and there was a plea from the tiatrists to the government to declare this as a small scale industry. Some tiatrists are happy that to some extent the present Digambar Kamat-led government has �shown some interest for the betterment of the tiatr but some are quite skeptical about the decision and are keeping their fingers crossed.
It is a welcome step, many say while for others it is something that will be known only when it becomes a reality.





The Goan tiatr has always been getting a raw deal from successive governments inspite of the tiatrists facing a lot of hardship.
Staging a drama for there hours in our Goan halls which sometimes do not have proper infrastructure and to take these dramas to villages is not a child�s play as big costs are involved. Yet some of these shows sometimes cross a century.
We are glad that atleast now the government has given some recognition to Goan tiatr by deciding to set up a tiatr academy. This is a welcome move and should help the tiatr in the long run, felt Mr Tomazinho Cardozo pointing out that even youngsters would now get a boost to join tiatr.
He, however, felt that even financially some solace should be given to the tiatrists.
Veteran stage actress and director of TACT - Theatre and Cultural Training Institute that has its centre in Margao and trains youngsters to join tiatr, Ms Sharon Mazarello expressed her happiness as well as her reservation about the move.
We have been told that a tiatr academy will be formed, but when it will be formed and in what way it benefits tiatr is what is left to be seen. We do not want lip service but some concrete action. Promises have always been made to develop tiatr but nothing has happened in reality� she regretted.
Ms Mazarello felt that only when the tiatr academy is actually formed would it speak of the government's commitment to the language of Konkani and hoped that the decision would be a reality soon.





She is coincidently involved with her first Konkani film production. Many tiatrists have concurred with the views of Ms Mazarello saying that some years back a Congress Cultural Cell under the leadership of former Navelim MLA Mr Luisinho Faleiro was formed to work for the development of the tiatr and Konkani films but nothing really worked out. Popular 'King of Centuries' Mr Roseferns says that he had always been demanding a tiatr academy and a small scale industry status for Konkani tiatr but the latest government move of formation of tiatr academy though a good move was not taken by taking them into confidence.
We were completely in the dark neither do we know when the academy will actually be formed or who will be its members. Finally it should work for the welfare of Goan tiatr. Therefore what we can do now is only hope that it will serve the right cause.

www.oheraldo.in