DEMISE OF TIATRIST H. BRITTON

(courtesy: www.oheraldo.in)

Tomazinho Cardozo pays tribute to versatile tiatrist H Britton
The Konkani tiatr is passing through a critical phase. A few months ago a stalwart of the Konkani stage, M Boyer and another tiatr personality,
Lucas Fernandes passed away, leaving a void that may never be filled. On Thursday, yet another multi-talented personality of the tiatr stage, H Britton, expired.

H Britton's contribution to the Konkani stage has not only been immense, it has also been unique. I consider his contribution unique because his acting as a female character kept the Konkani tiatr stage alive at a time when women were reluctant to act. H Britton's real name was Hermegildo Camilo. The first time I saw him on stage was in the late 1960s during the annual tiatr staged by the villagers of Britona on the day of the feast of Our Lady of Penha de France. If I am not mistaken, young, handsome and energetic Hermegildo had come to Goa from Bombay especially for the village feast. This was clear from the announcement that had been made informing the audience that Hermegildo would sing two songs.

Over 600 tiatr lovers were eager to see Hermegildo in action. Everyone in the audience was very happy. The boys continuously wolf whistling from behind filled the atmosphere. I was surprised at the behaviour of the audience after Hermegildo's name was announced. I realized that Hermegildo was very popular among the villagers. I was also informed that Hermegildo was acting in tiatr after a gap of four years. Naturally people were anxious to see the acting of the villager's most-talented young artiste at that time. At last Hermegildo came on stage in his inimitable style and rendered a song which sent the whole audience into a riot of laughter. Calls for an encore coupled with wolf whistles went out from the audience again and again. But the best in Hermegildo was yet to come.

The second song rendered by Hermegildo was excellent. He dressed as a girl and rendered the song in his unique style. His attire, his body movements, his actions and facial expressions mesmerized the audience. He was a perfect young lady criticizing the boys in her song. Although he criticized boys in that song, the boys in the audience could not resist in whistling him back on stage for an encore over and over again. He was the darling of the villagers of Britona at that time and hence they called him Hermegildo and not H Britton, even though he had become a very prominent artiste with the latter name on the tiatr stage in Bombay at that time.

H Britton's singing, dancing and acting as a female character has no parallel in tiatr's history. He dominated the tiatr stage as a female artiste for a long time although he had to go abroad in between for better prospects.

On returning, he once again embraced his first love—tiatr. Besides being a very good singer and actor, he was a superb lyricist too. His compositions were not only rich in content but also full of wit and humour. He must have composed over 700 songs, besides singing thousands of songs with other tiatr artistes, including M Boyer, Jacinto Vaz and others. He wrote and directed full-length tiatrs too. His first tiatr was `Ekvottachem Foll' which was a hit.

Some of his popular tiatrs which won the hearts of people are: `Custom Officer', `Jivit Kuwaitchem', `Bebdo Put', `Bunhad Naslolem Ghor', etc. However, it was as a singer that he most captured the hearts of people. H Britton has many albums to his credit. His songs `Bandra Fest' and `Pandu Lapiao' have become part of our cultural heritage and will live on forever.

As a `female' artiste of the tiatr stage he was responsible to keep the flag of Konkani tiatr flying high when there was scarcity of girls to act in tiatrs. He filled that vacuum then and saw that tiatr not only survived, but survived as a vibrant dramatic form of Goa.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Tomazinho-Cardozo-pays-tribute-to-versatile-tiatrist-H-Britton/articleshow/5058503.cms



www.oheralo.in
Tiatr celeb H Britton no more
HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, Sept 24
A shining light of the Konkani stage – Hermegildo Camilo – popularly known as H Britton passed away Thursday evening at Britona, Bardez, after a brief illness.
Recipient of the Goa government’s State cultural award for tiatr, H Britton was a famous tiatr personality for several decades.
He was one of the well-known humorists of Konkani stage who entertained audiences with a variety of songs. Britton was known more for female roles on the stage. His forte was singing. He sung hundreds of songs and also wrote their lyrics.
Britton has brought out several cassettes and VCDs. Some of his well-known songs include Bandra Festak and Pandu Lampeao which are played regularly on All India Radio. He also directed some tiatrs.
Sources said H Britton breathed his last late Thursday evening. He was in the hospital for some days before he was shifted home recently.
Several tiatr personalities condoled the death of H Britton. Jessie Dias who was besides him just before he breathed his last, said with his death a void has been created on the Konkani tiatr stage which will be difficult to fill.
Cezar D’Mello recalled H Britton’s participation in the Ugdass Adlea Kantarancho musical show held some time ago. “It’s a big loss to the Konkani stage”, he said recollecting his association with the acclaimed singer.
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=27799&cid=2



(as published in www.oheraldo.in on 26/09/2009)


PANAJI: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has condoled the death of noted Konkani tiatrist, Hermegildo Camilo.
Popularly known as H Britton, Hermegildo Camilo passed away on Thursday evening at Britona, Bardez, after a brief illness.
Goan tiatr, Mr Kamat said has lost one of its tallest heroes. In his death, the Chief Minister said, a void has been created on the Konkani tiatr stage which will be difficult to fill. Mr Kamat has conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, president of Tiatr Academy Goa has also condoled H Britton’s death.

In the death of H Britton, Konkani tiatr stage has lost one of the most talented artistes in particular and Goa has lost a seasoned tiatrist in general, Mr Cardozo said.
“H Britton served the Konkani tiatr stage for over five decades and has contributed to the development of tiatr immensely.”
“H Britton was a singer of high calibre and hence mesmerised the tiatr audience whenever and wherever he performed. He was an excellent lyricist too. The content of his songs was full of wit and humour and hence he could win the hearts of tiatr lovers of Goa and abroad.”
Tiatr Academy Goa condoles the death of this veteran tiatr artiste and pray to the Almighty that his soul rests in peace, he further said.
H Britton shot to fame with the song ‘Bandra Festak’, followed by ‘Marialinha’ and ‘Bus Conductor.’ Most of his songs were humorous. Some of his other best songs include ‘Mumbai Pahili’, ‘Habibi’, which is Arabic, ‘English Konkani’ and ‘Girl friend’. He sang most of his duets with Succurine Rita and Lorna.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/3476-cm-condoles-death-of-h-britton

_________________________

Dubai:The famous Goan Composer,singer and actor who gave us hits like 'Bandra Festak' passed away late Thursday afternoon.Mr Britton was fighting for his life in a hospital in Goa.He is the recipient of the Goa overnment�s State cultural award for tiatr.It is indeed a big loss for Konkani and in particular the konkani stage.
http://www.radiogoa.net/comments.shtml?id=505

_________________________



A TRIBUTE TO H.BRITTON


On September 24, 2009, at around 6:30 p.m. another star from the Konkani
celestial world, Hermegildo Camilo, popularly known to tiatr lovers as ‘H. Britton’, faded into the oblivion.

Originally, H. Britton hailed from Agasaim but he settled in Britona in the mid Sixties. Maybe that’s why he took his stage name as ‘Britton’ for people to know that he came from the new place and not from his original place.

In the past and even now it has been a fashion for tiatrists to add the name of the place they hail from to their names. For e.g., M. Dod de Verna, Bab Peter de Anjuna Marcelino de Betim, Lawrence de Tiracol, Francis de Tuem, etc.



Until around the middle of the last century, no females were allowed to act in Konkani tiatros, as it was considered below women’s dignity. Female roles were played by males like the late Vincent de Saligão, the late Aristides, Remie Colaco, etc.

However, we had one seasoned Konkani stage artist for around four decades now who earned a name for himself by singing songs dressed as a female - he was none other than the talented H. Britton.


H. Britton was one of the Konkani stage humorists who have entertained Goans with a variety of songs for over four decades and won accolades for his singing and acting, especially in imitating women’s fashion on the stage.

Many, who saw him on the stage for the first time, couldn’t believe he was a male because he dressed and behaved exactly like a woman. He mostly sang solos dressed as a female.

He wore a maxi or draped a sari below his navel and over that he wore a short blouse with deep neck. He held a ladies handbag in his hand or placed it on his shoulder. He used colorful umbrellas matching his dresses/saris. He wore ladies high heel shoes and gave a cat walk on the stage. He wore a pair of Ray-Ban glasses and emulated Gulfee’s wife of the 1960s and 1970s. He used just enough lipstick and rouge to give him that female appearance. He had a big collection of wigs. Obviously, he needed it in order to enact several female roles! He was the darling of the audience!


A Goa State awardee around 21 years ago, H. Britton carved a niche for himself not only in Goa but also in Mangalore and other parts of India as well as in the Gulf, especially in Kuwait, where he was employed for a brief period.

He was a crowd puller from the 1970s through the 1990s! He was one of the few actors after the late M. Boyer to be encored for almost every song - the public just loved his singing style and dress attire; they had fallen in love with him!

His famous songs “Bandra Festak,” “Pandu Lampianv”, “Kanknnankar” “You are my
Sonia” – a duet with Lorna, etc. will live forever in our minds.

Here are the lyrics of a comedy song “Amchea Bapa” (Our Father) taken from H.
Britton’s cassette titled ‘GOEM KONNACHEM” – Vol.12.

AMCHEA BAPA by H. Britton

I
Sonvsarant hea ghoddtta poi tem nhoi baba sonspachem
Zanntteank toxem nenntteank poddlam fashion korpachem
Igorjen zalam competition, fency dress-achem
Tea fency dressak lagon mis pidd’ddear bhavarteanchem.

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Amchea Bapa, sorgar asai, tujem nanv vhodd zanv
Disandis unnem zait veta amchem devosanv
Fashion-ing lagon gharan bhurgim kortat kestanv
Dekun ragan ghalun bhonvtam dhuvechem kalsanv

II
Adlea tempailo ugddas asa mhoje motin
Zannttim zanv nennttim gomttean ghalit Saibinnimchem Bentin
Bailanchea mathear saddiecho pallov, rezarachem kont hatin
Atam bhangar hatin, saddiecho pallov mathear doronam gho Ritin

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Igorjen fashion korun aileam distat dansak
Thoddim igorjen bhitor sortat ordea misak
Taimar sarkim pavtat offisak
Devak fottovnk zata, fottovnk zainam boss-ak

III
Sarkem mon divn konn mis aikota zait hea tempar
Mis choltannam toklen bhitor bhailim chintnam sabar
Thoddim ghoddialak pollovn mhunnttat ‘mis kednam zatelem kabar’
Thodde mhunnttat edo vhoddlo sermanv kiteak sangta ho Padr Vigar

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Bhavarti munis igorjen rozar korta
High heel ghalun cheddvam-bailo bhitor sorta
Mocheancho avaz kanar poddtta
Automatik bhavarteanchi gomtti gunvta

H. Britton is survived by his son Diogo, daughter Augusta and grandchildren.

The funeral will take place in Britona on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 11:00
am.

I earnestly request readers of this message to say ek ABNM (Amchea Bapa Noman Mori)
for H. Britton’s soul. May his soul rest in peace!

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes
Anjuna, Goa
Mob: 9420979201

26/09/2009

_____________________________________________________________________________________

HIT SONGS OF H.BRITTON can be heard on the Net:
http://edskantaram.blogspot.com/2008/09/songs-of-hbritton.html
http://www.hummaa.com/music/artist/19307/H+Britton
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/music/
http://www.radiogoa.net/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TOGFLY/ref=dm_dp_trk20/186-5466680-2705367

Other links:
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=27799&cid=2
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Tomazinho-Cardozo-pays-tribute-to-versatile-tiatrist-H-Britton/articleshow/5058503.cms
www.live365.com/stations/konkani
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsRbsUwmsx0&feature=related
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/kantaram/index.htm
Links as achieved by gaspar almeida for www.goa-world.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/26093
______________________________________________________

H.Britton, senior Tiatrist who was fighting for his life, for a month
in Hospital in Goa, passed away today 24/9/2009.
H.Britton shot to fame with the song Bandra Festak, followed by
Marialinha and Bus Conductor. Most of his songs were humorous
and on stage he mostly dressed as a lady. Some of his other best
songs include Mumbai Pahili, Habibi, which is Arabic, English
Konkani and Girl friend. He sang most of his duets with Succurine
Rita n Lorna. We will miss another great Konkani Tiatrist.
May his soul Rest in Peace.

Eddie Verdes
http://edskantaram.blogspot.com/

A TRIBUTE TO H.BRITTON

A TRIBUTE TO H.BRITTON


On September 24, 2009, at around 6:30 p.m. another star from the Konkani
celestial world, Hermegildo Camilo, popularly known to tiatr lovers as ‘H. Britton’, faded into the oblivion.

Originally, H. Britton hailed from Agasaim but he settled in Britona in the mid Sixties. Maybe that’s why he took his stage name as ‘Britton’ for people to know that he came from the new place and not from his original place.

In the past and even now it has been a fashion for tiatrists to add the name of the place they hail from to their names. For e.g., M. Dod de Verna, Bab Peter de Anjuna Marcelino de Betim, Lawrence de Tiracol, Francis de Tuem, etc.



Until around the middle of the last century, no females were allowed to act in Konkani tiatros, as it was considered below women’s dignity. Female roles were played by males like the late Vincent de Saligão, the late Aristides, Remie Colaco, etc.

However, we had one seasoned Konkani stage artist for around four decades now who
earned a name for himself by singing songs dressed as a female - he was none other than the talented H. Britton.


H. Britton was one of the Konkani stage humorists who have entertained Goans with a
variety of songs for over four decades and won accolades for his singing and acting,
especially in imitating women’s fashion on the stage.

Many, who saw him on the stage for the first time, couldn’t believe he was a male
because he dressed and behaved exactly like a woman. He mostly sang solos dressed as a female.

He wore a maxi or draped a sari below his navel and over that he wore a short blouse
with deep neck. He held a ladies handbag in his hand or placed it on his shoulder. He used colorful umbrellas matching his dresses/saris. He wore ladies high heel shoes and gave a cat walk on the stage. He wore a pair of Ray-Ban glasses and emulated Gulfee’s wife of the 1960s and 1970s. He used just enough lipstick and rouge to give him that female appearance. He had a big collection of wigs. Obviously, he needed it in order to enact several female roles! He was the darling of the audience!


A Goa State awardee around 21 years ago, H. Britton carved a niche for himself not only in Goa but also in Mangalore and other parts of India as well as in the Gulf, especially in Kuwait, where he was employed for a brief period.

He was a crowd puller from the 1970s through the 1990s! He was one of the few actors
after the late M. Boyer to be encored for almost every song - the public just loved his singing style and dress attire; they had fallen in love with him!

His famous songs “Bandra Festak,” “Pandu Lampianv”, “Kanknnankar” “You are my
Sonia” – a duet with Lorna, etc. will live forever in our minds.

Here are the lyrics of a comedy song “Amchea Bapa” (Our Father) taken from H.
Britton’s cassette titled ‘GOEM KONNACHEM” – Vol.12.

AMCHEA BAPA by H. Britton

I
Sonvsarant hea ghoddtta poi tem nhoi baba sonspachem
Zanntteank toxem nenntteank poddlam fashion korpachem
Igorjen zalam competition, fency dress-achem
Tea fency dressak lagon mis pidd’ddear bhavarteanchem.

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Amchea Bapa, sorgar asai, tujem nanv vhodd zanv
Disandis unnem zait veta amchem devosanv
Fashion-ing lagon gharan bhurgim kortat kestanv
Dekun ragan ghalun bhonvtam dhuvechem kalsanv

II
Adlea tempailo ugddas asa mhoje motin
Zannttim zanv nennttim gomttean ghalit Saibinnimchem Bentin
Bailanchea mathear saddiecho pallov, rezarachem kont hatin
Atam bhangar hatin, saddiecho pallov mathear doronam gho Ritin

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Igorjen fashion korun aileam distat dansak
Thoddim igorjen bhitor sortat ordea misak
Taimar sarkim pavtat offisak
Devak fottovnk zata, fottovnk zainam boss-ak

III
Sarkem mon divn konn mis aikota zait hea tempar
Mis choltannam toklen bhitor bhailim chintnam sabar
Thoddim ghoddialak pollovn mhunnttat ‘mis kednam zatelem kabar’
Thodde mhunnttat edo vhoddlo sermanv kiteak sangta ho Padr Vigar

CHORUS

Bhogos Saiba!

Bhavarti munis igorjen rozar korta
High heel ghalun cheddvam-bailo bhitor sorta
Mocheancho avaz kanar poddtta
Automatik bhavarteanchi gomtti gunvta

H. Britton is survived by his son Diogo, daughter Augusta and grandchildren.

The funeral will take place in Britona on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 11:00
am.

I earnestly request readers of this message to say ek ABNM (Amchea Bapa Noman Mori)
for H. Britton’s soul. May his soul rest in peace!

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes
Anjuna, Goa
Mob: 9420979201

26/09/2009

_____________________________________________________________________________________

HIT SONGS OF H.BRITTON can be heard on the Net:
http://edskantaram.blogspot.com/2008/09/songs-of-hbritton.html
http://www.hummaa.com/music/artist/19307/H+Britton
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/music/
http://www.radiogoa.net/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TOGFLY/ref=dm_dp_trk20/186-5466680-2705367

Other links:
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=27799&cid=2
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Tomazinho-Cardozo-pays-tribute-to-versatile-tiatrist-H-Britton/articleshow/5058503.cms
www.live365.com/stations/konkani
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsRbsUwmsx0&feature=related
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/kantaram/index.htm
Links as achieved by gaspar almeida for www.goa-world.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________

STAR STRUMMER TONY GOMES

STAR STRUMMER

The first musician to play the electric guitar in Hindi films, Goa’s Tony Gomes also introduced Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions. A spotlight on a star which shone brightly, once upon a time.

By: Walter Menezes
(First appeared on Gomantak Times dated 23 Sept 2009)


In the good old days, almost every church in Goa had its very own choirmaster. While the padri (priest) taught lasting values of life, the mestri (choirmaster) initiated the youngsters to discover the symbols of solfam (notes) and the magic of music. For many, the music school became the springboard to catapult them to fame and an illustrious career. Antonio Piedade Gomes of Vhoddlem-Bhatt, Quepem is one such Goan who worked with some of the best known music directors of Hindi cinema during his time.


[A still from Konkani film, Nirmonn]

Born in 1922, ‘Tony’ Gomes received his ‘early lessons’ from Caetano Philip Dias, the mestri of Quepem church and his seafaring father thought it best to send his ‘exceptionally gifted’ son to Bombay when still young. ‘By the time I joined the music escola, Tony was already out of it,’ Andre Bibiano Furtado of Quepem, who will turn 85 this December, told us. ‘Much later, when I used to work for Mazagon Dock, I would join my friends at Bastanis for a cup of chai almost every Sunday. They would all talk so much about Tony Gomes. He lived in Wellington Terrace (in Dhobitalao) nearby,’ Furtado filled in with more details.


[Tony Gomes (seated, third from left) with his Rhythm Raiders.]

Introduced to the film studios by Fr. Aurelius Maschio, SDB, then principal of Don Bosco School, Matunga, where he studied and also fine-tuned his skills and mastered the violin and the guitar, Tony Gomes had his own band during the ‘big band era’ of Bombay (now Mumbai), Tony Gomes and his Rhythm Raiders (which was later christened as Tony Gomes and his Dance Band). His band was a regular sight at many parties and dances and they played at the New Year’s Eve Ball of the Indian Navy practically every year in the 60’s and early 70’s.

A long time member of Cine Musicians’ Association, Tony Gomes was equally at ease with the Hawaiian guitar and the Spanish guitar and played for Ravi, Shankar Jaikishan, O P Nayyar, Laxmikant Payarelal, S D Burman, R D Burman, Hemant Kumar and V Shantaram. He was also instrumental in introducing Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions.


[Mrs Indira Gandhi, Raj Kapoor and Tony Gomes (from family album]

In the maiden issue of Konkan Entertainment covering ‘50 Years of Konkani Cinema’ and dedicated to Al Jerry Braganza, the Father of Konkani Cinema, Andrew Greno Viegas, the magazine’s editor (and researcher, too) makes a mention of Anthony Gomes as the first musician ‘to play the electric guitar in Hindi films’.

‘Chic Chocolate, who was called as the Harry James of India, Tony Gomes, Antonio Sequeira (who later taught music at Kala Akademi) and Johnny Rodrigues were in a class of their own,’ John Claro, playwright of the Purtugez Kolvont fame informed us. Himself a Quepemkar, John Claro who was working for Norwich Union before its subsequent merger with Life Insurance Corporation of India recounted, ‘I remember doing an article, somewhere in 1950, lauding the efforts of my fellow Quepemcares, Tony Gomes and Antonio Sequeira in the city of Bombay. It was published on Chabuk, the bilingual weekly in Konkani and English which was then edited by L M Henry D’Souza.’

‘Musicians would practice for days together before the recording. Persons passing by Wellington Terrace (residential colony) would at once know if Gomes was practicing. His music was unique,’ John Claro said, speaking of the high standards that this musician had set for himself.

‘He was exceptional,’ confirmed Abdonio Rodrigues, Goa’s famous drummer when we met him at his Curchorem residence at the foot of the Guardian Angel Church hillock. The sun had set and night was sneaking in. Soon the church bell tolled and it was time for aimori (angelus). ‘He was much sought-after by the music directors of Hindi films,’ he added after the prayers were over.

‘So much was happening in Bombay during those days. We musicians were very much in demand,’ Abdonio told us after we showed him a clip from Frank Fernand’s Konkani movie Nirmonn, where the camera zeroes in on Tony Gomes, focusing on the speed with which his deft fingers glide along the neck of the guitar, playing a passage of ‘dense’ music as in a cadenza, during the unforgettable Nach Atanche song. Abdonio, who played the drums for the movie recalled, ‘This was shot in Mehbooba Studio in Bandra.’ Tony Gomes can also be seen on the violin in the opening song in the film, Amchem Noxib.

Incidentally, Nirmonn was remade in Hindi as Taqdeer and was also dubbed in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya.

‘He had a long way to go and would have been one of the finest guitarists Bollywood has ever seen,’ Ivor Gomes said, speaking about his paternal uncle and then added, ‘but he died in 1974, when he was only 52!’

Sometimes, life is as sweet, and as brief, as a melody. That’s what Tony Gomes, the star strummer would have told us had he been alive today!

(With inputs by: Tony Gomes’ daughters, Bernadette D’Souza, attorney, New Orleans and Nancy Paes, University of New Orleans and his sister, Luciana Gomes e Fernandes.)



Check this link www.youtube.com/?v=OfIaOEAn7bA
For the song Nach Atanche from the film Nirmonn
Courtesy: JOEGOAUK

TONY GOMES: Born / 11.04.1922
Died / 27.09.1974

GRAF presents 'World Konkani Day' in Mumbai

GRAF presents 'World Konkani Day' in Mumbai

The 17th WKD was celebrated by GRAF in Association with Konkani association,
Mumbai on 30th August 2009 at Antonio D'Souza High school hall.

The objective of this celebration was to highlight the significance of this
day - the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian
constitution.


It was also an opportunity to display the rich heritage of Konkani in the
cultural programme that was put up for the occasion. The traditional
dekhnni, Mando and the Fugddi brought forth the rich tradition of the
Konkan, particularly Goa. It was nostalgic for the older folks present and
an opportunity for the younger generation particularly of Mumbai to have a
peek of what Konkan culture is all about.

The skit Ghotallo was a sort of suspense with a lot of humor. The audience
enjoyed every bit of action particularly the dialogues.

GRAF promotes Konkani in big way. Besides the cultural programmes, there
were literary competitions conducted during the year. WKD'09 was a big
opportunity to honor and recognize the winners with rewards. The following
were the winnersof Konkani literary awards:

In Konkani essay writing: Jose Silveira - first Prize and Alisha D'Costa -
consolation Prize.

In Konkani short story writing: Milton Rodrigues, first prize and Savio D'Silva
second prize.

In Konkani one act play writing: Cyril D Fernandes - first prize and Mr
Marcos Gonsalves second prize.

The chief guest also released GRAF's short story book entitled 'Kothamall'
featuring 12 short stories of 12 renowned writers on the occasion.

Renowned Konkanit tiatrist Titta Pretto, Betty Fernandes and Prem Kumar
(posthumously) were felicitated by the Bahrain Goans on the occasion.

The Goan Review's 'Personality of the year 2008-09 was awarded to Mr. Felix
Dias.

GRAF also felicitated three Konkani personalities who have done yeoman
service to the cause of Konkani. Mr Lawrence D'Souza, Kamani, Konkani
activist and Literateur

Mr Baptist D'Souza (Jack of all stalls ) for promoting Konkani

And a Konkani enthusiast Mr Joe de Verna who regularly writes letter to the
editor in Konkani periodicals.

President of GRAF- Fausto V. da Costa in his welcome address stressed on the
importance of the unity of all Konkani speaking people and preserving the
rich heritage of Konkanis for posterity. The chief guest Fr Francis Ramesh,
director of Kalangan called upon the gathering to use their mother tongue
Konkani and spread it among the new generation by speaking the language.
Entrepreneur and renowned Banker Mr. John D'Silva graced the occasion as the
guest of honour.

In the keynote address of the day, Mr. Lawrence D'Souza, Kamani highlighted
the rich treasures of the Konkani language and the progress it has made so
far.

The cultural programme was followed by dancing sessions in which the
gathering took part enthusiastically and took away a number of spot prizes.

All in all this WKD, for all the people attending the function, about 300
people, was a day of learning the significance of WKD. Besides this everyone
enjoyed the display of the rich Konkan heritage and culture. Last but not
the least the delicious Konkan culinary treat was enjoyed by all.

(Renato Pereira).


Fausto V. Da Costa

"Kuwait Sodun Vetana" a Mangalorean Tiatr at AIS

"Kuwait Sodun Vetana" a Mangalorean Tiatr at AIS


Kuwait’s Konkani Art "Konkan Kala Samithi" will present a Tiatr "Kuwait Sodun Vetana" written, directed and recently presented by the Goan dramatist, Rosary Ferns to be staged at American International School (AIS) Auditorium, Maidan Hawalli, on Friday, 25th September 2009 at 4:30 pm sharp.

This Tiatr has been translated into Mangalorean Konkani and directed by Lancy Rodrigues, Bondel. The music score has been arranged and directed by John Kiran Gonsalves and supported by Joe D’souza.

The singers and the cast for the Tiatr are: Cynthia Pinto, Gratian D’souza, Valerian D’souza, Jaison Lasrado, Joyline Gonsalves, Jovita Fernandes, Anil Menezes, Renny Menezes, Anil Fernandes, Wilfred Lobo, Vally Sanctis, Bernard Fernandes (Goa), Anand D’souza, Joyston D’souza, Joe D’souza, Ozwald D’souza, Lancy Rodrigues, Steevan Misquith and Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha.



The flashback scenes will be picturised by Alban D’souza, "Blue-Ray Video & Photography"; and ‘Illuminations’ will provide state of the art sound and lights.

The very popular comedian among the Mangalorean community Stephen Machado, along with Rudy D’souza, Lucy Aranha, Sunny Menezes, Kiran Lobo, Agnel Saldanha, Ibrahim, Master Ansel Gonsalves and Little Master Aaron Gonsalves, will present rib-tickling jokes written and directed by Lancy Rodrigues.

To further brighten the event, Mike Simon from Mangalore and Norbert Pereira from Doha, Qatar will be presenting their super hit songs from their popular albums. They will be ably supported by 'the Gulf Voice of Mangalore fame' Vinay Lewis, Joyline Gonsalves, Jovita Fernandes and Gladys Lorena.



Salavadore Rebello & troupe and Suneeth Noronha & troupe will provide the scintillating music for the songs to be accompanied by foot tapping dances, presented by one of the famous dance academies in Kuwait, Jovas XLNC for Dance, choreographed by Sunil & Jyothi. Vineetha Pinto will be the compere for the entire event.

For entry passes and further queries and reservation pls contact: Anand D’souza-66946623, Lancy Rodrigues–66522392, Jaison Lasrado – 99894190, Steevan Misquith-97855156, Kiran Gonsalves–66743979.
Entry passes are also available at M&M Confectionary, Salmiya - Tel: 25619946.


This event is dedicated to the fond memory of late George Pinto Aikol and late Johnny Suratkal for their immense contribution to Konkani in Kuwait.

Info source:
www.indiansinkuwait.com

Hit Konkani Duet "REPORTER ANI TIATRIST"

REPORTER ANI TIATRIST
Duet by Irene & Sylvester Vaz
Lyrics: Sylvester Vaz

(Sung on 18-09-2009 for the KGTS Mega Musical Show
"Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem" at Kuwait's Marsa Hawalli Auditorium
to a packed audience.



1)

IRENE : Lok mhaka man dita /reporter mhonn hanv,
Internetar toxench paperar, Tiatracher buroitam hanv

SYL : Nanv lipoun tum heo khobro dita, tuka zai toxe review boroita
Kaichekai pen tujem zhoroita, aiz gomlem mhaka tujem nanv

IRENE : Tiatrache review vachun /lok mhaka vakhantta
Kitlea tiatristank famad keleat/ hi kobhor nam tuka

SYL : Tujeach monxeank tuvem famad keleat vodlim xanneponnam sangonaka
Lok Tiatrak polloun amkam famad korta hem tum visronaka
Tiatristancher hadd boroita, govai nastanam
Konknni machiecho xirap tuka, lagtolo jivench astanam

2)

IRENE : Khuimchoi tiatr polletoch/ rokdoch mhojo review asta
Internetar Tiatracheo /khobro lok umedhin vachta

SYL : Tuka zai tankam tum voir kadta, tuje avddeche nhuim tankam tum tasta
Lok tiatr polloun Tiatr hit mhunta punn tum flop mhunon boroita.

IRENE : Thodde Tiatrist aplem borounk / mhaka farikh korta
Gifts hadtat, toxench hotelan voron / jevunk-pieunk dita

SYL : Zaite pautt Tiatrachem sodun, dusreachem khasgi jivit voir kadta
Tuka korzota eke kodden pun tum,boldech kodden korpita
Tujem pinzlam tem sogleak dista, tum dusreachem xivonk bhonvta
Boroupan borem korche boldek, dusmankai korun sodta

3)

IRENE : Kam reporterachem/ sompem nhoim ugdass dhor
Kiteim sudraunk boroilear/ tiatristank eta zhor

SYL : Tond pollenastanam tujem boroup kor, tiatristancho kaddinastanam for
Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem monant dhor,
Konkani Machi voir kaddunk boroup kor.

IRENE : Tumchea tiatrank Publicity/ ditat reporter ami
Tiatracher write-up korunk/ reporter asat komi

SYL : Tujeach monantlem boroinastanam, lokachem mot gheunk zai tumi
Lok tiatrak ieun amche tiatr soboitat tanche upkari ami.
Reporter zaunk tuka devan dileat bore te gunn
Nitin sotan report boroi, vavracher ghalinakai unn
Naka zal’lem boroup korun Tiatracho korinakai kunn
Tiatr aiz pasun jivo asa fokot hea lokak lagun.


(c) Sylvester Vaz



All rights reserved.



Photo by gaspar almeida
www.goa-world.com
18/09/2009

Tiatr "BIM TOXEM BHAT"

"BIM TOXEM BHAT"


Seby Ferns from Majorda a person afflicted with muscular dystrophy has come out with a Konkani drama "BIM TOXEM BHAT" (As you sow so shall you reap). It is a family story based on the ill effects of alcoholism and how it destroys the family.

The drama has well known Konkani stalwarts like Lawry, Wilix-Sharon, Peter-Roshan, Mini Mario, Baba Benzer, Comedian Ben and Comedian Luis Bachan.

This is Seby's fourth drama and this drama has had an excellent reponse where ever it was staged. In Margao this drama was staged 3 times due to public demand.

The drama will be staged in Kala Academy Panjim on 20th September at 3.30 pm and once again in Margao in Ravindra Bhavan on 23rd September at 3.30 pm.

We request you to attend the drama along with your family and friends and encourage the disabled with your presence. Tickets are available at the venue.

Regards
Avelino de Sa
PRESIDENT
DISABILITY RIGHTS ASSOCIATION OF GOA
C/o Star Investments, Opp. Head Post Office, Panjim, Goa - 403 001.
Telefax: 0832 - 2427160
Email: dragoa@rediffmail. com
http://www.disabilitygoa.com

Roseferns' tiatr 'THAPOTT'

'THAPOTT'

'THAPOTT' Ditoleak ani ghetoleak ek thapott boreak toxench vaittak-ui poddunk xokta mhonn Roseferns 'Thapott' hea aplea tiatrant dakoll korta.
Captian D'Souza (Rosferns)-acho put Frazer (Victor) eka gorib cheddva Fiona (Roshan)-acho guptim mog korta. Tacho bapui tanche ixttagoticher add astolo mhonn zanno zaun-ui, to aplea bhav Crizmon (Tari)-acho sogllo adar ani sohokar gheta.
Ek dis Fionachi chitt vachunk proyotn kortana, Crizmon aplea bapaik ani avoyk Terez Mari (Francisca)-ak sampoddta. Capt D'Souza aplo daktto put Crizmon Fionachea mogant asa mhonn somzun, tacher ek thapott marta ani gharantlo bhair ghala.
Dusre vatten, David (Ali) Sofia (Antonnette de Curtorim)-cho fottkiro mog korun, taka avoyponnachea bhesar soddun, pordesant veta. Somazant loz lipoun dovrunk, Sofia-cho bhav Freddy (Peter) zolmant ailolea aple bhoinnichea bhurgeak eka kochreachea dobeant uddoita. Tea vellar, Crizmon tea bhurgeak thoinchem ubarta ani tacho poramos korunk yeujita..


Fraxer Fiona-cher visor ghalun, Sofia thaim kazar zata ani aplo sonvsar korta. Fraxer-an apnnak fottoilem dekun, Fiona madr zaupachim sopnam sopneta. Tea vellar, Crizmon taka buzvonn diunk yeta ani ghoddlam tacho apunn guneanvkari mhonn vollkhun gheta. Punn madr zaupachem panvl fattim gheunk Crizmon tache lagim magta.
Put gharantlo bhair soron gelo mhonn Capt D'Souza-k khup khont bhogta. Ek dis aplea sangata tea supurlea bhurgeak gheun, aplea avoy-bapaichi bhett gheunk ailolo astana, aplo bhav Sofia thaim kazar zala to polleun, Crizmon ojap zata. Apunn-ui kazar zaun, eka bhurgeacho bapui zalam mhonn to soglleank sangta.
Punn tem bhurgem apnnachench mhonn Sofia ani tachea ghorkarak khobor asona. Dusre vatten, Ali Sofiak 'blackmail' korta ani tache koddlean zaitech duddu magta. Bapui hospitolant ilaz ghetana, taka rogtachi goroz poddta tednam Crizmon aplem rogot taka diunk fattim sorta. Akantachea vellar, Crizmon aplem rogot aplea bapaik kiteak dina?
Crizmona thaim aslolo bhurgo aploch mhonn Sofiak sid’dh zata kai? Bapaichea thapttak lagon, Crizmonachem fuddlem jivit koslem ani koxem zata? Hem sogllem tiatrachea dusrea bhagant bes bore toren dakoilolem asa.
Komedi babtint, inspektor Kando (Sally), Bikond (comedian Brian) ani Constancio ekamekak sangat diun, lokak borech umedhir dovortat. Kantaram babtint, Peter-Roshanachem duet 'Serkaracho novo kaido,' Lawry-Francis de Tuem-chem “Purtugezancher add,' Antonette ani Victor-achem 'Michael Jackson,' Francis de Tuem-chem 'Moronn chukona,' ani Lawry-chem 'Background polleuncho' aikopa sarkim aslim ani lokak boro sondex ditalim.



Digdorspeachem Mon:

'Thapott' hea tiatra vorvim 1980 vorsa
hanvem mhozo pongodd ghoddun haddlo.
Tednam hea tiatrache hanvem 205 proyog kele.
Otubrache 25ver toch 'non-stop' tiatr pustok
rupan hanv uzvaddak haddunk sodtam. Lovkik zal'lo mhozo tiatr pustok rupan
haddchem karonn itlench. Sahit’ya mollar mhozo ek-ui vavr na. Tiatr pustok rupan haddun, hanv fuddle pillgek kitem tori sabhallun dovrunk sodtam.
Fuddarak-ui lovkik zal'le mhoje tiatr pustok rupan haddunk mhozo proyotn astolo.

P AGXEKAR
V-Ixtt.com Upkararan

Konkani film - Poltodcho Munis

Goan Konkani film - Poltodcho Munis- captivates Toronto Film Festival audience
============ ========= ========= ========= =========

Man beyond Bridge - Konkani film - Poltodcho Munis

A Film Review by Silviano Barbosa Toronto


Based on Konkani Poet/Novelist Mahableshwar Sail's story and under the magic touch of young Director Laxmikant Shetgaunkar, the Konkani film Poltodcho Munis can easily be classified as Goa's best Konkani movie ever to captivate the world film audience.

This movie has everything in it: best direction, a touching unconventional story, natural acting, attractive scenes, simple yet effective dialogues, down-to-earth
characters, rural jungle terrain with a river running through it, and a typical Goan native population to bring out the volatile soul of the land in front of the appreciative world audience.

The music is enlivening, and every moment of the film feels precious and satisfying to the soul and you wish and hope the movie never ends.

The emotion is boundless and you empathize with the main characters throughout the film. Who is to decide what is righteous or not, but you can believe and love the
dazzling treatment the director paints the film with.

The chirping of the birds, the quaint sounds of the wild, the smooth running of the fresh pure water in the river, the dark mountains, and the flora and fauna of this
beautiful Goan terrain that has hypnotized the poets and sadhus of this world for ages, embellish the environs that forms the backdrop to this magnificent film.

The film ends sadly with Vinayak cutting off the rope of the bridge as he cuts off his life from the other side - POLTODDI.

The Man Beyond the Bridge is directed by Laxmikant Shetgaonkar (also screenplay). The cast includes Chittaranjan Giri, Veena Jamkar, Prashanti Talpankar and Vasant Josalkar. The music is by Debasish Bhattacharjee/ Ved Nair, sound by Rajendra Hegde, cinematography by Arup Mandal and edited by Sankalp Meshram.

The affable portrayal of Vinayak by Chittaranjan Giri is commendable. Veena Jamkar as his live-in companion/
mentally challenged woman hardly speaks, except to say "Naka..", but acts superbly. So do the fine charismatic characters of SarPunch, adviser/midwife (voijinn) Prashanti Talponnkar, Bhott and Possorkar, who give this film its finishing touches.

Director Shetgaonkar has tackled various aspects of life in this film: loneliness, yearning for love and companionship, serenity of nature, conservation, religious passion and fervour, politics, community celebrations, social mores and traditions and most of all he has used appropriate spoken Konkani language to give a legitimate touch to this film's locale.

With films like Poltodcho Munis and directors like Laxmikant Shetgaunkar, India, if not Goa, can be proud of its own *Slum Dog* achievements in the world of films.

You have to see this marvellous film for its mercurial soul and most of all for its MUNISPONN .



Reviewed by Silviano C. Barbosa,
Author of the Canadian/Goan novel, "The Sixth Night"
goache@hotmail. com

September 15, 2009



______________

Rare Konkani film gains Toronto festival spotlight

Reuters / Euan Rocha

The Toronto International Film Festival has catapulted several
well-known Bollywood movies to global prominence in recent years, but
2009's event has showcased one Indian movie that had audiences buzzing
for its use of a rare language, Konkani. Skip related content
Related content

"Paltadacho Munis," or "The Man Beyond the Bridge" is the first ever
film using Konkani -- a language only spoken in the tiny state of Goa
in Western India and a few surrounding areas -- to be selected among
the some 300 movies playing here.

Only a handful of movies have ever been shot in Konkani, mostly due to
the small market. Recent estimates put the total number of Konkani
speakers in India at roughly 2.5 million, a mere 0.2 percent of the
country's 1.2 billion people.

Still, the film about one man's struggle to accept and love a mentally
ill woman, has generated strong interest among a small group of the
language's speakers who are excited by the rare opportunity of
watching a Konkani film.

Director Laxmikant Shetgaonkar hopes his movie will appeal to a wider
audience and that the festival's backing can give it the publicity it
needs to play in cinemas around the world.

Last year, Anees Bazmee's 'Singh is Kinng,' was showcased at Toronto
and was one of Bollywood's biggest hits, and the festival also served
as a platform for Karan Johar's romantic drama 'Kabhi Alvida Naa
Kehna' and Kabir Khan's first feature film 'Kabul Express,' which were
both released in 2006.

"The Man Beyond the Bridge" follows the life of Vinayak a lonely
forest guard, who one night comes across a filthy, unkempt and ill
woman outside his house. Vinayak initially attempts to drive her away,
but she keeps returning and a relationship slowly develops between the
two.

But Vinayak is ridiculed and ostracized by local villagers, who cast
out anyone with a mental illness and believe Vinayak's relationship
with the woman is morally incorrect.

Shetgaonkar hopes the movie, set in the hinterlands of Goa, will cause
audiences to question attitudes towards the mentally ill.

"The idea is to raise an issue, try to reflect different perspectives
and make people think," he said.

Shetgaonkar also hopes the recognition gained by the film will
encourage Indian filmmakers to produce works in other regional
languages that do not have a long cinematic history.

"Konkani movies have a very small market ... But, since this movie is
being screened here in Toronto, it shows that it is all about making a
good film, irrespective of which language you make it in."

"The Man Beyond the Bridge" is the first feature film directed by
Shetgaonkar, who has previously won critical acclaim for his
documentary film "A Seaside Story," and the film was produced by the
National Film Development Corp of India.

(Reporting by Euan Rocha; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
__________

Kala Academy 35th Tiatr Competitions (2009)

Talent Galore at ‘Tiatr’ Competition
Written by CLARA A RODRIGUES
Wednesday, 16 September 2009 01:42


The 35th ‘tiatr’ competition that begins on September 18 will provide amateurs and non-commercial tiatrists the opportunity to exhibit their talent. Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, president of the All Goa Tiatr Academy, says that the absence of commercial artistes is one of the highlights of the tiatr competition.
The involvement of youngsters and the use of highly sophisticated and technical props are the additional attractions at this competition, which increases people’s interest in the plays staged.

The main objective the competition serves is to encourage new talent and promote tiatrs. Held annually, the tiatr competition sees a lot of first time participants. Alfi de Divar, a tiatr director participating in the competition, is all praise for the way the competition is organised. He only wishes that more time were allotted to set the stage before the performance of the tiatr. Earlier, performers were given a day, but now this time has been reduced to just 2-3 hours, which is not sufficient.
The tiatr competition, which witnesses a lot of competition, is a great boon to young talent at the grassroot level, giving them a stage to perform, and providing them with a platform for receiving critical appreciation. New talent can be discovered here. An audience that is usually always houseful and having within it producers from the professional tiatr fraternity who have their eyes open to scout for new faces. “This competition is an opportunity to get noticed and picked up by professional artistes,” says Mario Fernandes.
Something new always is seen at the tiatr festival. From plots, technique to something as phenomenal as bringing together residents from different villages to work as one team, with culture serving as binding force.
Mario Fernandes, the spokesperson of the Serula Art and Culture Academy, a group that will stage a tiatr at the festival, says that the best part about the group is that its members consists of people from four villages, namely from Succoro, Penha de Franca, Salvador de Mundo and Pomburpa. “We held auditions for various roles and got such a good response. We got writers, comedians, singers and musicians. From the young to the old, all wanted to help. Our long term goal is to invest in local talent.”
“This time we have the award winning director from last year’s festival, Shirish Naik, Derek De Mello, who won the best actor award last year, Christopher Menezes better known as Comedian 64, who won the best comedian award six times, Shania Pereira, who has won the best child singer as a part of our group.”
“We do it as a family,” Mario adds with a lot of satisfaction.
You find tiatrs made at a local level more assorted with each person doing a different thing unlike in professional tiatr that has the constraint of manpower.
“We are trying to use culture to unite villages,” explains Mario. “There is so much enthusiasm around. The people have been so helpful. They have come forward to help with the posters, food, and miscellaneous needs, including a hall for practice.”
“It has been difficult to put the whole group together as we had to start from scratch. Most of them have never taken part in a competition. Aspects right from finalising the director, writer, bandleader, stage set up, lights, sounds, background music, make up artist, group and organiser have to be taken care of,” continues Mario.
“We are ready for criticism. Or else we will always be scared to experiment,” says Mario on the coming together of four villages to stage a tiatr. “The time has come to invest in the young people,” he says with a lot of determination.

www.navhindtimes.com




Kala Academy, Campal, Panjim Goa
List of programmes between 19 September 2009 and 25 September 2009:
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sept 14-30, 2009:
Darya Sangam
Rivo Event Management Group
Consumer & Interior
Exhibition

Sept 19, 2009:
Morning
Tony Dias
Tiatr "Mahanand Naik Munis Vo Saithan"
Ticketed

Sept 19, 2009
Evening
All Goa Semi-Classical Dance Competition
5 pm
Free

Sept 20, 2009
Morning
M. Menezes
Tiatr "Kaal Aiz Ani Faleam"
Ticketed

Sept 20, 2009
Afternoon
Seby Fernandes
Tiatr"Bhim Toxem Bhat"
Ticketed

Sept 20, 2009
Late evening
Filip Almeida
Tiatr "Soglim Khoxial"
Ticketed

Sept 21, 2009
7 pm
Tiatr Competition "Voiz"
Ticketed
7.00 p.m.

Sept 22, 2009
7 pm
Tiatr Competition "Jivitan Kallokh"
Ticketed

Sept 23, 2009
7 pm
Tiatr Competition "Kalokhi Uzvadd"
Ticketed

Sept 24, 2009
7 pm
Tiatr Competition "Fulantlem Moum"
Ticketed

Sept 25, 2009
7 pm
Tiatr Competition "Teag"
Ticketed

Sept 25, 2009
4 pm
KA-DIM Classroom Production
Free

Source: Santosh Korgaonkar, Asstt. Theatre Manager
Kala Academy, Goa.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

35th All Goa Tiatr competition Review - Day 5
Written by J P PEREIRA
Saturday, 26 September 2009 00:21
(The Navhind Times www.navhindtimes.com)

‘Fulantlem Mou’
The Sao Gonsalo Dramatic Troupe, Cujira, Santa Cruz, presented ‘Fulantlem Mou’, a ‘tiatr’ written by A M Araujo and directed by Sandip Kalangutkar.
The drama recounts the tale of a girl who has had a brain haemorrhage but could not afford proper treatment. She grows up to be a fine young lady but is afflicted by the same sickness. The play then continues with the problems she faces.

Meenakshi Narvekar does a wonderful job as the sick girl. Samir Gadekar acts well as the man who is in love with her and Elvis Sequeira is perfect as the father. Others in the cast are Carmen Barbosa, Sandip Kalangutkar, Filip Azavedo and many others in smaller roles. Madhuri Shetkar and Dnyanesh Parsekar provide the humour. The sets were designed by Olabo Botelho with Naciment Fernandes and the light effects provided by Santosh Shetkar. The background music was given by Ubaldo Botelho.
Agnelo Dias and his band backed the various songs rendered by Micah Fernandes, Lascriya Cardozo, Ave D’Souza, Adolf Fernandes, Elmer Sequeira, Andrew Fernandes, Victor D’Cunha, Filipe Azavedo, Mercidon, Celesto and Nascimento. Elvis Sequeira, Agnelo Lobo and Hashvaine Fernandes performed some good solos while Carmine-Elvis and Micah-Sonali did a couple of nice duets; an impressive trio was performed by Agnelo-Andrew-Victor.

______________

(As archived by gaspar almeida)
www.goa-world.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________

KGTS 5th musical show - Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem

Welcome! Lovers of Konkani! And, in particular, all you lovers of Konkani tiatrs for this glittering musical event, significantly and aptly titled, "Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem" proudly re-living the life of a Tiatrist. It is also our humble attempt to pay a tribute to the legendary Konkani stage artiste, the late Padmashree M. Boyer.

With the blessings of our Almighty God, Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha has marched in its seventh year of existence continuing its relentless efforts to foster and promote Konknni Tiatr and the cause of Konknni Tiatrist in Kuwait and Goa .

Year after year, Tiatrists from Kuwait unite under KGTS banner to contribute in various ways to mitigate the plight of Goan senior and retired Tiatrists who are now the victims of vagaries of destitution. KGTS salutes their tremendous contribution to the Konkani stage and cherishes the rich legacy left by them for the current artistes and future generations to follow.

KGTS stands united in its determination and commitment for the cause of Konkani Tiatr and Tiatrists, and its fervour to bring cheers on the faces of our senior tiatrists with our modest contributions. KGTS Musical Show 2009 attempts to travel down the memory lane of those glorious years when the stalwarts of Konkani stage regaled the Goan community not only in India but also the Goan Diaspora beyond the shores of India.

We seize this opportunity to thank our patrons, well-wishers and Konkani lovers without whom such a mega event could not be planned and presented. We are indebted to all our KGTS members and their families who rendered their relentless support and efforts braving against the tide to put up a spectacular presentation this evening.

Our humble and sincere thanks to you, our cherished audiences. Undoubtedly, it is your unconditional support, cooperation and patronage that enables KGTS to hoist high the flag of our 'mai bhas' Konkani and Konkani tiatrs. The story of our success is powered by your love for 'mai bhas' Konkani.

Last but not the least, we thank all people who offered prayers and sent best wishes for the speedy recovery of our founder member, Jose Rod. With the Grace of Almighty God, we look forward to see Jose Rod soon on the stage.

Francis Fernandes
President

18-09-2009.







Mulakat - Albert Cabral(Goa-world.com Team Protonoddin)

Kuwait, 16/9/2009

Choddxea Kuveitt-chea tiatr-pollennaramni, tachem nanv aikolam punn, tiatr-machier taka pollevnk nam. Halinchea tempar Konknni tiatramni gavpa mollar, to bhouch famad zalolo ek gavpi. Tachem prosid?dh zalolem ani 1994 Kala Akademi Tiatr Spordhen poilem inam? favlolem ?Welcome to AIDS Family? kantara vorvim, tannem Goembhor nanv zoddlam. Gelea 7 vorsam segid Comedian Domnic hanchea tiatr-pongddant to nhesta. Setembrache 18ver 2009, sanjechea 4:30 voramcher, Al-Marsha Hawally A/C Shobhaghorant KGTS ghoddun haddtole vorixtt songit khariavollint poilech pavtti Kuveitt-che Konknni rong-machier disti poddtolo. Ani to zaun asa, Goycho namnecho kantorist ani partist, Alberto Cabral.

Goa-world.com protonoddin, fonavelean ghetloli ek dhanvtti mulakat, amchea vachpeank ditat. Tea poilim, Goa-World.com-Team-ichea nanvan, Tiatrist Alberto Cabral-k boro yevkar divn, sogllo yex anvddela.

Tacho zolm Mayachea 28ver 1962 vorsa Dona Paula, Tisvaddi, Goy zalo. Tachea bapaichem nanv Jose ani avoychem Maria Concescao Cabral. Konknni tiatr-palkar tacho poilo proves Cumbarzuem-cho Estev Matus-achea Ghoracho Vantto hea tiatrant, 11 vorsanche bhurgea piryar zala. Uprant khasa tiatr boroun-digdorxit korun ganvant ani her Goychea ganvamni palkar haddleat. Az meren kitle tiatr rong-machier dakhoileat ani famad zalolea tiatrachim nanvam, Goa-world.com-an vicharlem teddnam, tannem soroll sanglem.

Sumar dha-ek tiatr boroun digdorxit keleat Rogot, Inam, Odruxtt, Lharam, Gulam he mhoje ganvant ani her Goychea ganvamni ghazlole tiatr zalear, 1991 vorsant Kala Akademi Tiatr Spordhen "Nit Konn Kortolo"? Hea mhojea tiatrak 3rem inam lablam. Ani tech tiatran tea vorsak, hanv ek boro kolakar mhunn inam jikhlam.


-Konknni rong-machier vevsayik mollar konn-konnachea tiatranim tum nhesla?
Sorgest C. Alvares, Wilmix-Sharon, C D'Silva, Mariano Fernandes, A.M. Araujo, Alvito Araujo, J.L. D'Mello hanchea tiatramni nheslam, ani gelea segid 7 vorsam Com. Domnic hanchea pongddak nhestam.


-Khaxea tuvem kitlim kantaram ghoddleant ani kesettir, CD-ir ani VCD gaileant?
Kitlim kantaram goddleant tanchi yad sarki nam, punn sumar 45 odhik hanvem ani dusrea tiatrist goddpeanchim kantaram kesett, CD-ir gaileant ani hatuntlem poilem inam? jikhlolem mhojem kantar Welcome to AIDS Family zaun asa. VCD-ir gaitolom distam?


-Tuvem kitleo gitancheo kesetti, CD kaddleat?

Devachim Rochnna, hi mhoji ekuch CD bhair sorlea ani fuddarak kaddpache toyearen asam?


-KGTS vorixtt songit khariavollint tuzo aspav asa. Tum fokot solo gaitolo vo anink konnachea sangatak tujim gitam asat?
Don solo "Jivit ek Sopon", "Ekvott Nam" ani "Kuveittche famad gaiok" ani KGTS vangddi bab Micky Fernandes hache sangata "Kaido" ek duo gaitolom.


-Poilech pavtti Kuveitt-chea Konknni rong-machier tum distolo. Ho xrestt (credit) konnank veta? Mhonnchem , konnache upkar tum attoita?
Dubhav viret bab Domnic Araujo ani Micky Fernandes-anche upkaranchea rinant hanv sodanch urtolom.


-Sodeak Goyant lokache avddiche vo proud pullers kantoristanchim nanvam divchi?
Fancis de Tuem ani Marcus Vaz, Goychea tiatr-pollennarank dipkhaitat. Dekhunuch, dor ek tiatr-digdorspi tanchea darachea umbrear, dor sokallim distat.


-Kuveitt-chea tiatristank ani tiatr pollennerank tuzo sondhex.

Poilea svater tiatristam modim ekvott ani somzikai asunk nibel gorjechem. Ekvott ani somzikai zaun asa hatier dor ek tiatristak, ek famil koxi jiyepak. "There is a black sheep in every family". Ani tiatrist somudayen, unem nant. Punn vechik putache (prodigal son) bhaxen chuki visrun, mae-mogachea vegent tankam bhogsun, porot svat dilear, tiatristponnacheo ani tiatracheo dorzo vaddtoleo.

Kuveitt-chea tiatr-pollennarank sangpachem mhollear, hea pordesi desant, amche Goykar tiatrist bhav-bhoinnam, amche Konknni avoy-basecho bhavto unch ubartat. Tancho tiatr mollavelo vavr vakhandcho.


(c) All rights reserved.
goa-world.com team protonoddi
___________________

'Kal Aiz ani Faleam' - Goan Tiatr in Dubai

'Kal Aiz ani Faleam' - Goan Tiatr in Dubai On Oct 22, 2009

Konkani Drama (Tiatr) lovers will get a chance to enjoy top class entertainment when Mario Menezes stages his play "KAL AIZ ANI FALEAM" (YESTERDAY TODAY AND TOMORROW) at Al Nasr Leisureland, Pool Side on Thursday, 22nd October, 2009 at 8.30pm.

The Konkani community can look forward to exquisite entertainment through this Tiatr. It is season's hit drama running houseful and has recently celebrated 25 shows only in Margao city, besides the show is repeated four to five times in rest of the cities. Entire troupe of 16 members will be flown from Goa. The writer/Director Mario Menezes has included some of the top names in this group besides his regular artists.

Special role has been played by veteran Sabina of a mother-in-law. The rest of the cast includes Baby Rioma(Mario Menezes's daughter), Agnes, Rosy Alvares, Comedian Joana, Master Leejoy(child artist) Melody Prince Lawry Travasso, Mario de Vasco, Comedian Sally, Actor/director Mario Menezes and above all crowds favourite Marcus Vaz, Xavier Gomes and Francis de Tuem. Music is given by melodious Agusto de Panchwadi and Cruz.


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http://www.faithworks.co.in/konkani_audio_bible.html



Loudness is not Tiatr�s Uniqueness
Posted on 2008-10-01/www.navhindtimes.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


THIS is in reference to the article 'Tiatr' The Exotic Goan Must Watch by Ms Clara Rodrigues on The Buzz (NT, September 26). In this article the uniqueness of Tiatr is described as 'A tiatr is unique as compared to Konkani or Marathi dramas as it has only one style 'that is it must be loud'. I feel this is an adverse remark on tiatr and its development during the last 35 years. To understand the uniqueness of Tiatr, one must be aware of the fact that the story of a Tiatr is normally divided into six or seven parts, each of which is called a 'pordho'. In between these 'pordhes' there are songs called kantaram. Normally there are 2-3 kantaram in between every two pordhes. This means that on an average there are at least 12-15 kantaram in the tiatr. Mind you that the themes of these kantaram are not all related to the main story of the tiatr. Therein lies the uniqueness of the tiatr. Even though only one particular subject is presented through the story of the tiatr, 12-14 different subjects are tackled through the kantaram in the tiatr. It is this aspect of the tiatr that makes the tiatr unique compared to other forms of dramatic art. Tiatr is a unique form of dramatic art also because it cannot be considered a musical drama, although it has a lot of music and song nor it can be called a prose drama in spite of there being a lot of prose in it. The article also says, The language used in the tiatr is a dialect of Konkani mainly spoken in the South known as Saxtti. This is also not true. The Salcete dialect is used only by the comedians particularly from Salcete taluka and not by all artistes except if the script for creating such a character in the play demands it.

TOMAZINHO CARDOZO, Candolim

Tiatr Review: Devacho Vhodd Upkar

Devacho Vhodd Upkar

- J.P. Pereira


Mariano Fernandes’ new ‘tiatr’, ‘Devacho Vhodd Upkar’ recounts a tale of a doctor with no scruples and his son, who follows his father’s footsteps until fate gives them a warning.

Dr Neves is married to Monica. He has accumulated money performing illegal abortions while his wife is a God-fearing, kind and loving woman. Oswin and Swizel, their children have contrasting characters. The son is a womaniser and the daughter is a very caring girl. Thelma, a poor girl in the same college as Oswin cannot pay her fees. Oswin willingly helps her through her financial crisis, but later demands his pound of flesh.

Although the storyline is excellent its presentation does not rise to great heights, as did the director’s previous plays which were both educative and entertaining. The cast gives fine performances. Felcy as Swizel and Luiza as Monica, act wonderfully. Betty Alvares does a good job as the mother. Anil Pednekar portrays the negative character of Oswin well and Menino Mario is great as the evil doctor. Sariton playing the character of Aston is exceptional with his acting. Evon, Aplon, Dominic and Luis Bachchan provide the play with humour.

In between the acts there are songs by Felcy, Aplon, Luiza, Andrew, Albert, Junior Rod and Marcos Vaz. Solos by Rosario de Benaulim, Elias and Francis de Tuem are a special mention.

(The Navhind Times)


gaspar almeida

http://www.faithworks.co.in/konkani_audio_bible.html

An interview with Goan Star - Katty de Navelim

An interview with Goan Star - Katty de Navelim
By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait

Kuwait, Sept 2009: Mario Carneiro better known as Katty de Navelim is a Goan singer regularly seen on stage in Kuwait. Ex-President of popular tiatrists' fraternity - Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS), Katty has established himself amongst a horde of star performers as a singer and composer of immense calibre, wisdom and philosophy.

Born and brought up in Navelim - Goa, Katty attended his primary education at Rosary High School, Navelim and later studied at St. Britto's High School, Mapusa. After his Diploma in Technical Education (Govt. of India) at Margao, he obtained his Public Works Department (PWD) license and took up a job. Presently in Kuwait, Katty works for the well known Arabi Holding Group as a Senior Irrigation and Mechanical Supervisor.

From the time he set foot in Kuwait, Katty has always involved himself in social, cultural and sports activities for which he is quite popular among the Indian community. He has held posts of President (twice), Sports Secretary as well as General Secretary on various occasions with his hometown expatriate club Navelim Youth Centre, Kuwait. He has also held positions in the Managing Committ
..."Nobody gives a push to youngsters and newcomers. It looks like the stage here is dominated only by a certain number of artistes. 'Sompeponim' there are no directors who will encourage new faces." -Katty de Navelim....

ee of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) as Sports Secretary for three years and as Registrar for two years.


In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Gasper Crasto on the eve of yet another performance, Katty revealed some interesting facts about his life as a Konkani stage artiste and singer.

How long have you been involved in singing?

Katty: I started singing as a child while I was just in primary school. My talents were duly recognized when I participated in an All Goa Singing Competition held by the Cavellosim Parish Youth. I won 'first' prizes there in three different categories at the competition. First prize for my solo 'Xikop', first prize for a duo with Danny Boy (a song on Mother Vailankanni), and first prize for a trio with Danny Boy and Natty. This encouragement took me to sing at Kala Academy programs and even at All India Radio (AIR - Panaji) at a very young age.

What was your first performance in a drama?
Katty: My first performance was in a tiatr called 'Josephinacho Fuddar' staged at Aquem Baixo, Navelim by the Holy Cross club. I was around 8 years then. Soon after, I acted as a child artiste in 'Moladik Bentin', a drama by Danny Boy (Navelim) staged at All Goa Kala Academy Tiatr Festivals and I won the Best Child Artiste Award for my performance. Later, when the same drama was staged at Navelim, I was felicitated by the villagers at the hands of Shri M. Boyer - the undisputed icon of Goan stage.

Katty with his family - wife Antush, daughters - Valency (left) & Sonia (right)
Tell us more about your early days?

Katty: As a teenager, I sang in various dramas all over Salcette and few villages of Bardez. The songs included decent as well as comedy 'clowns'. My songs in Patrick Perry's dramas 'Ximiterichea Darant', 'Kazarache Ratri', etc, were very popular with the audience. I also sang in a drama directed by legendary Chinchinim actor Jepsis Hitler. Later I sang duos with Patrick Perry, our most famous being a song on 'Vailankanni Saibinn' and 'Chog-M'. I have also penned and directed my only Konkani tiatr titled 'Tuka Favo Naslem' which was performed at church feasts way back in 1977 at Assagao, Bardez and Tilamol, Quepem taluka.


In sports, I participated in All-Goa under-15 Road Race at Panjim. I was also a formidable sprinter in relay and 100 meters races for inter-schools in Bardez. However, my favorite game during my younger days was table tennis.

Who are the other directors that you have acted under?

Katty: I have been in troupes of C.D'Silva, Patrick Dourado, etc, in professional dramas all over Goa. My performance in the lead role in Patrick Dourado's famous non-stop drama 'Bhavacho Cheddo' was quite commendable. It was also my debut in acting along with another Goan star actor Mario Menezes.

What is the significance of your stage name?

Katty: When I acted as a child I was called Bab Katty (Katty being my pet name). It was in Kuwait that I changed my name to Katty de Navelim to identify myself to my village and the place of my birth in Goa.

When did you land up in Kuwait and which was your first performance?

Katty: I landed in Kuwait in 1982. I have featured regularly on stage since 2001 - be it a Konkani drama or a musical show or Goa Day celebrations.

Why was there such an enormous gap from the time you landed in Kuwait to your first performance?

Katty: Yes, it took me almost 19 years in Kuwait to get back into my most favorite hobby i.e. singing on stage. When I quit dramas in Goa to go abroad, it was a time I was growing mature. The politics and spite that I saw among the artistes was not for me. I'd decided then that I would never get caught up again in such environment. Here in Kuwait, I was involved with our club Navelim Youth Centre in organizing dramas and other activities. We gave opportunities galore to many Goans to display their talent on stage. It was in 2001 under Navelim organized drama 'Thi Mhoji Maim' written by Patrick Dourado and directed by Tony Dias that I made my comeback. We proved to everyone that Navelkars too could sing. Later, I was pushed by my daughters to compose and continue singing on stage.


Katty with Navelim Youth Centre Managing Committee - File Photo
To whom do you attribute your return back on stage?

Katty: Nobody in particular encouraged me to come back on stage though I was a star back home. Everybody commented that I was a good singer; good actor but nobody came forward to give me any opportunity. This is a 'fact' here in Kuwait. Nobody gives a push to youngsters and newcomers. It looks like the stage here is dominated only by a certain number of artistes. 'Sompeponim' there are no directors who will encourage new faces. Here I am grateful to Kuwait's popular singer Michael D'Silva who was the first one to agree and sing a duo with me.

Who supported you most in your career?

Katty: I am grateful to my brother Morris Carneiro and my mother who have always supported my art of singing. Morris composed many of my songs in the initial stage and I set them to tune. In a way, our family has musical roots to the core. My uncle Eddie Pinto (Assolna) was a professional actor and playwright in Bombay while my dad Luis Carneiro was a gifted violinist.



Which are the directors that you have performed under in Kuwait?

Katty: I sang under renowned Goan directors such as Marcus Vaz (Almachea Disa), Joe Fereira, Laurente Pereira (Hea Gharachim Dharam Bond), Simon Gonsalves (Challis Dis Challis Rati), Rosary Ferns (Tumkam Lagon Jielom & Kuwait Soddun Vetana), etc. I also took part in Patrick Dourado's drama 'Tujem Rogot' organized by Navelim Youth Centre in April 2004. It was an honor and privilege to sing a 'duo' in this drama with celebrated playwright and director Patrick Dourado. Interestingly though, this was the first time, in a career spanning over 90 dramas, that Patrick Dourado was seen on stage singing. I am also seen in T-Bush's First Konkani E-Cinema 'BLACK'. My presence in the forthcoming musical 'Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem” will be my 5th performance for Kuwait Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS).


Most of your songs are on serious subjects. What do you usually try to tell the audience through your songs?

Katty: I don't like to simply criticize or advise people. The message conveyed through my songs is for people to implement in various aspects of their life.

Which has been your best performance and your 'unforgettable' composition?

Katty: My trio 'Palkacho Divo' on Goa's most famous 'Trio Kings' sung with Joseph Rodrigues and Simon Gonsalves at the Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvsta (KGTS) annual musical show 'Ostad Tiatrist' (the song was later recorded with Cajetan de Sanvordem) was emotionally acknowledged on stage by Shri Anthony, the lead singer of the Trio Kings. This has been one of my most memorable performances.


Katty formed a trio with Simon Gonsalves & Joseph Rodrigues
In my audio album 'Ugddas Tumcho', the title song is not just an unforgettable song but a historical one too. It is devoted to the famous sons and daughters of Navelim. In the same album, the song on Tiatrist (on the yesteryear Goan stars of Konkani stage) is also a memorable one. Again, the 'Tribute to Trio Kings' featuring in this CD, that pays high respect to a singer who captivated the stage for almost 50 years, remains a great composition. The title song of my other album 'Dennem' is also a favorite one. It tells about a child being the true gift of God and unveils the feelings of those who have no children.

Who are your favorite artistes on Konkani stage?

Katty: Among the actors, I rate late Conception and now Roseferns above all in the male category while Felcy finds a pride of place among the females. The Trio Kings are the best in composing political songs but my favorite all time composer is Rom Tony (father of Felcy) who composed a variety of songs. As far as music setting is concerned, Jose Rod wins all hearts for giving a new dimension to Konkani songs with his modern thinking and his unconventional style of pulse and rhythm.

How do you find standard of the Konkani stage and video films nowadays?

Katty: Any day, the stage is more realistic than home videos. Everyone nowadays think they can make films. But it is reflected in the poor quality of videos that we see. Overall, the standard of our stage still remains very high. Quality of Gulf directors who perhaps present one drama a year may not be of top standard. Even then they should be applauded for near to perfect presentations.

What scares you most about the Konkani language and tiatro?

Katty: Art of Konkani dramas is the only medium to keep Konkani speaking people united. Over the years, other than the church, there has been no other entity that has promoted growth of our language. Nobody encourages their children to speak in Konkani especially in the Gulf and those living abroad. This is one reason which has forced me to come back on stage. It's my love for my mother tongue. By and large, I feel, Konkani dramas and the art of 'tiatro' will survive the test of time.

What is the long cherished dream/project of Katty de Navelim?

Katty: I'd presented my debut Konkani Album 'Dennem' in 2002 and released my second album in Kuwait titled 'Ugddas Tumcho' in September 2006. Both albums were produced by MANFA Music (Goa). The albums were well received and I thank all Konkani lovers for the support and encouragement they gave me.

My next album will be a VCD with a skit titled 'Ghor' which will portray a symbolic meaning of a home.

On a parting note, can you tell the readers about the essential things required to be a singer? What have you to say on younger brigade of singers who aspire to become stars?

Katty: Main thing, you should have an ear for music. One has to observe other great singers, learn how they hold the microphone, how they present themselves on stage, watch out their expressions, etc. I am not asking to imitate the stars but to learn from them because for Konkani we do not have any institution that trains to sing or act. Other states have professional academies in their language that promote and tutor children from a young age.

Why are there few youngsters taking up acting in dramas nowadays?

Katty: Earlier there were dramas organized by the village folks in almost every village and directors could pick up talented, prospective artistes. How can we find our stars when there are no such platforms existing in our villages anymore? Other than Kala Academy, which holds a tiatr festival once a year, there are hardly any mediums that promote youngsters. Goan parishes, schools, clubs, organizations, etc, should initialize competitions such as one-act plays, singing, etc, to expose the talent search. I agree that acting on Konkani stage is not highly lucrative. Also, the youngsters think 'tiatristponn' is a cheap thing which is not true. Well, a lot of effort and hard work is required to be among the top artistes and be the best!

How do you prepare yourself on the day of the show?

Katty: To be perfect in anything, one must practice hard. It's my habit to practice well in time before any performance. I am fully prepared with my songs atleast 3 weeks in advance. I have no fear of the stage, but on the day of the show I keep praying that I perform well and to perfection. That's it, I give my best. Rest I leave it to God and the audience.


"Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem" – a musical to be staged in Kuwait on 18th September.
What are the songs that you will be singing in the forthcoming KGTS musical 2009 - Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem?
Katty: I have composed a special trio on the life of legendary icon Padmashree M. Boyer which I will sing accompanied by Kuwait based singers Joseph Rodrigues and a new face Braz de Parra. The other song will be a solo which identifies phases of a man and his worth over women. I am sure the songs will be appreciated by the audience and remembered for a long time!

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Photographs courtesy: Simon Dias
________________________________________
The above interview was published in Kuwait's Arab Times (Page 29) dated 15 September 2009.
Also published in:
http://mangalorean.com/ - Goan star to sing tributes to a legend
Goanet Archives.
http://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/
www.indiansinkuwait.com
daijiworld.com
www.kuwaitsamachar.com
Exclusively archived at: http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/
Also read:
Katty de Navelim - a talented singer by Gaspar Almeida - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/10880

http://www.faithworks.co.in/konkani_audio_bible.html