TIATR DIS CELEBRATED BY KA AND TAG

PANJIM: Tiatr Dis’ was jointly celebrated by the Kala Academy Goa and Tiatr Academy of Goa recently at the Kala Academy, Panjim. This day is commemorative of the staging of the first tiatr ‘Italian Bhurgo’ written and directed by Lucasinho Ribeiro in Mumbai.

Celebrations began with a get-together of tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers on the lawns of the Kala Academy. Louis Cota and his troupe provided Konkani music for the invitees.

The formal function was held at the DMK auditorium where seven veterans of the tiatr stage were felicitated at the hands of the chairperson of the Kala Academy, Mr Pratapsing Rane. The tiatr personalities who were felicitated on the occasion were Joseph Mendes, Pascoal Rebello, Carlito Fernandes, Joaquim Inacio Carvalho, Antonette Mendes, Ubaldo Martinho Paul Fernandes alias Bab Ubald and Maria Natalina Luiza Viegas alias Netty Carneiro.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rane expressed satisfaction at the progress tiatr was making in recent times. He appreciated the efforts of tiatr writers and directors in their endeavour to improve the quality of tiatr. Admitting that tiatr is the most popular dramatic form of Goa, he assured all help to improve the standard of tiatr.

The president of Tiatr Academy of Goa, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo while speaking on the occasion stated that ‘Tiatr Dis’ must be celebrated as the birthday of the entire tiatr fraternity. He felt that whole tiatr community, particularly tiatr artistes, must remain present for the celebration in large numbers. He requested the Kala Academy to work in collaboration with Tiatr Academy of Goa in order to improve the standard of tiatr. He assured the gathering that the subsequent ‘Tiatr Dis’ celebrations would involve more discussions and interactive sessions. Mr Cardozo requested the Kala Academy to conduct a workshop for the benefit of tiatr artistes on theatre related aspects more frequently.

The guest of honour for the occasion, Comedian Jacob in his address spoke of the difficulties faced by tiatr artistes in getting the Kala Academy Auditorium to stage their tiatrs. Comedian Jacob called to memory the lives of tiatr legends like M Boyer and their contributions to tiatr.

Mr Pratapsing Rane promptly agreed to address the matter.  Tiatr artistes Joseph Mendes and Antonette Mendes spoke on behalf of the award recipients.  The awards of the 36th Tiatr Festival and the 9th Kantaram Singing Competition organised by Kala Academy Goa were also distributed on the occasion.

Socorro de Santa Cruz ably supported by Sonia, Aniceto, Dolla, Sibal and Velbert entertained the audience with Konkani songs.  Member secretary of Kala Academy, Dr Pandurang Phaldesai proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Teotonio D’Costa was the compere for the fun