When you have seen your parents get on stage and give a power packed performance, it feels more encouraging to do the same when you are given an equal opportunity. Tiatr is a theatre form in Goa which has been flourishing for generations and it is no surprise that the acting gene has been passed on to the next generation. Mario Menezes’ upcoming tiatr ‘100% (Hundred Percent)’ will be featuring 25 young tiatrists, all who are children of leading tiatrists. Many will be making their stage debut and are confident of winning the audience.

Aged 8 to 23 years, the young actors are enthusiastic to face the audience at their premiere show in Panjim on Monday. The tiatr is written and directed by Mario Menezes with his daughter Riosha joining him as an assistant director. “The concept was there in my mind and I was keen on working with children of only tiatrists. Some children have been performing on the professional stage with their parents but many are making their debut. Since the tiatr is written in such a way that the children are comfortable in their roles and playing their own characters,” says Mario, whose two daughters Rioma, 18 and Riosha, 17 are also acting in the tiatr.

The cast includes Myron, son of Comedian Selvy; Skyla, daughter of Rosy Alvares; Swizel and Sweden, daughters of Comedian Janet and Philip; Semica, daughter of Comedian Sally; Mariola, daughter of Jessica Vaz and James; Bladwin, son of Mini Mario; Joshua, son of Franky Gonsalves; Ashmith son of Aplon; Mathan and Mayvon, sons of Tony de Ribandar; Amanda and Anyel, daughters of Rodson and Maria; Jonas, son of Peter de Arambol; Princewell, son of Philip de Orlim; Savanah, daughter of Xavier de Maina and Pricilla; Movin, son of Manual Filipe; Ashwin, son of Marshall; Joesan, son of Salvador Afonso and Nacia; Alika, daughter of Anthony Carr; Fiona, daughter of Kalliz de Orlim; Chriselle, daughter of Cruz Mascarenhas and Rioma and Riosha, daughters of Mario Menezes. The music is by led by Aiden, son of Comedian Agostinho, Sanon, Nazareth, Canon, Manual and Wilburg.

The traditional tiatr will feature a special appearance by Rosy Alvares and 18 songs, “The tiatrs will have comedy within the seven scenes and each of the actors will be singing the songs. There are no senior artists in the tiatr and the children are carrying the tiatr on their shoulders. The children are singing solos, trios, quartets, sextet, septet and nonet,” explains Mario.

Since the set up is done according to a school scenario, the shows will be held only in the cities of Panjim and Margao. The first show will be staged at Kala Academy, Panjim on May 28, 2018 at 7.30pm and at Pai Tiatrist Hall, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on May 29, 2018 at 3.30pm.

Speaking about the difficulty in managing the children during rehearsals, Mario laughs it off saying it feels like a picnic where everyone is enjoying the homely atmosphere. “The children have seen tiatrists who have acted with their parents. This is the first time, many are meeting the children of other tiatrists and they are enjoying the bonding. We had a rehearsal of 20 days and they all remember their lines. The tiatr is based on a school atmosphere so the youngsters are playing the role of principal, teachers while the younger ones are playing students. All the senior tiatrists have been very supportive and I am very grateful to them as they are going out of their way to encourage their children. The tiatr fraternity is very close knit,” he says.

To conclude, Mario says, “Don’t underestimate these children as they are immensely talented. I would like the audience to come in for the shows and I hope the first shows are houseful as it will encourage and give a boost to the children who would want a career in tiatr.”