Institution of an award is usually witnessed after the demise of a noted personality and it continues to be given annually in memory of the deceased, for the rich contribution made in the field of literature, art and culture.
But this time around, there’s an award which is instituted in the name of a stalwart of the Konkani stage, whose contribution towards the tiatr and the Konkani language is mammoth. Be it in acting or singing, she has created an impact on the minds of the tiatr lovers and helped the field of tiatr to grow immensely.
Colva-based Josephine Dias, who is presently residing at Santa Cruz, started her career on the Konkani stage from childhood. To tap her talents on stage and help her grow in theatrical skills, her father, late Casiano D’Costa introduced her in one of his tiatrs ‘Ti Mhoji Maim’ and the audience appreciated her performance on stage.
Encouragement that followed from her father thereafter helped Josephine to turn into one of the noted female artistes of the tiatr stage. In 1962, after her debut in tiatr in ‘Ti Mhoji Maim’, she continued with her father in the home production ‘Birankul’, followed by tiatr ‘Maim Tum Asli Zalear’ by Anton Seferian in the commercial group.
As a versatile actor, Josephine has doled out several roles on stage with ease and perfection. But among several characters, she has stood out in comedy and semi-comedy roles.
In the past, Josephine has showcased her theatrical skills in tiatrs penned by Minguel Rod (6 tiatrs), C Alvares (4), Prem Kumar (4), John Claro (7), Jacinto Vaz (4), Aristides Dias (7), Mike Mehta (2), Nelson (3), F Cardozo (2), Christopher (2), Anil Kumar, Wilmix, Seby Coutinho, Jephis Hilter, Rico Rod, Menino de Bandar, Alfred Rose, C D’Silva, Dioginho D’Costa, Joaquim D’Costa, Mariano Fernandes, Jerry Rodrigues, Greg, Felcy, Premanand Lotlikar, Star of Curtorim and F X Dias, besides several other directors of yester years.
Apart from commercial tiatrs, Josephine has also doled out performances in passion plays during the season of Lent. She has rendered her melodious voice in cassettes by Jr Rod, Felcy, F Cardozo, Socorro de Santa Cruz, Aniceto and acted in VCDs by Peter D’Costa, David, M Boyer and Casino.
Eldest among the six, Josephine’s two siblings, Joaquim D’Costa and David D’Costa have also contributed their mint towards the tiatr stage and growth of Konkani by way of acting and singing. And the trend continues till date in the D’Costa family from Colva.
For her rich contribution towards the tiatr stage for almost 54 years, Josephine’s son, Arvind Dias has decided to sponsor an award ‘Josephine Dias Puroskar’ instituted in his mother’s name and which has been recognized, constituted by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG).
On July 19 in order to celebrate Josephine’s 75th birthday, beginning this year, the ‘Josephine Dias Puroskar’ will be presented to any upcoming child artiste till the age of 16, who has in the past and is presently contributing towards the growth of the tiatr stage and Konkani language.
“When my mother has given so much for the tiatr stage through acting and singing,” states Arvind Dias, “why not give something in return to the tiatr fraternity by way of sponsoring an award. For years to come, this award will definitely encourage many more child artistes to come forward, step on stage and help tiatr and the Konkani language grow greater heights,” he said.
“The future of tiatr lies in the hands of the child artistes,” quips Arvind, “and they are the torch bearers today who will take the baton forward. “Many youngsters are making an entry in the field of tiatr today by way of acting, singing and music as well and all their efforts, contribution need to be recognized and appreciated.”
Apart from the presentation of the award at a special function, a Konkani novel (romans) ‘Ema’ penned by Josephine’s husband, late F X Dias, will also see the light of the day on the occasion. It was penned way back in 1995, just before he passed away.
“F X Dias was a prolific Konkani writer,” informs Arvind Dias, “and to help lovers of Konkani novels enjoy the literary taste of my father’s writing, thought of publishing his manuscript and releasing it in
his memory.”
“Rich contributions made by several Konkani writers and tiatrists of yester years cannot be forgotten or wiped out. They definitely need to live forever in our memories through their literary works and institution of awards in their memory,” concludes.