Konkani tiatr to attract thousands at Our Lady of Vailankanni

The Novena and Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni is special for many Goans who plan their visit to the holy shrine months in advance. One special feature during these holy days is the staging of a Konkani Tiatr. This year, ‘Magnnem’ directed by Inacio Dias and written by Fr Soccoro Rebelo will be staged on August 28
Konkani tiatr to attract thousands at Our Lady of Vailankanni
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Annually, in the months of August and September preparations by Goans are in full swing to make a quick religious trip to Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu. Goans at large scattered across the nation and state gear up for the 9-day novenas and feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu.

This religious trip to Vailankanni Church in Tamil Nadu is made with two intentions, namely to seek favours and consequently numerous petitions are placed at the feet of Our Lady of Vailankanni or to express gratitude for countless blessings received from Mother Mary by the devotees.

Due to the mad rush made to this pilgrim church annually by the followers of Mother Mary, bookings are done one year in advance or six months prior to avoid disappointments at the eleventh hour. Apart from the bus and train bookings, many faithful prefer to make their spiritual journey by private vehicles as well as it helps to accommodate more of the family members and friends and it is more convenient to many individuals.

As the place attracts people from different walks of life, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, other than the spirituality provided at the religious site by way of Eucharistic celebrations and prayers on a daily basis, entertainment was on the low note. And so the thought of providing some amusement for those gathered there in large numbers struck the mind.

Way back in 2005, Navelim, Aquem-Baixo-based Inacio Dias took the first initiative to provide some entertainment to the Konkani-speaking devotees in Vailankanni. His first bold step was to stage Prince Jacob’s tiatr ‘Rostad’ at the Vailankanni Church and the response from the audience was overwhelming.

“Just as we stage tiatrs or musical shows in our villages for several feasts celebrated in our parishes, likewise the thought of staging tiatrs or any live entertainment at this holy pilgrim site was behind my mind. Initially, a try was given by staging one of the tiatrs by noted tiatrist and as it was a free show, the spectators viewed and enjoyed it,” informs Inacio Dias.

“Thereafter, it was no turning back with entertainment all the way from Goa to Vailankanni annually. The people out there, including the organizers are very supportive and they will go out of their way to help you by way of accommodation, food for all the artistes and the entire troupe,” adds Inacio.

“You only need to keep them informed about your plans and the date chosen for the free show,” Inacio shares, “and the local people, including the volunteers, scattered around the place will help and make your stay comfortable for you.”

After tasting success of the first attempt made to entertain the audience and devotees in Vailankanni, Inacio decided to screen Prince Jacob’s Konkani film ‘Padri’ the following year and it again received good response from the audience.

The following two years prompted Inacio to pen, direct and stage two of his own productions at the religious site in Tamil Nadu. “The staging of tiatrs ‘Tunch Mhozo Dev’ and ‘Tin Dis’ was well accepted by the spectators,” he informs.

In order to break the monotony of staging tiatrs in Vailankanni, Dias decided to organize a musical show for the audiences residing outside the state. “Live performances on stage, be it with the singers and musicians, wrapped with comedy, took the spectators by storm,” he says, and thereafter he decided to have more musical shows at the religious site.

Till date, Inacio has organised ten musical shows at Vailankanni, “and the audience response has always been encouraging. The singers, comedians and musicians picked up from Goa have also co-operated with me whole-heartedly and part of the entire success goes to them as well,” he says.

This year, Inacio is making another trip to Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, with his third production ‘Magnnem’ for the audiences and faithful there. The tiatr has been penned by, Fr Soccoro Rebelo, the assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Grace Church, Bicholim.

Throwing light on the tiatr script penned by Fr Socorro, he says that the story revolves around a family where temptations are galore. “All the temptations can be fought through prayer as it is a powerful weapon,” he said.

“Quite often we think that the evil power comes to us from outside the family, neighbourhood or from the society,” Fr Socorro states. “But that evil force is right there within us, in our families and we need to spot it and fight against it through prayer. Victory over any evil is possible only through prayer,” he explains.

“The tiatr script was provided to the director two years ago,” Fr Soccoro sheds some light, “but on account of the pandemic it could not be staged at Vailankanni, then.” “But it’s a joy that the staging of tiatr ‘Magnnem’ is finally going to see the light of the day on August 28 at Vailankanni Church,” he mentions and is hopeful of happy viewing.

“Apart from the entertainment, may the tiatr fans watching the show there carry a message back home and grow in spirituality. Quite often we fall prey to various temptations and realize too late how to fight against them,” he adds.

Focusing on the cast and crew, Inacio says that he has painstakingly chosen the best of artistes and singers in tiatr ‘Magnnem’. “There are several songs wrapped in between the acts, including the comic acts, and the audience will definitely enjoy the entire show,” he speaks confidently.

With a live band offstage, there are four musicians accompanying all the singers on stage and being an expert in handling the lights, Inacio will shoulder the responsibility single-handedly. Concerning the stage sets, Thomas Barbosa will execute his expertise in that field.

Apart from staging tiatrs and screening of Konkani films at Vailankanni, Inacio has also been instrumental in transporting Goan traditional folk dances to the religious site. “People out there, especially those belonging to other states, have also tasted our tradition, art and culture via songs and dances. It has always been a rare treat for the non-Goans and the spectators have appreciated the Goan folk art and unique culture,” concludes Inacio.

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