World Theatre Day is celebrated on March 27 annually. The oldest form of performance in Goa, the theatre stage has seen great talent in Konkani and Marathi dramas. While many begin their career with the stage, very few have taken this passion forward to films. What are the challenges actors face in finding work in films?
As for filmmaking, there are lot of opportunities coming to Goa. But Goan artistes are not getting the primary or even secondary roles as those are the roles which are going to fetch money for the producers and directors. Goan artistes will not get the required exposure unless there are good productions in Goa and the audience accepts and pays the ticket to watch them. To keep both, cinema and theatre, rich and thriving, we need more spaces in the interior parts of Goa for the local audience.
– Mandar Jog, Actor
When you act on stage, sometimes the acting is loud or dramatically but while acting in films, you have to be very natural. I know how to switch from stage to film. I have acted films like ‘Home Sweet Home’, ‘O La La’, ‘Amizade’, ‘Connection’, ‘Pedru Poder’ which are hit films. ‘Crazy Mogi’, written and directed by my elder son, Christ Silva and produced by A Durga Prasad, premiered at IFFI, Dubai and London and is still running in Goa. Our Konkani film industry is still struggling and hence, very less films are produced. But good Konkani films have a good future throughout the world.
–John D’Silva, actor
Theatre and films are completely distinct mediums. Theatre is prominently practiced in Goa which enables artists to hone their skills. I being a theatre artist, I have also done a few films. We see theatre artists internationally doing great films and vice versa, this is possible because there are more avenues and better opportunities. When it comes to films in Goa, there is scarcity of opportunities due to many factors. It gets hard to get work that one is longing for. This is for everyone, not only theatre artists.
–Shefali Naik, actor and director
Theatre has always influenced film industry. IFFI has given some boost to Goan filmmakers and Goan theatre artistes has tried to shift from theatre to films. But due to limited support, unfortunately, it has not given good results and they have restricted themselves in short film competitions organised by different organisations. When big production houses comes to Goa for film shoot, our artistes are not considered for major roles. There is no film institute in Goa to learn film and Goan artistes has to travel outside. This issue also has to be taken seriously.
–Satish Narvekar, actor
Theatre and film are like two different stages, each with its own way of telling stories. Theatre is live and in the moment, while film is more controlled and detailed. Even though there might be fewer films made in Goa, that doesn't mean theatre actors can't work in films. The skills you learn on stage, like acting naturally and understanding characters, are useful for both. Being able to adapt and work in different ways is important for any actor.
–Samiksha Desai, actor