Pio Esteves
The annual Kala Academy, 10th Tiatr ‘B’ Group Competition 2024-25 saw the participation of six institutions from across Goa. The recently declared results by the concerned authorities shows that the first prize was withheld and the remaining two prizes, including the consolation prize, were given to the deserving institutions. Many among the participants might have carried high expectations, but were disappointed after declaration of
the results.
This tiatr competition received a very poor audience at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, with hardly any spectators in the auditorium which resulted in discouragement to the performers on stage, especially the raw talents and newcomers.
In the past, all the competitions held at Kala Academy, Panjim, have always received a very good response from the audience and the spectators, who understand what tiatr competition is, have highly appreciated all the efforts and hard work put in by many institutions, directors and the entire cast.
As per the results, there’s no prize for best script, but one tiatr wins the first prize for direction. If none of the tiatrs could pick up a prize for good script, then how could one tiatr win the first prize for direction? With the existence of a tiatr script, direction follows.
One of the judges at the recently held tiatr competition, Sharon Mazarello said, “As a judge I was totally disappointed with the performances of ‘B’ group competition. The format of a traditional tiatr was just not followed and the songs included in the presentation were mere inclusion. Comedy too faced the same fate. Most of the artistes performing were children and it looked more like a children's tiatr and competition. The standard, the competitive spirit and the seriousness of a competition was sadly lacking. Something or the other aspect was missing from each of the tiatr performances. Importance was not given to each and every aspect of a tiatr and it was disappointing.”
One of the viewers of the recently held tiatr competition and a noted writer, director as well as active participant in KA’s tiatr competition in the past, Ceasar D’Melo sharing his observation, said, “The judges’ decisions were well-deserved. While it is impossible to recognize every participant, the judges made informed choices. However, I feel there was an opportunity to acknowledge more child artistes who are the future of the tiatr industry. These young talents bring in fresh energy and enthusiasm to the Konkani stage.”
D’Melo, who has participated in such competitions since 1974, said that overall the competition was a resounding success and he applauded the judges and participants for their hard work and dedication. “As a suggestion if possible the competition may be held in Panjim next year as there was hardly any crowd in Margao auditorium,” he said.
Another judge at the competition, William Fernandes said, “The standard of the tiatrs at the competition was below average. People expected good tiatrs with great presentations at the KA’s tiatr competition. But unfortunately, the scripts were weak with minimum dramatization, which is the main requirement for a good presentation.”
He further added, “Comedy is the integral part of a good tiatr and the standard of ‘kantaram’ was not up to the mark. And overall, we have seen that children were roped in in most of the tiatrs which gives the colour and flavor of children’s tiatr. The audience was at the lowest end this time and KA should refrain from holding their tiatr competitions in Margao in the near future.”
Another spectator and judge of tiatr competitions in the past, Colva-based Bonny Pereira said that the spectators and the jury panel’s views differed. As he was a judge in the jury panel on 7-8 occasions, he said that he noted the difference. “Kala Academy has been organizing such tiatr competitions with the sole aim of raising the standard of tiatrs, give opportunity to newcomers (be it in acting and singing), showcase their God-given talents on stage and encourage new artistes. But this time withholding so many prizes (overall and individual prizes) was in bad taste. There are no criteria on the mark sheet wherein there should be ‘minimum marks’. Were the tiatrs presented in the 10th tiatr competition just below the mark?” he queried.