Tiatr is a very popular form of theatre in Goa and no other dramatic form is closer to that popularity. Interestingly, the origins of Tiatr can be traced to Bombay where the first tiatr was staged by Goans working in Bombay. Joao Agostinho Fernandes was the first to write original scripts of Tiatrs on themes highlighting injustices in the Goan society. Once, the popularity of tiatrs reached Goa, there was no turning back and the performing art has survived with the love of the audience. Over the year, tiatrs have made a lot more progress and have organised various festivals that continue to challenge the directors. Tiatrs have reached every Gulf country and have been staged in the Europe as well as North America. In 2017, the 125th Anniversary of Tiatr was celebrated in Goa. With such a vast community of artistes, it was time to recognise their efforts in entertaining and educating
the Goan society.
Since the celebration of 125 years of tiatr, every year a Thanksgiving Mass is celebrated on the Feast of St Francis Xavier on December 3 at 9 am. Members of the tiatrist community have been faithfully attending this Mass, participating in the choir, readings and offertory.
As this year marks the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier from November 21 onwards till January 4, 2025, different parishes and committees are heading to Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa for pilgrimages. Taking this opportunity, the Tiatr community will be celebrating a Thanksgiving Mass today, August 31 at 4 pm.
Organised by tiatrist and writer, Michael Gracias, the fraternity is excited to congregate at the Church in one spirit. “For the past 132 years, the tiatr community has been actively involved in community building and educating the masses through entertainment. Recognising the services of the Tiatrist community to the Society and state at large, the Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, Fr Patricio Fernandes, has allotted the 9 am Feast Mass to the community since the celebration of 125 years of tiatr and the tiatrist community has been participating in this Mass. In view of the upcoming exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, more popularly revered as Goencho Saib, Fr Patricio has invited the Tiatrist Community with their families, for a pilgrimage at the feet of St Francis Xavier,” says Michael Gracias.
He further adds, “The pilgrimage known over the years as ‘Romari’ will begin with the recitation of Rosary led by 20 legendary tiatrists, which will follow with the solemn Eucharistic celebration, which will be concelebrated by the clergy from the tiatr fraternity. A solemn benediction of the relic and prayers for the good health of all tiatrists will be the highlight of the pilgrimage. The 20 tiatrists leading the Rosary prayer, will be given a special blessed Rosary at the end of the pilgrimage.”
Every member of the fraternity including the back stage crew, from the pandal workers, lights, make-up artists to the sound system are invited for the pilgrimage. As the community now includes school and college students too through the various competitions held throughout the year, the number is certainly expected to be huge. “The artistes are coming from different parts of Goa so it is not possible to have a walking pilgrimage but we will walk together from the main gate to the church. The Mass will be in Konkani. The efforts of the tiatr community are getting recognised by the society,” says Michael, who is also working on a documentary film on the life of St Francis Xavier as well as two books on the Saint.
Azossim-based Agnelo D’Cunha is popularly known as Aggie in the tiatr fraternity. He will be leading the choir Sant Matevachim Noketram for the Mass. The other choir members include Melba D’Cunha, Dr Charmaine Pereira and Crabby Fernandes. “I have fond memories of singing and performing in the choir at Old Goa. From 1994 to 2004, I was consistently performing for the Novenas and Feast at Old Goa with nearly 4-5 Masses every day,” says Aggie, who
won the best solo singer for the B Group Tiatr Competition this year. He also performs in a duo band, ‘The Strains’
with his wife, Melba.
Noted senior tiartist, Ben Evangelisto will be one of the members who will the leading the Rosary. “I have been participating in the Feast day Mass for the last two years and last year I also did a reading for the Mass. It is great that there is a special slot for tiatrists on the Feast day which gives a special status for tiatrists. If we get a good response for the Mass, they the day will be marked for an annual celebration on the 2025 calendar of the church. This Mass is not just for the on-stage actors and singers, every element of the genre will be participating,” says Ben.
The pilgrimage will be telecast live on the St Francis Xavier official channel for the benefit of outstation tiatrists
and wellwishers.