Pio Esteves
Way back in the 1980s and 1990s, there existed only two main seasons for the tiatr fraternity, namely releases in October and Easter. But over a passage of time, the monsoon releases came about in June, July and stretched till September.
Those handful monsoon releases carried a large cast as some of the topmost artistes were free and were not part of any current tiatrs. The directors took pains to rope in big-time performers (singers and actors), including massive stage sets as all the shows were held only in the city auditoriums, thus evoking heavy response from the tiatr lovers.
The October season is the longest season for the tiatr directors and shows of those winter releases held mostly in the villages have demand during various feasts celebrated annually in October and November. Some of the noted tiatr directors are already booked well in advance by different parishes and associations to avoid disappointment at the last moment.
Now, some of those tiatrs which will receive audience appeal, will probably continue during the Christmas season and progress in the New Year as well. Before the viewers’ choice is made, today the audiences make it a point to check the tiatr directors, artistes and singers, including the comedians roped in for each production.
And only if the audience appeal is good, then that particular tiatr director is the winner in the field of tiatr. And he/she can confidently go ahead with the troupe for more successful shows in the cities and villages.
It is sad to note that today’s audience is choosy when preferring to enjoy a new release, be it in the cities or villages. And under such circumstances, some of the new tiatr directors have no other choice, but bear all the losses independently.
And if only the noted tiatr directors are going to be encouraged by flocking for their shows, then when will the newcomers get an opportunity to come on stage, showcase their talents and grow on the tiatr stage? A period may dawn when the seniors may be forced to retire and then there could be a dearth of tiatrists on the Konkani stage.
There are around 15 new productions from different tiatr directors to be staged during this winter season. The new winter releases lined up from October onwards include Roseferns’ 105th production ‘Sonvsar Tumcho, Amchem Kitem?’, followed by Prince Jacob 75th production ‘Sant Padr Pio’. Over the years, these two directors have been consistent with their productions and are hopeful to have a crowd-puller for their respective tiatrs.
Others that follow with their new productions are Comedian Sally’s24th production‘Tanchem Chintat’, Comedian Ambe’s tiatr ‘Dollar Dinar vo Pound’, Pascoal de Chicalim’s ‘AtamAmchem Kitem Zatelem?’
Jose/Evon’s tiatr ‘Zonvar’has senior-most tiatrists, Betty Naz from Mumbai and comedienne Querobin, who has returned from the Gulf after 30 years. There’s Dominic Carvalho’s 27thproduction ‘Amkam Ballgun Dovor’ and comedian John D’Silva ‘Mogall’.
After successful tiatrs in the past, Ulhas Tari’s 6th production‘Konn Nhoi Konnacho’ will move to the cities and villages. Tiatr‘Gold Medal’ written by Comedian Agostinho and directed by Comedian Joyel will also be staged across Goa during this winter season.
Other tiatrs with entertainment for the audience include Peter/Roshan’s‘Ho Sonvsar Atamchea Bhurgeancho’ andMenino de Bandar’stiatr ‘Nimmanea Vellar’. With the exposition of sacred relics of St Francis Xavier this November, Michael Graciaswill stage his tiatr ‘Goemcho Saib’, with the aim of enlightening the tiatr lovers about the saintly life and miracles.
Milagres Carneiro’s tiatr ‘Vatt, Sot Ani Jivit’ carries a sliding stage and probably after 20 years, it is making a comeback on the tiatr stage. Jose de Benaulimwill also be presenting his tiatr ‘Goll’ this winter season.
Among the 15-odd productions lined up this winter season, there are only two productions which will focus on the life of saints, namely ‘Sant Padr Pio’ and ‘Goemcho Saib’. After intensive study on the lives of saints, Prince Jacob in the past has staged tiatrs ‘Sant Fransis Xavier’, ‘Sant Anton’ and ‘Padr Juze Vaz’ and he expects now as well to give spiritual nourishment, besides entertainment, to his tiatr audience.