Performing Arts in Goa now has potential to go up by several “degrees”

The College of Theatre Arts came into existence two years ago in the tiny state of Goa and it now has its first principal, Ramrao Wagh. Coming from a family of performing artistes and IT savvy, his vast knowledge, experience and presence in the college at the helm of affairs will definitely help see a sea change in the institution, by grooming amateurs into budding stage artistes. Speaking to Café Herald, Ramrao said that Goa has a lot of potential as far as talent is concerned and Goans, in general, are born artistes, “their natural talent needs to be tapped and they need to be groomed, so that they reach, sooner or later, at the national and international level.” As the first principal of the institution, Wagh’s first priority would be to work on the existing infrastructure, appoint, recruit new staff and tap better talent from Goa for admissions. As ‘tiatr’ is also unique and traditional form of art in Goa, he would also like to lay focus on it and promote it through training at the institution. After higher secondary studies, a student can apply for the Bachelor of Performing Art (BPA), which includes four years of rigorous training. “The students enrolled earlier have already completed two years of training and would be pursuing their third year of training this year. The four-year course includes specialization in stagecraft, acting, direction, scriptwriting, documentation and research,” Wagh explained. After obtaining the bachelor’s degree, “the students can go ahead in obtaining the Master’s degree, which includes two years of training and research work. “At the institution we are also planning to collaborate and interact with the national school of drama, so that through various seminars and workshops, our students get better exposure and gain more knowledge in theatrical arts,” Wagh continued. “We will also help our students to actively take part in all theatrical activities like ‘nattaks’, ‘mahautsovs’ held at Kala Academy, which is a cultural body,” he added. Academically, the College of Theatre Arts is affiliated to Goa University, which assists in preparing and providing the syllabus. It is also linked to Directorate of Higher Education as far as finance is concerned. With the threat of Covid-19 looming high in Goa, the principal of College of Theatre Arts is prepared to face the worst. After 9 years of service in the computer science department at the Government College at Sanquelim and 20 years at the Goa University as faculty of computer science, his vast experience in information technology (IT) will only help him to go ahead with his plans successfully. Heading the directorate of digital learning and initiative as the first director, Wagh presented learning and several courses online. “And with a studio at the university, workshops have been conducted and continue till date,” he said. “Online meetings have already been conducted for the staff at the institution and by next week the teaching faculty will be equipped with technical talk. This move will only help create awareness about our institution and reach maximum people before the admissions begin,” he concluded.