The tiatr stage in Goa is so unique that every member of the fraternity is welcomed right from the time they step foot on the stage. Artistes at every age group is encouraged to showcase their talent and their efforts are awarded too. The recently concluded 12th Popular Tiatr Competition 2022-23 organised by Tiatr Academy Goa (TAG) saw the participation of five troupes competing in nearly 30 categories. The best performance award was won by the tiatr, ‘Thoddech Dis’ directed by Menino Fernandes popularly known as Menino de Bandar.
Menino de Bandar started his career in tiatr at the age of 17 years when performed for a Khell tiatr. Since then, he has written over 200 khell tiatrs and 60 tiatrs. He considers ‘Succorina’ his record breaking tiatr as it completed 215 when it was performed in 1984-85 and after 31 years, in 2015, when it was performed again, it completed 309 shows. “I was bestowed the title of Triple Century King by the audience. ‘Succorina’ is also the first tiatr that I performed in the Gulf,” says Menino, president of TAG.
“The story of ‘Thoddech Dis’ focused on how we take our health for granted. People ignore the early symptoms and bear the pain until they can’t stand the suffering anymore. With advancement in medicines and doctors and various facilities at government hospitals, people still refuse to get diagnosed,” says Menino.
The 11th Children’s Tiatr Competition, also organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa, saw the participation of eight children’s groups. ‘Zhadda Tengxer’ performed by Fulte Machi Mogi Nirmiti, Raia and directed by Marcos Gonsalves won the Best Performance Award. The tiatr swept the awards in all the major categories including Best Direction, Best Actor (Male), Best Comedian (Male), Best Solo (Male), Best Comedy Kantar (Male), Best Duet, Best Choral Song, Best Script and Stage Setting.
A huge moment to celebrate for Marcos Gonsalves, as this is the third time that he won the competition. His two previous tiatr were ‘Kanvllean Kelem Kanv Kanv’ and ‘Piki Piki Kazule’. “I am very happy that our troupe has won awards in ten categories. The tiatr is based on the struggles of a transgender in a society as well as the treatment towards the members of the Mhar community and how these two individuals come together in the end to fulfil their dreams. We practised for nearly two months as there is an age limit of below 16 years, we have to pool in new talent for the tiatr,” says Marcos, who wrote the scropt and directed the tiatr, ‘Zhadda Tengxer.’
