The 4th edition of the All Goa Inter-collegiate/HSS Tiatr competition 2024-25, organized by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) will commence today, August 28.
This year, there are six institutions from North and South Goa participating in the competition. Four institutions from North Goa and two institutions from South Goa will showcase their theatrical skills on stage.
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This year, TAG has tied up with Kala Academy Goa to organise this competition and it is open for all tiatr lovers. All the tiatrs will begin at 3.30 pm and minimum duration of each production is two hours and maximum three hours. The inaugural function will be held at 3.15 pm at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir. Panjim. Sagun Velip, director of Art & Culture/ president of TAG and Arvind Khutkar, Member Secretary of Kala Academy Goa will be present.
The tiatrs to be presented for the competition by various institutions include ‘Uddta To Buddta’ by DCT’s SS Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Cujira, and written, directed by Antonet de Sousa (August 28), ‘Chuk Konnachi’ by Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce for Women, Nuvem, written and directed by Fr Doel Dias (August 29), ‘Chitrkar’ by St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, written and directed by Fr Luis Gomes (August 30), ‘Nivolkantto’ by Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim, written by Fr Roman Rodrigues and directed by Gautam Gawde (September 2), ‘Moga Mhaka Moguch Puro’ by Fr Agnel College, Pilar, written by Fr Milton Rodrigues and directed by Shantaram Pawar, ‘Romeo Juliet’ by Fr Agnel Higher Secondary School, Pilar, written by Effifanio Mendes and directed by Madhuri Shetkar (September 4).
This year, there’s involvement of four priests in the competition and two among them have attempted to rope in theatre experts for the direction, while the remaining two have shouldered the responsibility of scripting and directing the tiatrs single-handedly.
Throwing light on her production which will be staged on the first day of the competition, Antonet de Souza says that ‘Uddtta to Buddtta’ is all about college life and students pursuing their studies there. “When talented in different fields, there’s always that pride which sets in and ruins everything,” she says. “So however much you may be talented and you may gain name and fame in the college, when offers come your way,” Antonet says, “your attitude ultimately will either make or break you. Tread cautiously to make your future bright,” the director says, conveying the message at the end of the tiatr.
Regarding the cast, the writer-director says that there are 28 artistes involved in singing and acting and there are five cantos intertwined in the play. She says that Vitorino Araujo and his troupe will handle the music for all the songs presented in different categories.
The writer of tiatr ‘Nivolkantto,’ Fr Roman Rodrigues says that ‘Nivolkantto’ means a ‘desert cactus’ that explores the theme of self-reliance, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s language and culture as key resources for building a successful career and future. “Set against the backdrop of a challenging landscape, much like a cactus thriving in the desert, the characters in this tiatr navigate personal and societal struggles, learning to draw strength from their cultural roots,” he adds. ‘Nivolkantto’ calls on the viewers to recognize the value of their heritage and encourage them to become self-reliant by utilizing their unique cultural Goa-given assets.
Writer, director of tiatr ‘Chitrkar,’ Fr Luis Xavier Gomes says that parental pressure often results in discouraging children and youth, who are blessed with inborn qualities, which does not let them fulfil their long-cherished dreams. “Parental pressure does not help children to make his/her own choices in life. Under such circumstances, career guidance is very important to children and youth so that they make the right choice and find fulfillment in life,” he says.
Concerning the participation of students in tiatr competition, the writer of tiatr ‘Moga Mhaka Moguch Puro’, Fr Milton Rodrigues says that it is a remarkable platform to showcase diverse talents of students. “This competition held annually for the past three years is more than just a stage,” he continues, “it is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity and passion. Director Shantaram Pawar brings out the best from these students. Many of them are first timers and it is not easy to mould them into actors and singers. But the dedication of our students that they can give their best is our reward.”
