The Goan Tiatr which had its humble beginnings in Mumbai in 1892
is still going strong even after 130 years. This is the most popular drama form
and most unique in its character and presentation as compared to any other
stage performances in the Indian languages.
“It is unique because
it has a distinctive storyline touching lives of the common people enticed with
humour, as well as tragedy and entertaining songs on varied topics for
wholesome entertainment. For the lovers of theatre, the Goan tiatr is a
complete wholesome entertainment package and a powerful medium to highlight
burning political, social and socio-political issues thereby bringing about an
awareness amongst the general masses and to a large extent help build up
decisive public opinion,” Tiatr critic and freelance writer Daniel F de Souza
said.
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The ‘Tiatr’ is a
powerful Goan tool to bring about social reforms too. It is an integral part of
the Goan psyche, closely blends with its ethos and holds a place of pride in
its rich culture and heritage. In a tiny state like Goa, there are just two
well established and equally powerful platforms to bring about mass awareness
thereby igniting a chain of reactions and building public opinion, de Souza
said.
The first is the
pulpit followed closely by the Tiatr stage and both are equally powerful and
feared by the politicians of the day.
“This is what makes this performing art exclusive and unique in
many respects,” he said.
Fr Victor Ferrao, Visiting Professor, Rachol Seminary said any
theatre form tends to evoke passion and emotion.
“But when it comes to Tiatr, people get connected as it is very
strongly related with our lives and our emotions. It also raises uncomfortable
questions by taking up social issues. Right from the beginning of this art
form, it has acted as a mirror to our society. This is the reason why Tiatr is
passionately followed in Goa, in comparison to any other art form,” Fr Ferrao
said.
According to historian Prof Prajal Sakhardande, Tiatr is one of
the most loved forms of theatre art in Goa.
“Our Catholic brethren love it from their heart and it draws
huge crowds especially on Sundays. The passing away of a star artist Mario
Menezes is huge loss to Goas entertainment industry. Tiatr has a history that
dates to the first Tiatr staged in Bombay called Italian Bhurgo by Lucasinho
Rebeiro in April 1892,” Prof Sakhardande said.
Joao Augustine Fernandes is hailed as the Pai teatrist as he
wrote the first original Tiatr as Lucasinho’s Tiatr Italian Bhurgo was an
adaptation. His wife Mrs Regina Fernandes was the First lady to act in Tiatr in
the Tiatra Bhatkara in 1904 staged by her husband Joa Augustine Fernandes.
“Since then Tiatr have been very successfully performed in
various parts of Goa loved and eagerly awaited by Goans, sometimes cutting
across religions. Everyone loves Tiatr as they are a perfect delightful package
ranging from action, drama, songs, romance, emotions, comedy, topical themes,
political and social satires. Tiatr actors have a legendary star appeal in
Goa,” he said.
“I have watched Prince Jacobs’ Tiatr and I just loved them.
Similarly John D’Silva is a legend. His witty sense of comedy and humour is
truly awesome. Jacinto Vaz, M .Boyer, C Alvares , Ophelia, Anthony San ,
Roseferns , Betty Naz Tomazinho and Irene Cardozo Minguel Rod and so many other
legendary stars have carved a place in history through their brilliant
performances and star appeal,” he said, adding, “Mario Menezes was one such
great name. My tributes to him.”
Actor and a psychiatrist Dr Meenacshi Martins said that Tiatr is
the heart and soul of the performing art form for Goans.
“The topics dealt with in Tiatr are current either social or
political. The comedy is endearing and the music nostalgic. Tiatr provides a
full platter of entertainment while dealing with subjects close to the hearts
of those that go to watch the shows,” Dr Martins said.
The diaspora have taken this art form globally and now Tiatr is
symbolic to the presence of Goans in that community. The unique format of a
Tiatr interspread with music and comedy is special for us. “We, as Goans
identify this as our own and are bound passionately to the 120 odd years of
enriching experience that Tiatr has given to its viewers. The artists are icons
for the audience, each having a special place in the world of Tiatr. Their
contribution is immeasurable and Goans shall be ever so grateful for the gift
that is Tiatr,” she said.
Former government official and Konkani poet, writer John Aguiar
said that Tiatr has been around for a long time. It is very popular art form
because people connect with the characters and the stories that are shown in
this art form.
“The audience thinks it is their story which is being staged.
Then it has songs which are relevant to today’s times which are concerning to
the state and its citizens. Apart from the main story, there are sideshows with
some comic element, which has been well accepted by the audience. It has been
recognised by Sangeet Natak Akademi too,” he said.
Even the youngsters of Goa feel passionately about Tiatr as it
gives them the platform to showcase their talent.
“Every Goan loves watching a Tiatr. It brings you entertainment
and laughter. The Tiatr provides a platform for us Goans to showcase our talent
in the field of acting, art and music. The Tiatr Academy of Goa organises
various Tiatr competitions to keep the spirit of Tiatr alive in Goa. Recently I
too got an opportunity to take part in a Tiatr competition and it was an
amazing experience. I learnt a lot and enjoyed myself,” said, Viveka De Melo,
student from St. Xavier’s College Mapusa.
“Tiatrs today revolve around social, religious and political
themes and are considered to be a mirror of Goan culture. Tiatrs contributed to
keeping the Konkani language alive during the Portuguese rule whereas now
efforts have been made to preserve the art form as a tradition of Goa. Today,
Tiatrs are held as part of the celebrations of nearly every feast in Goa, that
tend to bring communities together,” said Larissa Vas.
