Winners accept judges’ final verdict

The first three winners included ‘Devan
Dilam Tem’ by Machi Mogi Morjim Cultural Saunskrutik Saunstha-Morjim (first
prize), ‘Tum Naslo Tor’ by Goan.Com Socio and Cultural Association-Candolim
(second place) and ‘Wrong Number’ by Taleigao Dramatic Troupe-Taleigao (third
prize).

There were a bundle of expectations,
shocks and surprises, hits and misses awaiting all the contestants. And all the
writers, directors were with their fingers crossed till the final day the
results were officially declared by the KA authorities.

Meanwhile, all those who watched the shows on those respective
days at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, carried with them their fair and valid
evaluation and judgments home. Some among them were very critical and tried to
pinpoint the follies in every aspect of the presentation, which include the
plot, comedy, songs, stage sets, lights, band and background music.

But after all the performances on stage and declaration of
results, it’s worth listening to what the first three winners have to say,
their frank comments on the overall evaluation and the final verdict of the
judges. Whether their hard toil yielded the desired results or whether it was
the other way round as far as expectations were concerned.

The first prize winning tiatr ‘Devan Dilam Tem’ picked up the
following prizes, namely best direction (first prize), best script (first
prize), best band (first prize), best comedian, female (first prize), best
child artiste male (first prize), best child artiste female (first prize), best
trio (first prize), best make-up (first prize), best costume (first prize),
best negative role (first and second prize).

Commenting on the results, writer and director, John Alexandro
Fernandes says that he was content. “Winning the first place at the competition
is nothing but the fruit of our hard labour,” he says, “rehearsals began in all
earnest for 35 days prior to our performance and all the artistes were amateurs
hailing from Pernem, except for one artiste from Goa Velha. All the performers
gave their best and we are also satisfied with the individual prizes picked up
by the members of our troupe.”

The second prize winning tiatr ‘Tum Naslo Tor’ picked up the
following prizes, namely best direction (third prize), best comedian and in the
category of songs there was prize for best duo, best child solo and best
quartet, besides merit certificates.

The writer of the tiatr, Fr Milton Rodrigues says that he would
like to dedicate the prize to the founder member of the troupe, late Joy
Fernandes. “Winning the second prize in the ‘A’ Group competition for the first
time is something to be cherished,” he says, “we believe that the judges have
done their job well and given us a fair result. This competition is an
opportunity for newcomers and youngsters to showcase their inborn and hidden
talents on stage. Many of the youngsters in our troupe acted for the first time
and they performed well, with faith that they will carry tiatr forward in the
near future.”

The third prize winning tiatr ‘Wrong Number’ picked up the
following prizes, namely best direction (second prize), best acting male
(second prize), including six merit certificates for acting. Commenting on the
declaration of results and judgment, the writer Peter Vaz says that he believed
in the final verdict of the judges. “But at the same time the judges should
encourage amateurs and newcomers on stage by declaring them winners in various
categories. By doing so, they will feel encouraged and participate more often,
thus taking tiatr to a different level.”

“The
aim of KA in organizing the tiatr competition annually in two different groups
is basically to promote local talent and encourage amateurs rather than the
commercials, who often get roped in for such competitions in order to win
prizes,” states Peter. “But by doing so, the purpose of the competition stands
defeated,” he adds.