Team Herald
MARGAO: After working long hours without refreshments to keep their energy levels up, tiatr directors have complained about the absence of a canteen at Ravindra Bhavan Margao (RBM) and have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to establish one.
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Besides the Tiatr directors, the audience who attend these shows have also been complaining about the lack of a facility serving at least basic snacks and beverages at the venue. It may be recalled that the tiatrists were given assurances last year that this issue would be resolved. The tender process for the new canteen was also about to start in September 2022 but was kept on hold by the Directorate of Art and Culture. Sources said that the rental fees for running the canteen were considered to be too high, and the issue has been kept in limbo till date.
“The matter is pending for decision before the Director of Art & Culture, Panjim,” said RBM Member Secretary Agnelo Fernandes. “Why is there no canteen facility at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao? When theatre halls are a government property, the management is entitled to draw up their own terms and conditions. Tiatr goers are barred from bringing eatables and beverages/water into the hall. In the absence of basic facilities, the audience at RBM is facing a lot of inconvenience. If some audience member has specific medical requirements in this respect, then what?” said senior tiatr director Irineu Gonsalves.
“We expect that the RBM management and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude will ensure that the canteen facilities are restored immediately,” Gonsalves added. The ‘Konknni Non-Stop Tiatristanchi Sonstha’ (KNTS) has also vowed to take this issue up. “This is the third year now. The canteen facility in this auditorium was stopped due to the Covid pandemic. No new tenders have been floated for the revival of this crucial facility. People coming to witness the presentations of renowned directors are left hungry and thirsty,” said Pascoal De Chicalim, tiatr director and KNTS Secretary.
“There are some who can keep some food and water in their cars or bikes while others are helpless. It’s time another agitation is planned by the tiatr directors and tiatr lovers at RBM Margao,” said Pascoal adding that the toilet facility at the hall needs a rehaul as well, as the taps here are always dry.
