The continued delay in commencing repair works at the Pai Tiatrist auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, has sparked growing outrage among the tiatr community, civil society groups, and tiatr enthusiasts.
With no clear timeline for reopening, stakeholders fear the prolonged shutdown will cripple Goa’s vibrant tiatr ecosystem and called for immediate government intervention to restore normalcy and accountability at the auditorium.
Citizens for Democracy Goa (C4D), a civic group, recently slammed the government for its silence and lack of transparency. C4D convenor Elvis Gomes said the indefinite closure had caused significant hardship to hundreds who rely on tiatrs for their livelihood, while officials continue to draw salaries despite the halt in operations.
“For how long will the Ravindra Bhavan lockdown last?” questioned Gomes. “There is no official update on the nature of the repairs or how long they will take. This situation is beginning to resemble the Kala Academy fiasco.”
He further criticised the selective application of the “no work, no pay” principle. “Performing artistes, backstage crew, and technical workers are suffering. But the staffers at Ravindra Bhavan continue to get paid, even though their work has come to a standstill. Where is the justice in that?”
Tiatr lovers, too, have voiced their disappointment. “Ravindra Bhavan is not just a hall, it’s a cultural landmark. It’s painful to see it closed for so long with no explanation,” said Peter Rodrigues, a regular tiatr-goer from Fatorda.
“Tiatr is a part of our identity. We’re not being told anything, and that’s what hurts the most.”
Roy D’Souza, a youth from Borda, who grew up watching tiatrs every weekend, said, “For many Goans, tiatrs are the only accessible form of local theatre. It’s where we see our stories on stage. The silence from the authorities is unacceptable.”
Gomes demanded that the government release a detailed plan outlining the scope of the repairs, estimated timeline, and provisions for interim support to those affected. “Tiatrs are more than entertainment – they are cultural expressions and sources of income for many. We cannot allow this art form to be sidelined.”
Activists Pradeep Naik, Yogesh Nagvenkar, and Orland Fernandes called for government intervention to restore normalcy and accountability at the Ravindra Bhavan auditorium.