The closure of the Pai Tiatrist auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, following a false ceiling collapse has triggered anger and disappointment within the tiatr fraternity.
Several directors and performers, whose monsoon season shows have been affected, are now calling for government compensation.
On Thursday, Ravindra Bhavan Chairperson Rajendra Talak held a meeting with tiatr directors to explain the situation. He cited the recent incident involving the ceiling collapse as the reason for the temporary closure of the auditorium.
Talak assured the fraternity that he would urge the Public Works Department (PWD) to take up the repair work on a war footing so that the venue could be restored as soon as possible.
Despite the assurance, tiatrists raised concerns over the structural stability and long-term safety of the auditorium. Many expressed frustration over the lack of proper infrastructure to support cultural performances in Goa.
Anthony Barbosa, President of the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), who also attended the meeting, took serious note of the artists’ concerns.
He promised to take the matter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Minister of Art and Culture, seeking compensation for the affected tiatr directors.
“The incident at Ravindra Bhavan is a disaster for our tiatr community,” Barbosa said. “Many directors have invested heavily in new productions for the monsoon season, and now they’re facing heavy losses. Compensation from the government is necessary and justified.”
Speaking to reporters, tiatr director Sammy Tavares stated that the closure had severely disrupted scheduled performances. “With no proper auditorium to stage our shows, we are incurring losses. We appreciate the Tiatr Academy’s willingness to take up the issue with the government,” he said.
Musician Norman Cardozo shared similar concerns, noting that several directors were ready with new productions but are now unable to perform. “It’s high time the government and tiatr lovers extend their support,” he urged.
Currently, many tiatrists have shifted their performances to Gomant Vidya Niketan (GVN), but due to its limited seating, they are struggling financially. Ticket prices at GVN have been planned to increase from Rs 200 to Rs 250 to help offset the losses.