MARGAO: Tiatrists allege that some unknown forces have sabotaged the sound system to discourage tiatrists, the tiatr fraternity, especially the directors participating in the tiatr competitions, have complained that their stage performances continue to be impacted on account of the Margao Ravindra Bhavan’s failure to upgrade the poor sound system of the main auditorium since the last few years.
It has been revealed that the estimated cost of upgrading and replacing some parts of the sound system has gone above the minimum cost, which now requires e-tendering. However, it is shocking to note that Ravindra Bhavan, Margao does not possess the “digital keys” to go ahead with the online process.
Presently, the pathetic sound system installed in the main auditorium of Pai Joao Agostinho Hall has compelled the State’s performing artistes, especially the tiatr directors, to undergo severe hardship.
Recently, several tiatr competitions were held at the Ravindra Bhavan in absence of suitable auditoriums in Goa for staging tiatrs.
Tiatr competitions that were held include Popular Tiatr Competitions followed by the Children’s Tiatr competition organised by Tiatr Academy (Goa). Presently, the ‘A’ Group Tiatr Competition of Kala Academy is underway at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao; however, most directors have complained that the auditorium’s faulty sound system has impacted their on-stage performance.
Speaking to Herald several group leaders, who participated in the tiatr competition, complained of the poor sound system.
“This has been going on for the last few years and we doubt that there is well-planned sabotage of the sound system during the tiatr performance to discourage tiatrs,” alleged Pascoal de Chicalim, who participated in the Popular Tiatr Competition.
He said that the tiatr performance flow gets disturbed due to the poor sound system and the impact of the same can be reflected in the competition results.
“Even the government is aware that tiatr is the force for tiatrists, who are at the forefront to raise their voice against the misdeeds at the government level. And hence, tiatrists are being targeted systematically,” he charged.
Tiatr director William Fernandes, who presented his tiatr in Children’s Tiatr competitions and ongoing Kala Academy (Goa) ‘A’ Group Tiatr Competition informed O Heraldo that the situation of the main auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao is very precarious.
“The sound system is bad and the stage monitors are not working properly. The management should take immediate steps to rectify and maintain the same,” he demanded.
He questioned why is the government not appointing the committee for Ravindra Bhavan, Margao?
However, Agnelo Fernandes, Ravindra Bhavan Member Secretary informed oHeraldo, “We are following up the issue with the government. The estimated cost for upgrading the sound system of the main auditorium is going above Rs five lakh and hence it requires e-tendering process,” he informed.
Agnelo said that he cannot go ahead with the e-tendering process as it requires the creation of digital keys and Ravindra Bhavan doesn’t have them.
“Now, it is up to the Directorate of Art and Culture to carry out the next procedure so that e-tendering for the upgradation and procurement of some parts of the system is done at the earliest,” the Member Secretary added.
