MARGAO: Tiatr lovers from Goa and especially from Salcete will miss the entertainment through tiatrs till January 16, the reason being not the Covid pandemic but non-availability of auditoriums. Tiatr artistes have alleged that no preference is given for tiatr shows at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, despite naming and dedicating the main auditorium after Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes.
This non-availability of auditoriums, especially the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan (RB), Margao and no financial viability at other places has resulted in frustrations amongst tiatr directors, as many have already invested a lot of money for their new shows, despite struggling due to the Covid pandemic. Senior tiatr directors have already brought this issue to the notice of the concerned department but they are still waiting for a phone call from the office for a tiatr slot.
Taking into consideration the booked auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao it is sure that tiatr lovers will too miss the entertainment which is very close to Goan hearts.
A few senior tiatr directors said they are unable to get a single booking at RB, Margao as the auditorium is booked and hence they have questioned as to how and where to present their shows during the season, which is most favourable to earn a little and showcase the talent.
Reliable sources from RB, Margao said there is no scope for any booking for tiatrs till December 16, as the main auditorium is booked for government programmes.
“December is full. Even the auditorium is booked till January 16. At the moment a multi-lingual drama festival is in progress. The auditorium has been booked by Agriculture Department for a few days, which will be followed by programmes by Ravindra Bhavan,” sources said.
Ravindra Bhavan office is in a situation where they cannot say no to government programmes.
Speaking to Herald senior tiatr director Roseferns expressed frustration and said it is very sad that no preference is given to tiatrs, despite the auditorium being dedicated to Pai Tiatrist.
“Now, where to present our tiatr shows? We have invested a lot and the sudden decision of not allotting slots for tiatr shows has created a major problem for many directors,” he stated.
He added what is the use of an auditorium which is named after the Pai Tiatrist and there is no preference for tiatr?
“The non-availability of the auditorium, especially the main auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao has created problems for directors. Gomant Vidya Niketan is not financially viable for the tiatr shows. Kala Academy, Panjim is still under renovation and Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco has also been closed for bookings as its central AC has stopped working,” director Mario Menezes said.
Tiatr directors like Roseferns, Mario Menezes, Peter Roshan, Prince Jacob, Com Sally and Pascoal de Chicalim have written to the RBM Chairman and the Art and Culture Minister highlighting their grievances, but nothing has been done to resolve the issue to date.
Senior tiatr director Menino Fernandes alias Menino de Bhandar also said that not only the directors but tiatr lovers are also disappointed due to no tiatr shows.
“The government should have made some arrangements and should have allotted slots for tiatr shows,” he stated.
