Tiatr (Goan Theatre)
The word Tiatr comes from the Portuguese word for theatre (teatro). It is a type of Goan konkani drama which includes dancing, singing, music and acting. It is very popular in Goa on the west coast of Indian as well as Mumbai, and with a lot of people migrating to foreign land Tiatr has also gained appreciation in places like London, the middle East and other cities where konkani speaker's have a considerable presence.
Just two years back on April 17th 2017 tiatr completed it's 125th year anniversary and the following year workshops were held for school students to instil in them the love for Tiatr and to teach them the skills of writing and staging a good Tiatr so that we could carry on this unique form of art in the future. I was also a part of a two week theatre workshop from which I learned a lot of things like how to write a Tiatr(play), stage set up, how to write songs and sing it inbetween the pordhe(acts) and I got to know a lot about the history of Tiatr.
The first Tiatr "Italian bhurgo" was staged on 17th April 1892 in Bombay which is also celebrated as Tiatr dis (Tiatr day) by lucazinho Rebeiro from Assagao with collaborative efforts of Caetaninho Fernandes of Taleigao and João Agostinho Fernandes of Borda, Margao. This Tiatr was an adaptation of an Italian opera called "Italian boy". In the early days of Tiatr they were either translated or adapted from the Italian opera or other English plays. This went on for some years. But the first original Tiatr script was written and directed by João Agostinho Fernandes entitled "Sundari Cavelchi"or"belle de Cavel" in 1895 in Bombay and because of this and for all his consistant devotion and encouragement over fifty years, he was conferred the title " Pai tiatrist "(father of Tiatr). His wife Mrs Regina Fernandes became the first female Tiatr actor in "Bhattkara" on 22nd November 1904. Before that man would dress up as women and perform in Tiatrs.
Tiatr today revolves around social, religious and political themes. It is considered to be the mirror of Goan culture. The Tiatr is an instance where mass support plays a crucial role. It is one of those arts which despite centuries of Portuguese suppression and post liberation neglect from the state government has not just survived but also thrived and reinvented itself in many ways and it will continue to entertain the people in future.
Just two years back on April 17th 2017 tiatr completed it's 125th year anniversary and the following year workshops were held for school students to instil in them the love for Tiatr and to teach them the skills of writing and staging a good Tiatr so that we could carry on this unique form of art in the future. I was also a part of a two week theatre workshop from which I learned a lot of things like how to write a Tiatr(play), stage set up, how to write songs and sing it inbetween the pordhe(acts) and I got to know a lot about the history of Tiatr.
The first Tiatr "Italian bhurgo" was staged on 17th April 1892 in Bombay which is also celebrated as Tiatr dis (Tiatr day) by lucazinho Rebeiro from Assagao with collaborative efforts of Caetaninho Fernandes of Taleigao and João Agostinho Fernandes of Borda, Margao. This Tiatr was an adaptation of an Italian opera called "Italian boy". In the early days of Tiatr they were either translated or adapted from the Italian opera or other English plays. This went on for some years. But the first original Tiatr script was written and directed by João Agostinho Fernandes entitled "Sundari Cavelchi"or"belle de Cavel" in 1895 in Bombay and because of this and for all his consistant devotion and encouragement over fifty years, he was conferred the title " Pai tiatrist "(father of Tiatr). His wife Mrs Regina Fernandes became the first female Tiatr actor in "Bhattkara" on 22nd November 1904. Before that man would dress up as women and perform in Tiatrs.
 |
| A portrayal of Mr João Agostinho Fernandes |
 |
| A portrayal of lucazinho Rebeiro |
Tiatr today revolves around social, religious and political themes. It is considered to be the mirror of Goan culture. The Tiatr is an instance where mass support plays a crucial role. It is one of those arts which despite centuries of Portuguese suppression and post liberation neglect from the state government has not just survived but also thrived and reinvented itself in many ways and it will continue to entertain the people in future.
Comments
Post a Comment