Goa’s true identity is reflected through its art and culture spread across the state. And tiatr is one of those richest forms of art showcased on the Konkani stage on a periodical basis. Earlier, tiatr had only two seasons, namely October and Easter releases. Over a period of time, the monsoon releases came about and it received good response from the audience as the tiatr directors had opportunity to stage their productions only in the city auditoriums, with huge stage settings and cast as well.
Apart from the October, Easter and monsoon tiatr releases, there also came new releases in the month of January and those productions continued even during the season of Lent. In recent years, Goa also has Lenten shows wherein handful tiatr directors include Biblical scenes in their presentations and carry powerful messages fit for reflection during the season of grace.
But some of those so-called ‘Lenten shows’ are not at all meant to be staged during those forty days of fast, prayer and abstinence as they carry a good dose of comedy, songs which are not related to the season of Lent. Instead, they are like any other commercial tiatrs released and staged during the other seasons.
Many tiatr directors prefer to come out with their new productions in the month of October, which are also known as winter releases, as they get a longer period to stage their new releases and showcase their theatrical art in the villages and cities till the month of February. Feasts are also witnessed in several villages and parishes during this period and so the booking of tiatrs for those festive occasions becomes handy and feasible.
This October season has a good number of tiatrs in the offing from some noted tiatr directors as well as from small-time tiatr directors. Franky Gonsalves and Selvin de Siolim will be releasing their new productions ‘Mahanand Devmonis?’ and ‘Kortubanchem Chitr’ respectively by September-end.
Apart from Franky Gonsalves playing the lead role of Mahanand, there’s Sheena Gracias, Aplon, Tracy de Calangute, Vishal and others to take you by storm, while comedian Richard, Humbert, comedian Sally, Dorothy and others will be on stage to tickle the funny bone of the audience.
For some soul-searching songs, there’s Jr Reagan, Lawry Travasso, Saby de Divar, Merwin, Normandez and other noted singers with renditions in variety. “It’s a different presentation on stage this time,” reveals Franky.
And from October onwards, the tiatrs in the offing include the following: Roseferns’–‘Dev Tumkam Bhogsum’, Prince Jacob—‘Noxibantlem’, , John D’Silva’s—‘Bessanv’, Kissan de Chinchinim—‘Tuka Mhoji Xabaski’, Pascoal de Chicalim—‘Goenkaranchim Dukham’, Comedian Joyel—‘Devachean’, Pal Soares—‘Ghov Bailam Modem’, Ulhas Tari—‘Ho Inam Koslo?’, Dominic Carvalho—‘Mhojem Kalliz Otrekta’, JosEvon—‘Chint Munxea Vogot Astana’, Jose de Benaulim—‘Mhozo Tuzo Pai…’ and Joesan Afonso—‘Hem Zhuz Somptelem’.
After the new releases in October, depending on the popularity of the presentation, considering all the aspects, which include storyline, comedy, songs and the cast as well, the tiatrs will be booked by the organizers for village shows in aid of charity or as a fund-raising activity.
Among all the tiatr directors, Roseferns, popularly known as the King of Centuries, is the only director who has crossed the century-mark with his productions. This October, ‘Dev Tumkam Bhogsum’ is his 103rd production and he is hopeful of receiving good response, as earlier, from the audience and all his tiatr fans.
In his new production, Roseferns has roped in Rio de Verna in the lead role, while the rest of the cast which include Candida, Joylita, Alica and Pierson will be in the supportive roles. “There are 11 songs and 5 cantos to entertain the crowd,” informs Roseferns.
Following him is Prince Jacob with his 73rd production ‘Noxibantlem’ and he has roped in Celeste, Luciano and Briscila as new artistes in his troupe. There’s Seby Moraes and his Jolly Boys to entertain with live music offstage and John Fernandes will handle the lights.
Comedian Joyel’s tiatr ‘Devachean’ will have Eliterio D’Costa, Crostina and Flavia as new entrants, while Seby de Divar and Franky Oliveira have been roped in for renditions. After much acclaimed tiatrs ‘Inas’ and ‘Chor’, this is the third production of comedian Joyel as a director. ‘Devachean’ has been penned by comedian Agostinho.
Pascoal de Chicalim’s tiatr ‘Goenkaranchim Dukham’ will have Gracial Mascarenhas, Preet and Celin Simoes as new artistes, while Victor Lobo has been introduced for renditions. The band includes new comers in the music field.
In John D’Silva’s 50th production ‘Bessanv,’ there’s Aloma, Willy and Scully, Anthony San, Succor de Santa Cruz, Peter de Pedda, comedian Kenny and others to entertain the crowd. Other than the comedy by Kenny and John D’Silva, there are 12 songs and five cantos for the listening pleasure of the audience.
“The impossible is possible with Almighty God’s blessings,” believes comedian John, “and so it’s up to the audience to come, watch and give their final verdict regarding my latest production.”
There are only four tiatr directors, namely comedian Ambe, comedian Sally, Comedian Dominic and George Fernandes, who have decided to release their new productions in the month of November. Their tiatrs include ‘Vatt Visorlo’, ‘Maim Paichem Kalliz,’ ‘Flying Kiss’ and ‘Talem’ respectively.
With a good number of tiatr directors roping in the best of artistes, comedians and singers in their respective productions, it’s worth watching and judging which tiatr stands out among the rest. And whichever wins, as far as the audience puller is concerned, that production will finally enjoy the maximum number of shows in the cities and villages as well.