Team Herald
MARGAO: Renowned theatre artiste Ester Noronha made an impassioned appeal to the Konkani community, urging them to be ‘a bridge and not a barrier’ in uniting Konkani people globally.
Addressing the Young Achievers Award-2024 presentation organised by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), she focused on the importance of preserving tiatr, the unique art form of Konkani theatre, and fostering unity among Konkani speakers worldwide.
Prominent tiatr personalities Sharon Mazarelo, Aplon Rebello, Sharmila Fernandes, Anthony Barbosa (President of TAG), and Suresh Divkar (Member Secretary of TAG) were present at the event, held to celebrate the birth anniversary of Regina Fernandes, the pioneering ‘First Lady of Tiatr’.
Highlighting the significance of tiatr, Ester called it ‘a unique art form’ that blends various artistic elements, and emphasised the need to preserve it for posterity.
She said, “Tiatr is like a film, which contains all the art forms.” She underscored its dynamic and comprehensive nature and stressed that tiatr should be celebrated not only in Goa or India but wherever there are Konkani-speaking communities around the world.
She said that tiatr is an international treasure that needs to be viewed with a global perspective.
Speaking about the ongoing progress of the Konkani community, she said that its achievements should be celebrated more loudly and with greater pride.
She encouraged the community to stay connected to their roots while continuing to move
forward, and she called on tiatr artistes to help promote the art form across the globe. Additionally, she appealed to the award winners to take up the responsibility of advancing Tiatr and preserving the Konkani language and culture for future generations.
As part of the event, Ester Noronha also entertained the packed audience at the Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, with a Konkani song, delighting the crowd.
Sharon Mazarelo urged more women to take to the tiatr stage and contribute to the growth of the art form.
Aplon Rebello paid tribute to the late Regina Fernandes, recalling her pivotal role in shaping Konkani tiatr.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Young Achievers Awards-2024 to Tracy Dias (Tracy de Calangute), Holly Rodrigues, and Jennifer Fernando in recognition of their contributions to the tiatr world.
The event also featured a Konkani musical programme by the renowned musician Lenoy Gomendes.
Anthony Barbosa, President of TAG, welcomed the gathering, while Suresh Divkar, the Member Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.