Keeping 'tiatr' alive with the Children's Tiatr Competition
The Children’s Tiatr Competition, organized by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), has always offered a wider platform for children to showcase their talents on stage. It has also helped boost their confidence levels and grow in their theatrical skills.
This year, the 11th Children’s Tiatr Competition will begin on February 8, 2023 and continue till February 15, 2023 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Eight groups are participating in the contest and each troupe will have the opportunity to sing and act as per their capabilities.
BEHIND THE FESTIVAL
The Children’s Tiatr Competition came into existence in 2009 when Tomazinho Cardozo took charge of the TAG and became its first president. Apart from innovation, he was also instrumental in introducing 32 schemes, some of which have gone into oblivion.
Sharing his views about the children’s tiatr competition, Cardozo said that the sole purpose of introducing this competition was to tap the raw talents of children.
“Apart from the competitions held in school,” he said, “they never get a chance to display their talents on stage. And, when they get an opportunity to come on stage and sing and act, they could be groomed to be future tiatrists.”
“Initially, when this competition was introduced, there was a good response from various schools and institutions,” Cardozo continued. “And, it helped many to unveil their talents and grow by participating annually in the competition.”
“On account of the pandemic, children might have not got the chance to participate during the past two years,” Cardozo, who is himself a writer and director of tiatrs, said. “But, now that the pandemic has vanished, they have the golden opportunity to participate and shine once again. More than winning prizes in different categories, participation is important as it helps to hunt for talent and grow confidently in various skills.”
THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL
The groups participating in the 11th Children’s Tiatr Competition include:
Dristhi Entertainments, Curchorem, Rakhnno Boddvo (February 8)
Gloria Ferrao’s tiatr, Dennem Dilem Devan, (February 9)
Fulte Machi Mogi, Raia Zhadda-Tengxer (February 10)
Fr Milagres Dias’ Mhojem Sopon (February 11)
Sao Lorens Kala Kendr, Agxe, Amchi Osmitai (February 12)
Our Lady of Rosary High School, Poilem Paul (February 13)
Doel Dias’ Xalla (February 14)
Sharon Mazarello’s Adim Tem Atam Hem (February 15).
Throwing light on the children’s tiatr competition, one of the participants, Antonet D’Souza, said that the months of January and February were inappropriate to organize the contest as many children would be, either, preparing or answering their exams.
“The best period for such activity would be the months of October/November when children would be on Diwali vacation,” she suggested.
“The initiative to organize such competitions by TAG is a beautiful step to train children in theatrical skills,” said another participant, William Fernandes, who has participated and staged seven children’s tiatrs in the past.
“But merely organizing such competitions will not help in the growth of the child artistes,” he grieved.
“Getting more institutions to view such children’s tiatrs will inculcate love among other children to participate in these competitions. On most occasions, apart from the guardians whose children are participating in the competition, there are hardly any others, be it young or the old, in the audience. So, publicity on the part of the organizers to get more audience is of prime importance. It will also encourage all the participants on stage to perform well,” he concluded.