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Avid tiatr fans have probably heard of the ‘Josephine Dias Award’. This year, it was presented to Maina-Curtorim-based tiatr child artiste, Lanessa Melanie Mascarenhas. She is the second daughter of noted tiatrists, Xavier de Maina and Priscilla Mascarenhas.
In collaboration with the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), this award was instituted in 2023 by Arvind Dias, son of noted tiatrist and singer of the Konkani stage, Josephine Dias.
Last year, it was conferred upon teenager Joshua Pereira from Agassaim, for his immense contribution towards tiatr, songs and music on stage.
Usually, the institution of any award is in memory of a noted personality and it helps to keep memories alive for posterity. But, in this case, the institution of an award in the name of a living stalwart of the tiatr stage, who has contributed immensely towards the growth of tiatr, is one of a kind today.
In the past, awards have been instituted and presented to senior tiatrists and singers, who have made significant contributions towards the growth of Goan art and culture.
Undoubtedly, this good initiative and award for teen artistes will definitely give a boost to young and budding talent, who are the future stars of the Konkani stage.
In this case, the institution of an award in the name of a living stalwart of the tiatr stage, who has contributed immensely towards the growth of tiatr, is one of a kind today.
“Quite often, raw talent on stage goes unnoticed. For good acts and singing, they receive applause, encore from the audience and that’s the end,” revealed Arvind Dias. “But, if due recognition is given to upcoming artistes by way of awards, the sky will be their limit.”
“It will definitely boost their talents on stage and help children and youngsters to come forward and work hard to give their best and keep Goan art and culture alive in the near future,” he said.
“We have many good singers among the children and youth, today,” mentioned Josephine Dias. “But, not many come forward for renditions in categories of duet, duos, trios and a quartet as interaction is demanding in those formats.”
“When receiving such awards annually towards contributions on the tiatr stage, may the tribe of singers in different groups flourish,” she expressed hope.
“As a tiatrist, my mother has given much, and received appreciation on the Konkani stage,” continued Josephine’s son, Arvind. “And, the institution of this award is only a small gesture to give back for the blessings received from the tiatr directors, artistes and audiences. It’s just a small gesture towards the tiatr stage and Konkani language.”
“The future of tiatr lies in the hands of the young artistes and they will carry the baton forward passed by our senior stalwarts of the Konkani stage,” he added.
“There’s so much talent on stage. It only needs to be tapped, and a boost at the right time will only bring the best on stage from children and youth in acting and singing,” Dias shared.
“On account of the untimely demise or gripped by serious illnesses, many of our senior tiatrists are no longer seen on stage today. Their efforts and rich contributions cannot be ignored. May the juniors, especially the children and youth, follow in their footsteps seriously to keep tiatr and the Konkani language alive for posterity,” he added.
Instead of instituting an award in memory of the departed, an award in the name of a living legend or stalwart by the kin would have a lasting impression in the minds of the young recipients.
It would have definitely been an inspiration to follow in their footsteps and climb the ladder of success on the tiatr stage. Hopefully, many such awards will come into existence to bolster upcoming talent on the Konkani stage, and for the growth of Goan art, culture and the Konkani language.
The winner of this year’s ‘Josephine Dias Award 2024’, Laneesa Mascarenhas, said that she was pleased with this achievement and was grateful to God and her parents who were always there to support her.
“This award will motivate me to grow in my talent, and I will definitely try to get more in the near future. A word of thanks to my audience as well as they were instrumental for giving me recognition on the tiatr stage,” she said.
