Goa has so much more than just places to stay and eat. If one wants to know more, the art and culture scene in Goa offers the essence of the State. Take a trip to the theatres in the cities like Kala Academy in Panjim, Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Churchorem to learn more about Goa's theatre, called tiatr.
As the World Theatre Day comes to a close, take a break from the beaches and clubs and try to know about Konkanni theatre while you are in Goa. And if time allows, walk into any one of the suggested venues to watch a tiatr. Here are a few reasons why you must.
TO UNDERSTAND GOAN CULTURE
Want to learn more about Goa’s culture? Well, theatre or tiatr will offer you a glimpse of what Goan life is all about. A tiatr is the window to find out more about Goan culture and its reflection through satire, drama, music and effects.
The dramas deal with social and political issues concerning the locals and through this create awareness among people.
A tiatr is the window to find out more about Goan culture and its reflection through satire, drama, music and effects.
UNDERSTANDING LOCAL ART
Tiatrs play an important role in Goa’s art scene, and on almost every weekend there are many plays staged. Even though you may not understand the language, Konkani, it is better to take some time off and explore this unique art form.
“As tiatrs are mostly in the local language, it might be difficult for tourists to understand what the artistes are saying, but if the interpreter explains the plot, they will get the idea of what the tiatr is,” says Prince Jacob, tiatrist from South Goa, who has produced 76 productions in a span of 40 years. He also believes that the government should play a role in promoting tiatr to the tourists.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Did you know that tiatr is one of the oldest art forms in Goa, dating back over a century? According to the Tiatr Academy of Goa, the first Konkani tiatr was staged in Bombay in 1892, over 130 years ago.
Lucazinho Ribeiro from Sokolwaddo, Assagao, in Bardez taluka, along with Joao Agostinho Fernandes and others staged the first tiatr—Italian Bhurgo— on the occasion of Easter on April 17, 1892. Over the years, the tiatr scene has changed and it has now become a medium to create awareness.
As tiatrs are mostly in the State language of Goa, Konkani, it might be difficult for tourists to understand what the artistes are saying, but if the interpreter explains the plot, they will get the idea of what the tiatr is.
Prince Jacob, tiatrist
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTES
The entire tiatr crew – writers, producers, actors, stage artists, décor team, musicians – are all Goans. Some have dedicated years to the production of tiatrs, while others balance their day jobs in offices and transform into actors under the stage lights by night.
“I have been in the tiatr industry for many years now. There are many tiatrists who rely completely on tiatr and this art form gives artistes an opportunity to do what they like to and also earn a living,” says Aplon Rebello, a tiatrist.
So, the next time you find yourself in Goa, don’t just stop at the beaches. Take some time off to immerse yourself in the world of Goan theatre. The unique theatrical performances will give you a glimpse of Goa's soul.
