‘Konkani Uloi, Konkani Fuloi, Mogache Utrachem Pavas Monar Zadai,’ Shailendra Mehta, a journalist and poet, recited, setting the tone for a first-of-its-kind festival dedicated to celebrate the Konkani language.
Taking Goa on a journey of emotions, thoughts and perspectives by mere words, ULOI! FULOI!, a one-day Konkani Spoken Word festival, will be held on August 20, 2024 at ESG Auditorium 1 at Maquinez Palace, Panjim.
Organised by Encore Academy of Performing Arts, the festival is being celebrated on World Goa Day that commemorates the inclusion of Konkani language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Speaking about her Academy, that’s dedicated to promote five pillars – dance, music, theatre, magic and the spoken word – Cecille Rodrigues emphasised how it’s important to inculcate and nurture talents in children by giving them the right exposure.
“Through performing arts workshops that focus on essential skills, children become confident, disciplined and improve their communication skills that help them excel and grow in their lives,” opined Rodrigues, who is also the ambassador of the festival.
The festival will kick-off at 4 pm with a one-hour workshop for school students, giving them an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced artistes and perform the spoken word. The main event will follow at 6 pm.
The festival will feature an incredible line-up of Goa’s best, including Dr Shakuntala Bharne, Ramesh Ghadi, Gaudalupe Dias, Rajdeep Naik, Shirish Lawande, Willy Goes, Ayyan Bhat, Sunil Sardesai, Amit Naik and Sobita Kurtadkar.
With poetry recitals, monologues, storytelling, stand-up comedy, rap and more, the event will showcase the richness of the spoken word as an art form and celebrate the vibrancy of Goan culture and the Konkani language.
Playing a key role in shaping the festival, poet, theatre artist and poetry coach Pravin Sabnis emphasised the importance of listening.
“People familiarise themselves with a language when they listen to it, we speak Konkani because we listen. And how much we listen, that much we are going to speak unlike writing a language that requires learning grammar etc,” Sabnis explained.
He added that events like tiatr, theatre and spoken word performances are crucial in promoting Konkani.
Not just highlighting the beauty of Konkani language, the festival will also serve as a platform for artistic expression.
The eleven artistes will focus on various forms of spoken word. Architect Sunil Sardesai will recite his father, Manohar Rai Sardesai's poetry -- Bebyachi Kazar (Frogs Wedding) -- written for children.
Rajdeep Naik will enact a popular character called Vasanti created by him, that's largely followed on YouTube.
With an eye on future growth, the organisers hope to extend the festival to three days, making it a key event for spoken word enthusiasts. While the upcoming festival is free and open to all, prior registration is required to secure a ticket and seat.
Spoken word is more than just words, and when the words are in one's mother tongue, it makes the experience unique.
So, mark your calendars, head to the festival to celebrate Goa's beloved Konkani. After all, as Shailendra Mehta aptly put it, “Amchi bhas amchi suas (Our language, our breath).”
DETAILS
WHAT: ULOI! FULOI! a Konkani Spoken Word Festival
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
WHERE: ESG Auditorium 1, at Maquinez Palace, Panjim
TIMINGS: Workshops for students 4 pm to 5 pm, Main event 6 pm onwards
ENTRY: Open to all, but prior registration required
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT: www.encorecircle.com