By Maria Fernandes | NT KUriocity
Rooted in the working class or the lower middle class, the Goan tiatr is the most popular and vibrant theatrical entertainment for Goans. It not only expresses their trials, tribulations, hopes and aspirations but is also a tool that highlights major issues. In recent years tiatr has attained a high degree of professionalism with elaborate sets, lighting and other technical aspects. However a huge chunk of its success is due to the fact that its storyline focuses on social problems confronting the average Goenkar and creating a high degree of social awareness.At the recently concluded 5th Children’s Tiatr Festival organized by the Tiatr Academy of Goa, 13 groups participated compared to 9 groups last year. The increase in the number is testimony to the growing interest of youth in this quintessential form of art unique to Goa. NT Kuriocity caught up with some young tiatrists to find out more about this profession, how they got into it, their trials, triumphs and what it is to be a tiatrist.
“Since I used to act in village dramas and Christmas plays moving to tiatr was easy for me,” says Micah Fernandes who is 18 and has been acting in tiatrs since the age of 6. “My entire family was into tiatrs and getting into it was not planned but natural,” says 21-year old Jolibia Fernandes. Most child tiatrists start with school and village dramas and are then spotted by a producer or director or recommended by someone from the tiatr fraternity. “I was spotted by M Rod when I was acting in the drama staged during the feast at Sancoale,” recollects 17-year old Sonali Naik. Benzer Fernandes who is now 16, started with films and then moved to tiatr. “My first taitr was ‘Pez’ and was my godfather’s production, so I was roped in at the age of 7. Before that I was into video productions since age 4.” However not all child tiatrists start early, there are those like Edmer Barreto who joined just a few years back and today at 17 has written the script for the tiatr that won four awards at the recent Children’s tiatr festival besides acting and singing in it.
Starting as early as six can be scary yet these child-artists persevere and slowly and steadily make a name for themselves. “In tiatr like any other theatre you are acting live. Unlike films there are no retakes and for those who are young it can be very scary,” says 18-year old Bledwin D’Souza. “My first tiatr was Pad Agnel’ and I did not have an acting part. I only sang a duet with another girl, acting came in my next taitr. However I was quite confident as I had learnt my lines well,” adds Micah, “Whenever I would forget my lines, I would improvise by adding my own words since I knew the gist of what was to be said.” Yes, being creative and confident and able to think on one’s feet are essentials to be a good tiatrist.
Cantaram are an integral part of tiatr and sometimes can make or break it, hence being able to sing is an added asset. “If you can act as well as sing, the audience appreciates you more. In a tiatrt by Menino Mario, I sang a song called ‘Aadhi ani aatha’ and was appreciated so much that I had to do three encores,” recollects Shania Pereira a standard IX student, who has won many accolades for her singing and acting besides cash prizes.
“Today thanks to Tiatr Acedemy of Goa, tiatr and tiatrists are getting recognition. They are doing an amazing job promoting this form of art in the state and outside but also encouraging youth like me to join,” states Edmer. “It feels really good to be appreciated and recognized by people even on the roads,” informs Micah. Adrel Gomes too appreciates the recognition and says, “It feels awesome when people come backstage and congratulate you for your acting or singing. You actually feel like a star.”
Initially girls were not encouraged to join tiatrs and if one did so they were looked down upon but with recent times and positive exposure the number of girls joining is increasing. Jolibia agrees and says, “Today tiatr has even reached international shores of Germany, besides the Gulf, thanks to the hard work and patience of some. This has encouraged many girls to join without objections from their families.”
On being queried on how easy or difficult it is to manage studies along with rehearsals and shows, Benzer replies, “I am used to studying in the night so after I come back from a show or rehearsal it is my study time.” “I used to carry my books with me and during the times when I was off-stage I would try to study despite all the noise and commotion around,” remembers Jolibia. Sonali says she studies throughout the year by making a timetable. She adds, “Rehearsals depend on the role we are playing so if we have a big role the time is between two to three hours a day and sometimes even the whole day if we are singing.” “Juggling two shows a day sometimes in two opposite locations and making sure the show ends on time so the next show doesn’t get delayed, travelling, changing costumes, and the countless other things, does get stressful but by now I am quite used to it,” adds Benzer. A gruelling schedule, demanding directors, tough roles and studies to be coped with but these youngsters manage skillfully like tightrope walkers.
Being a tiatrist also means a lot of sacrifices. “There have been many a times when I have felt I want to leave as when others were enjoying some family wedding, party or picnic, I was busy with my tiatr or rehearsal. But it is a passing phase and we all overcome it as tiatr is our passion and we are committed to it,” says Jolibia.
“Besides acting skills and the ability to follow instructions from the director, to be a tiatrist one needs to also be focused,” believes Adrel. Bledwin is of the same opinion and says, “One also needs to be very versatile, as in one play you have to act in a serious role while the next time you are cast as a comedian. Creativity is also required.” Talent, hard work, passion, confidence, versatility, creativity and loads of sacrifices besides others are the basic requirements for those looking to enter this colourful and challenging profession.