APRIL 24 - Konkani Cinema Day - Some Reflections

Konkani Cinema Day - Some Reflections

Published on: April 23, 2011

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By Tomazinho Cardozo

No form of art can survive if the society to which it belongs to does not patronise it. People’s participation is of utmost importance, be it dance, drama, song or cinema. If the people of the soil, where this cultural form originated, do not love it then there is every possibility of losing that form permanently. I observe such an attitude among Goans as far as Konkani films are concerned. It is unfortunate indeed!

There were only two Konkani films released in 2010. They are “O Maria” by Rajendra Talak and “Tum Kitem Kortolo Aslo?” by Sharon Mazarello.



“O Maria” has completed 100 days of screening at INOX, Panaji with one show every day. “Tum Kitem Kortolo Aslo” will screen its 100th show on May 16 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Looking at the performance of Konkani films in Goa, few pertinent questions need to be answered by Goans, particularly the lover of Konkani language and Konkani culture.
Why are Konkani films screened only once a day? The simple answer is that Goans do not patronise Konkani films the way they do Bollywood and Hollywood films. If a Bollywood film can have 8 to 10 shows a day, why not have at least three shows for a Konkani film? This is an insult from Goans to their own culture. It’s high time that Goans realise the importance of Konkani cinema in preserving the cultural heritage of Goa.
Yet another important question that comes up is why, in some cases, are Konkani films are not given the opportunity of being screened at prestigious theatres in Goa?


 I am given to understand that the prestigious theatres, many a time, decline the requests of Goan producers to screen their films. If this is true, then it is another example of a grave insult to Konkani language, which is the Official language of Goa. The government must have a policy that will compel every theatre owner to screen Konkani films without any hesitation and that too at concessional rates. This is very important if we intend to give respectability to Konkani cinema.We must learn a lesson or two from Bhojpuri people and their films.


Today, Bhojpuri cinema is making waves at the national level only because of the whole-hearted support of the people. They are well aware of the fact that Bollywood films are better, yet they go to watch Bhojpuri movies because their only intention is to see that the Bhojpuri cinema attains greater heights in the world of cinema. And here in Goa we experience exactly the opposite. Yes, it is a fact that Konkani films are not comparable to Bollywood and Hollywood films. At the same time it does not mean that Konkani films do not have any standard. ‘Amchem Noxib’ and ‘Nirmonn’ achieved great success.

‘Nirmonn’ won the National Award in the 1960s. In recent years, we have come across Konkani films like ‘Alisha’, ‘Antarnad’, ‘Padri’ and ‘Sawarya.com’ which display a lot of improvement in film making. They have won national awards too. Regrettably they were not commercial successes only because of our biased attitude towards Konkani films.

There is a feeling that Konkani films are not commercially viable and therefore Goan producers and directors today opt for making Marathi films as these films have a huge audience in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. All Goans speak and understand Konkani. If we love the language we are bound to love all that is produced in that language, including films. Therefore our mindset towards Konkani films needs to change.

This is the time when Konkani cinema needs our support. If we have a positive outlook towards Konkani cinema then it will prosper in times to come. Mind you, any amount of financial support from the Government can only provide temporary relief. Only people’s support can make Konkani cinema self-sufficient and prosperous in times to


Today, Konkani Cinema completes 61 years. Considering the number of movies produced during this period vis-à-vis commercial success it appears that we are just beginners in the world of cinema.
April 24 is celebrated as “Konkani Cinema Day”. It was on this day that in 1950 the first Konkani Cinema, “Mogacho Anvddo” was released.  

Mass Promotions up to Standard VIII

Published on: May 14, 2011

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By Tomazinho Cardozo


There is yet another furore in the educational circles these days. It appears that all of a sudden the Department of Education (DoE) has asked the school authorities to promote all students to higher classes up to Std VIII.
The press has reported about the circular of the DoE directing the school authorities to comply with its contents. Reactions of many educationists too have appeared in the press. The said circular has not been received by the schools as yet ie at the time of writing this article. The heads of educational institutions as well as teachers are furious because such a directive from DoE has come after the academic year was over. If such a circular has been issued in reality, I feel, the DoE has committed a blunder and hence the Circular needs to be withdrawn.
The academic year started in June 2010. As per the prevailing system every class from Std I to Std VIII has a certain syllabus according to which the teachers carry on the teaching-learning process. As per the prevailing system there are tests and examinations to evaluate the performance of the child in every class. Accordingly the school authorities have evaluated the performances of all the students after the final examination took place in the month of March 2011. The recently implemented grading system, which helps even the weaker students, progress to the higher classes, has been applied and the students are promoted to the higher classes or detained in the same class. The results were declared in the last week of April 2011. When the process of promotion has been done by strictly following the existing DoE approved norms then what right has the DoE to direct the school authorities to promote all students and that too after the declaration of the results?
I cannot understand the idea behind hurriedly implementing only one section ie Section 16 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act which states, "No child admitted in a school shall be held back in any class or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education." Is it educationally appropriate to implement only one section of RTE which fully depends on so many Sections of the same act? No! Some of the provisions of the Act which will make the implementation of Section 16 effective and meaningful is Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and the strength of a class should not exceed 25 students. Is the strength of a class restricted to 25 students? Has CCE been implemented in the schools? The answer to these questions is in the negative. If so the DoE has no right whatsoever to direct the school authorities to promote all students up to Std.VIII. This amounts to mockery of our educational system.
The existing norms of admissions in schools in Goa allows up to 59 students in each class ie from Std V to Std VII and 63 students in each class from Std VIII to X. Accordingly the enrolment of students have been done by the managements of schools in June 2010 for the academic year 2010 – 2011. No CCE has been implemented. It is also not possible at all to implement CCE in a class of 60 students. Also are the teachers oriented to have CCE effectively? If the teachers are not trained properly there is bound to be an educational disaster in times to come. As far as my knowledge goes, no teachers are trained in CCE. Without doing any preparation how can we implement Section 16 of RTE and that too after the results are declared?
The Department of Education has not so far cleared the confusion of whether primary education ends at Std IV, as it stands today as per the prevailing system in Goa, or if it goes up to Std VIII, as proposed by the RTE. Until and unless this issue is solved, even the thought of implementing RTE is a crime. Has the Department of Education found out a solution to this very serious problem? Has this issue been discussed with the persons related to educational activities in Goa? Have the Heads of educational institutions and Parent Teachers Associations been taken into confidence to arrive at a certain solution? I am not aware of any such exercise being done by the DoE. I am also not aware if the DoE has a solution to this issue. Whatever may be the state of affairs, the circumstances demand that the issue needs to be debated and all stake holders must be taken into confidence before arriving at a solution. The issue is very serious because it directly affects the future of our children.
Under these circumstances the DoE has no right to impose their directives on school authorities. The RTE Act needs to be discussed minutely with people involved in education. It appears that the government has failed in implementing the RTE Act on time. It may also be under the pressure of the Centre to implement the same. This does not mean that the DoE can take decisions arbitrarily and impose them on school authorities. Hence it will be in the interest of education if the DoE withdraws the circular immediately.

“Together for the Seminary”- Impressive

“Together for the Seminary”- Impressive

“Together for the Seminary’ a three days festival of Goan Music and Cuisine got underway on 13^th instant when the traditional lamp was lighted by the MLA of Calangute Constituency,  Agnelo Fernandes in the presence of  Tomazinho Cardozo, president of TAG, Alexyz, the popular cartoonist, Fermino Fernandes, Sarpanch of Candolim and Fr. Tony Salema, Rector of  Seminary at the grounds of the Seminary, Saligao. The three day festival is organized in order to raise funds for the renovation of the seminary. Agnelo Fernandes,  MLA of Calangute constituency donated Rs. 10 lacs for the renovation work of the Seminary.

 
On this occasion a Konkani musical programme “Svadik Konkani Git” directed by Tomazinho Cardozo was presented. Anthony San, Clarissa, Sonia Fernandes, Maria Cardozo, Irence Cardozo, Joycelyn Misquita, Anthony Carvalho, Nanesh Morajkar, Zico and Shivanand Naik participated in the lively programme of Konkani songs and skits. The music was provided by Nolvert Cota.

This was followed by numerous cultural items from different parishes which included songs and dances including folk dances. After the performances from different villages the musical band – Band wagon – entertained the people. Seminarians also presented few items which were appreciated by the people.

Tomorrow – 15^th May – is the last day of the festival. Lulu Fortes and Troupe will presents a musical programme on the occasion. The audience will be treated with  Konkani and English songs. This will be followed by the Band – Ventures. Seminarians too will present more cultural items on the last day.

“Together for the Seminary” – the Festival of three days of Music and Cuisine is an opportunity for the people to be a part of the renovation of the Seminary.

Photographs;

1. Fr. Tony Salema adressing the gathering in the prtesence of Agnelo Fernandes, Tomazinho Cardozo and Alexyz.

2. A Scene from Tomazinho Cardozo's "Svadik Konkani Git".

13 May 2011
[as forwarded by the Director to gaspar almeida, www.goa-world.com]

Digambar Kamat’s Contribution to Goan Tiatr

Digambar Kamat’s Contribution to Goan Tiatr

Published on: June 13, 2010

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He opened the doors of the Art and Culture Department to all artistes and forms of cultural and literary activities. Tiatr artistes started benefiting the Department’s schemes.  The Department started giving financial assistance to organisers to promote mando and dulpods and other folk songs. Today there are at least five mando festivals that take place. A scheme for publishing books in the Roman scripts was started. Mr Kamat was instrumental in naming the main auditorium of the prestigious cultural complex at Margao after the Father of Tiatr – late Joao Agostinho Fernandes. By doing this he not only recognised the importance of Goan Tiatr but also brought honour to the whole Tiatr fraternity. To preserve and promote literature in Konkani in the Roman script he made budgetary provision to the Dalgado Konknni Academy thereby giving much needed support and encouragement those who wrote in the Roman script. As assured, he formed the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) for the promotion, preservation and development of the most popular dramatic form of Goa - the Tiatr. He provided the TAG with adequate finances for a modern office, a conference hall and library. A praiseworthy act indeed! 

By Tomazinho CardozoDigambar Kamat completed three years as the Chief Minister of Goa recently. Considering Goa’s political scene, continuing in the office of Chief Minister for three full years is an achievement.
Different people have different opinions about him depending on the issues they have been directly or indirectly involved. Accordingly, protagonists of Konkani in the Roman script have a success story to tell.
Konkani became the Official Language of Goa in 1987 after a bloody agitation. Throughout the agitation the script issue was never allowed to surface because it would split the movement. However, most unfortunate was the introduction of the definition of the Konkani language in the Goa Official Language Act, which states: “Konkani language means Konkani written in Devnagori script.”
For me it was the greatest betrayal of the protagonists of Konkani in Roman script. With this one sentence, the hopes and aspirations of the majority of Goans were shattered.
Konkani in the Roman script was side-tracked at every level thereafter. The supporters of Roman script had no alternative but to fight back. Thus the Dalgado Konknni Academy put forth 13 demands before the government for the preservation, promotion and development of Konkani in the Roman script.
As the president of DKA then, along with other office bearers of DKA, I approached chief ministers, ministers and MLAs from the ruling as well as opposition requesting them to help us preserve, promote and develop Konkani in the Roman script along with Devnagori script. After listening to our grievances, some of them assured us of their support while some were reluctant to give any assurances.
At this juncture, we met Mr Digambar Kamat. He was the minister of art and culture besides power then. We submitted the memorandum of our demands and brought to his notice the injustice meted to Konkani in the Roman script. After listening to us patiently his brief assurance to us was, “I do understand your problem. I shall do whatever I can through the Department Of Art and Culture to help fulfil some of your demands.” He is the only politician, then as a minister of art and culture and now as Chief Minister, who tried his best to fulfil the assurances given to us.
The formation of the Tiatr Academy of Goa has helped tiatr, tiatr artistes and tiatr appreciators to work towards the development of the art form.
 The Tiatr Academy Goa has initiated various schemes to raise the level of tiatrs. Some of the important schemes are: Oral documentation of history of tiatr, documentation of tiatr through research work, preservation of tiatr literature, promotion of tiatr, its song and music academically, promotion of tiatr music, promotion of award winning tiatrs, remembering tiatr artistes of yesteryears, financial assistance to troupes going to Mumbai/Poona and other parts of the country, encouragement to production of tiatr in villages, preservation of tiatr material, Popular Tiatr Festival/Competition, Konkani song and music awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards to senior tiatr artistes, encouragement to tiatr related activities, yearly production of a ‘model tiatr’, encouragement for the production of tiatrs/programmes on patriotism and communal harmony, regular orientation in dramatics, children’s tiatrs, promotion of Konkani songs like duets/trios/quartets, promotion of Konkani songs through choreography.
The impact of these schemes will have on tiatr will be seen within the next five years.

Links:
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/tiatr-25yrs/index.htm

http://www.navhindtimes.in/

Photo album

Sundor Goem

Tomazinho Cardozo-achim Konkani ani Inglez Pustokam

Aicho somaz

 first published in 1987

Ami soglle ek

first published in 2006

Bhurgim amchi girestkai

 first published in 1987

  

Utram ani Kornneom

first published in 1981

The finer nuances of Theatre

Published on: March 26, 2010 

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BY CLARA A RODRIGUES

Theatre is a reflection of the ludicrous, insane and incongruous elements of our lives. It is a medium of expressive communication that is cathartic and gives a clearer vision of misty life.
Theatre in earlier times was a huge money spinner, but with the advent of other sources of mass communication, the loyalties of the audience for this medium steered away. In the West, theatre is still very popular. The scene in other places though is a bit different. However, especially formed repertory groups have managed to infuse life into this endearing genre.

Goa too has been a very receptive ground for theatre in terms of both, production as well as audience. The theatre performed in Goa can be categorised as contemporary theatre and traditional theatre. Traditional theatre implies the indigenous theatre in existence in Goa for centuries. The three most predominant of them are the ‘Zagor’, ‘Ranamalem’, and ‘Kalo’. There are three types of ‘Zagor’ says Vinayak Khedekar, “They are the ‘Perni zagor’, the ‘zagor’ performed by the Hindu Gaudas and the ‘zagor’ that is performed by the Christians.” He continues, “The Ranamalem is performed by the Kulvadi community who mostly reside in the Sattari taluka.”
These forms of theatre which are generally performed in villages are on the wane and are in need of sustained support. “Lifestyles have changed and this is reflected in theatre too. But these forms are practiced by Goans in a rich way,” says Khedekar.

Help in the form of various folk theatre festivals are constantly organised and promoted by the Department Art and Culture, Goa. They also take initiatives to take performing theatre troupes from Goa to different parts of India to perform.
Institutions like the Kala Academy (KA) too lend a hand to encouraging a culture of such performing arts in the form of holding theatre competitions. The KA itself has its own resident repertory named Rangmale which train those interested in theatre and also provides them with an opportunity to perform at various places in Goa and outside the state as well.
Perhaps the most popular form of theatre in Goa is the Khell tiatr and tiatr. The President of Tiatr Academy of Goa, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo and founder of a Kala Mogi, calls it the most economically viable form of theatre in Goa too.

Tiatr is self-sustaining and one can take it up as a daily job, adds Mr Cardozo.
A tiatr lover points out that with tiatr troupes going to perform in places outside Goa and India and the incidences of repeat shows increasing, tiatr has a bright future. “One thing that is amiss is that once a tiatr is performed many times, it’s replaced with anther one. The super hits are never restaged later and hence tiatrists miss out on the chance of earning royalties.”
“The standard of theatre in Goa though needs to improve. It has already seen improvement but a lot more has to be done,” states Mr Cardozo.

The Konkani nataks that are usually held at zatras (fairs held to celebrate a temple festival) and on other occasions too are crowd pullers agrees Avadhoot Sahakari, a theatre artiste. Plenty of nataks are staged at regular intervals. 
Religious occasions have encouraged the growth of theatre in Goa. The khell tiatrs, tiatrs, passion plays staged during lent, Konkani nataks staged during zatras etc are fine examples of how the love for theatre has been ingrained by religious activities.

Marathi dramas too get an audience but the numbers are much lesser. Despite there being quite a few Marathi drama productions, the audience generally show a bias and prefer watching dramas produced in Maharashtra. Says Avadhoot, “There is a difference between Marathi plays brought from outside Goa and those that are locally produced.” Pointing out to the proficiency in the language, Avadhoot says the local actors may be able to speak fluent Marathi but often end up faltering with the finer nuances of the language.
English theatre has seen a fair amount of development fairly recently but the numbers of English play production are still few in number.

Rudy Camara, who has over the past years been bringing in English drama troupes from outside Goa says it does not make economic sense bringing theatre from places like the metros to Goa. “Bringing a foreign play to Goa in a way does to an extent offset the costs as these plays travel all over India. English plays have a limited audience in Goa, but the market is growing,” he says.
Musicals have managed to elicit a sizeable audience in Goa. Says Camara, “nine out of ten per cent of the musicals brought to Goa are huge successes.

Camara points out to a trait that he calls as unfortunate present in the Goan audience. Referring to the English theatre scene he says, “Goans prefer plays from outside Goa. They are not appreciative of home productions as Goa is a small place and everyone knows everyone here.”
Theatre in Goa on the whole is full of potential and opportunity but the need to create a brand name for it so that it can become viable needs to be looked into. To achieve it, a lot of time and energy will have to be invested, but the efforts will definitely be worth it once achieved.

http://www.navhindtimes.in/

 Feeling nostalgic about village tiatr

Published on: April 17, 2010 

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BY CLARA A RODRIGUES

Tiatr has retained its vibrant nature with the nurturing of this form of theatre at a village level. The whacky tiatr writer, the melodious singer, an actress full of verve, have all known to have discovered yet another aspect to their personality when they that to the stage in front of a familiar audience.
Misha D’Souza from Calangute remembers that as recently as three years ago attending a tiatr written by a local and staged by the people of the village for the chapel feast in their ward. A face is all smiles as she recalls how the slips made by the actors always draws noisy whistles from the audience. And yes, the time when the boy dresses up as a girl for a scene is attracts whistles that mean to say, “O my, you could never have looked better”.  A village tiatr has all the ingredients to kindle the most classic feeling of congeniality.

The loud promptings sometimes leaves an actor into a tinge of embarrassment as he repeats the same. It’s these performances that make you the cynosure of villager’s eyes as they sometimes address you by the name of your character.
Cut to years ago, and the stalwarts of the tiatr stage will tell you how commercial viability was a concept unknown hitherto. With patromax lamps doing the present day task of stage lights, these un-ticketed shows had actors screaming their dialogues as there was no sound system.
The actor with a loud voice was an asset says Tomazinho Cardozo, a tiatr writer and the president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa. The people sitting on the on the ground and often fields was a thin dividing line between the actors on stage and the audiences whose stories were being told by different people.
But things have long changed. Tiatrs still run to packed shows in villages but the striking difference is that the tiatrs are performed by commercial troupes.  The tiatr at the village level is a place from which future stars grow informs Tomazinho terming the development as a sad trend that needs to be reversed. He says, “Since the last 25 years tiatrs at a village level has declined, as a result commercial performances reap huge income.
All most all the shining artistes of the tiatr stage are products of the tiatr at a village level. I myself began my journey into tiatr by writing tiatrs for the village”.
Prince Jacob’s latest tiatr ‘Aiz hanv, Faleam tu’ introduces lead actress Rosy Travasso, a talented lass whom Prince Jacob scouted during a performance at a khell tiatr during the Carnival.
Says tiatr writer, Roseferns who began his tryst with the tiatr world by writing scripts for school drams and tiatrs that were staged for the village Church feasts says that “the different reactions we get from the people you have grown along with is different from feedback you receive being part of a commercial troupe. We used to stage a lot of tiatrs with the boys and girls of the village eagerly lending their hand in making it a success. In those times tiatr troupes from Bombay used to come and perform in Goa. It was difficult to stage a tiatr in a village but we used to always pull off one which used to meet with tremendous success. We had problems of entertainment tax (which was later removed), licenses etc. We had no light effects; instead the two bulbs hanging from above served a similar purpose. Today, people do not have time to help in putting together a tiatr. Everyone is so busy”.

Tiatr has an effervescent presence till today. But the need to nurture it at a grass root level is important to get the best. Tiatrs whereby locals act are performed but that’s no enough. The tradition needs to be revived. The Tiatr Academy of Goa has offer schemes offering financial and technical assistance to those willing to organise a tiatr where the people of the village act in it. Besides, there are also offering schemes to schools and colleges to produce tiatrs.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/ Lucasinho Ribeiro’s staging of the first modern Konkani tiatr on April 17, 1892 marked the beginning an epoch in the history of tiatr. Today being Tiatr Day, ‘The Navhind Times' takes a look at one aspect of tiatr—the staging of tiatrs by locals of a village to be performed in the village itself, which is on the wane and highlighting steps being taken to reverse the trend. 

ESG approves proposal to draft Entertainment Policy of state

Published on: March 31, 2010 

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PANAJI: The general body of the Entertainment Society of Goa on Tuesday in principal approved the proposal to draft the Entertainment Policy of Goa, for which modalities would be worked out by the ESG.
The general body meeting, which was held at the Maquinez Palace auditorium to approve the annual budget of the ESG also decided to felicitate Mr Nilesh Naik from Dongrim, for finding an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for his Rangoli artwork.
The general body accepted the proposal moved by Mr Vishnu Wagh and seconded by Mr Vishal Pai Cacode of honouring Mr Naik at a special function, and presenting him with a cash prize of Rs one lakh for his achievement.  The general body meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, who is also the chairman of the ESG.

The general body approved the budget after carrying out a thorough debate on it and raising various queries as related to the same. The members of the general body also took the CEO of the ESG, Mr Manoj Srivastava to task for failing to provide them with the statements of accounts proposed in the budget, in advance. They maintained that the administration of the ESG needs to be improved.
The meeting also witnessed displeasure expressed by the members upon the unilateral decision taken by the CEO of the ESG as regards entrusting the Kala Academy with the responsibility of organising cultural programmes during the International Film Festival of India 2009.

Furthermore, the members felt that the CEO of the ESG had neither organised enough film-related workshops as well as film training courses during the year, nor held enough screenings of movies for the members of the Cinephile Movie Club of the ESG. They suggested that the film club should screen more of classic films and less of commercial movies.

It was finally decided to hold bi-monthly meetings of the governing body as well as general body of the ESG, under the chairmanship of the vice president of the ESG so as to periodically review the activities of the ESG.
The meeting also decided to revive the programme committee of the ESG under the chairmanship of Mr Tomazinho Cardozo so that activities pertaining to cultural events like concerts etc could be continued.
The meeting was attended by the governing council members of the ESG namely Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode, Ms Ranjana Salgaocar, Mr Francisco Martins, and Mr Raju Naik, and the general body members Mr Ramdas Phutane, Mr Vishnu Wagh, Mr Dnyanesh Moghe, Mr Sunil Azgaonkar, and Mr Dharmanand Vernekar.

A review of overall organisation of the IFFI 2009 was also taken at the meeting.

Konkani Cinema Day on April 24

Published on: April 22, 2010 

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NT NETWORK

The Dalgado Konknni Akademi in collaboration with the Tiatr Academy of Goa will organise a special function on April 24 at 5 p.m. at the Conference Hall of the Tiatr Academy Goa, Campal Trade Centre, Panaji to commemorate the screening of the first Konkani film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ on April 24, 1950 in Mumbai.

‘Mogacho Anvddo’ was written, produced and directed by A L Jerry Braganza from Mapusa, Bardez-Goa.
On this occasion an exhibition of photographs of the film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ and ‘Sukhachem Sopon’, both films by A L Jerry Braganza, will he held. A newly released Konkani film ‘Nisha’ produced by Neville Pereira will be screened on the occasion.
Director of Information and Publicity, Mr Menino Pires will be the chief guest while film writer and director, Mr Dharmanand Vernekar will be the guest of honour. President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Mr Premanand Lotlikar and president of Tiatr Academy of Goa, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo will grace the occasion.

‘When the Curtains rise’—a book dedicated to tiatr

Published on: April 15, 2010 

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To celebrate the 118thyear of Tiatr day, the Goa Tiatr Academy (TAG) is planning a slew of events to mark the Tiatr day celebrations. Announcing this in a press conference, the president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, said that they will be releasing the book ‘When the Curtains rise’, a book written by Dr Andre Rafael Fernandes, Associate Professor at Goa University’s Department of English.
The book is an extensive documentation of the history and growth of tiatr. It also has interviews of senior tiatrists and speaks at length about the future of tiatr.

The book which took six years of research documents in a systematic way the roots of tiatr. It speaks of its music and analyses the tiatrs of veteran tiatrists. Dr Fernandes who was present said that the future of tiatr is bright but there was always room for improvement. Mr Cardozo said that the book will especially benefit those interested in earning more about tiatr.

To help the book which has been published by the TAG reach a wide audience, the book has been released under a Creative Common 3.0 format, whereby anyone can make copies of the book for non-commercial purposes and share its information through digital copies or through the Internet.

Mr Cardozo also announced schemes that the TAG has introduced to encourage tiatr. Schemes like documentation of tiatr, promotion of tiatr through educational institutions, preservation of tiatr literature, remembering veteran tiatr artistes, encouragement of production of tiatrs in villages, insurance of tiatr artistes, awards, orientation courses in dramatics, production of children’s tiatrs by schools and colleges, promotion of duets, duos, trios, quartets, promotion of Konkani songs with choreography etc are all available to people, said Mr Cardozo.

Mr Cardozo while speaking of the challenges faced by tiatr said that drama in all languages faces challenge, but we must find solutions to the same. He said that tiatr played a very important role in bringing people together during the Opinion Poll and the language agitation in Goa.

Vaskuchim Lharam

Published on: April 24, 2010

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‘Vaskuchim Lharam’ a Konkani audio CD album produced by Rev Fr Jose Antonio Da Costa, parish priest of St Andrew’s Church-Vasco will be released at the hands of Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, president, Tiatr Academy of Goa, on April 25, at 10.30 a.m. at the church hall.

Mr Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA of Curtorim Constituency will grace the occasion as the guest of honour, while the Minister for Revenue and MLA of Vasco, mr Jose Philip D’Souza will preside over the function.
Vaskuchim Lharam is a unique Konkani audio album in the sense that it is a tribute to the Port Town of Vasco in song and music. The album has 11 dedicated tracks all composed by Rev Fr Jose Antonio Da Costa. The songs contained in the album focus on the issues of Vasco, its landmarks, its people and the town’s contribution to the game of football in Goa.
A special song ‘Vaskuche Mha-Monis is dedicated to the memory of Vasco’s industrialist, the late V M Salgaocar, former assembly speaker, the late Froilano Machado and sports administrator, and TV commentator, the late Noel da Lima Leitao. Among the other tracks on the audio CD, two are specifically dedicated to the Vasco Sports Club and Salgaocar Sports Club respectively.
Anthony San, Lulu Fortes, Fr Caetano Fernandes, Fr Jorge Fernandes both assistant parish priests of St Andrew’s Parish, Ethel and Lavina render their voices to the lyrics. The musical score is composed, arranged and orchestrated by Agostinho da Cruz while the album is digitally recorded

‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script – A Brief History’ released

Published on: May 11, 2010

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To commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Msgr Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado, the great son of Goa and a scholar of international repute, the Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) released the much awaited scholarly book, ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script – A Brief History’ written by eminent Konknni stalwart
, the late Prof Dr Olivinho Gomes, at the hands of Mr Vinayak Naik, editor of Goa Today at a special function organised by DKA Saturday at Kala Academy’s Black Box, Panaji.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vinayak Naik said that the late Prof. Dr. Olivinho Gomes was an extraordinary Konknni person. He said that the profundity of his knowledge of every aspect of the Konknni language was simply incomparable. He was the ultimate in the field of Konknni language and literature. Ms. Eslinda Gomes, wife of the late Prof Dr Gomes was the special invitee for the function.
Mr Vinayak did not hesitate to take a pot shot at the script controversy of Konknni. He said that he was in total agreement with all those who suggest that one script and one language could be the norm, but in some cases like that of Konknni making an exception is a must. “By that I mean, more than one script should be unhesitatingly permitted. Those who think that if Konknni is allowed to be written in multiple scripts will affect the language are all wrong. Konknni will not be a unique case of one language and multiple scripts. Because there are already so many other languages written in two or three scripts, and they are flourishing”, he argued. He maintained, “Therefore, the argument of the Devnagari script supporters that Konknni will make be divided if Romi script is given recognition has absolutely no foundation.”
He further said that actually by refusing to give Romi script its rightful place under the sun, the Devnagari script supporters were unwittingly contributing eventually towards the doom of Konknni and that would be very tragic indeed. “A writer is a writer regardless in which script he writes. It does not make him inferior if he writes in Romi script. What is important are his thoughts and not the script, Mr Naik strongly said”.
He further said that it pains to see that the advocates of Devnagari script talk about setting a time frame to Romi script writers to change over to Devnagari script. This type of thinking is not very much different from the time bound resolution policy of Government of India for the dalits, said Mr Naik. If this view of the Devnagari supporters is accepted then it will mean the ‘dalitising’ of the Roman script of Konknni, he said.
Mr Naik expressed the need for harmony between both the scripts of Konknni and also to officially accommodate the Roman script in the Official Language Act.
The President of Tiatr Academy and former Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo spoke on the book and said that the book covers the literary works printed right from 1556, when the first printing press came to Goa.
The president of DKA, Mr Premanand A Lotlikar presided over the function. He said that ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script – A Brief History’ written by the late Prof Dr Olivinho Gomes will be translated in Konknni  and will be released next year on May 8, 2011. He also announced that the important publication of yet another book of the DKA’s which is on the history of Konknni novels.  DKA Secretary, Jose Salvador Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Walter Menezes welcomed the gathering and Mr Daniel F de Souza compered the function.

A book on Konkani Literature in Roman Script

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While briefing press about it on Friday, Mr Premanand Lotlikar, the president of DKA stated that this book would be released at a special function on May 8, 2010 at Kala Academy’s Black Box, Panaji at 4.30 p.m.
The function is organised to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Msgr Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado, the great son of Goa and a scholar of international repute. Mr Vinayak Naik, editor of ‘Goa Today’ will release the book.
‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script- A Brief History’ is a well-researched English book documenting the tireless efforts and contribution of various scholars, editors and writers who have enriched and strengthened Konkani in the Roman Script since 1556 when the first printing press was installed in Goa.
“This book is Dr Prof Olivinho Gomes’ last contribution to Konknni language. On behalf of DKA, I had requested Prof Gomes to write this book. Although he had other assignments at hand, he did not hesitate to take the responsibility of completing this enormous task and within a period of 14 months submitted the manuscript to DKA. However, Prof Dr Olivinho Gomes could not live to see the release of this book. He expired on July 31, 2009. Although he is not today, this book will remain a proof of his commitment and dedication to Konkani language, particularly Konkani in Roman script,” says Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Tiatr Academy.

“This book not only gives us a glimpse of the invaluable contribution of Konkani writers in Roman script who have shaped our language through the years but it speaks volumes about the painstaking efforts made by Dr Prof Olivinho Gomes to gather information of immense value,” stated Mr Lotlikar.
DKA had decided to publish this book in English as it has academic and historical importance. A book of this nature will at once become accessible to non-Konkani readers, researchers, students and others to study know more about Konkani in Roman script.
“Segregation of language Konkani in Devnagari and Roman script should not occur. We should come together to preserve and propagate our Konkani language,” concludes Mr Cardozo.
This is the 14th publication by DKA and in near future, they will also publish this book in Konkani.
The Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) is now all set to release the book by Prof Dr Olivinho Gomes titled, ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script-A Brief History’.

TAG introduces new award category at Konkani Song and Music Awards 2009

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Awards for Best Male Singer, Best Female Singer, Best Lyricist are regular features at award functions, however at the Konkani Song and Music Award 2009, for the first time, a Best Audio Album was declared.
Winners in each category were awarded prize money of Rs 10,000, a certificate and an award, with the exception of the Best Audio Album, which was given a special prize of Rs 20,000.
The Best Male Singer award, 2009 went to Anthony San for his song ‘Pai ani Put’ from the album ‘Nanv Vosto Tiatrist’ while the Best Female Singer, 2009 was Nephie Rod for the song ‘Mirchi’ from the album ‘Valley of Colorz’. Lawry Travasso won the award for Best Lyricist, 2009 for the song ‘Manngeachim Dukam’ from the album ‘Devak Donation Naka’. The Best Music Composer, 2009 was awarded to Sidhanath Buyao for the song ‘Chandrim Mama’ from the album ‘Valley of Colorz’. And the award in the newly introduced category of Best Audio Album, 2009 went to Neville Pereira for ‘Nisha’.
Chief Guest, Dr Colaco appreciated the efforts of the artists. He praised Mr Cardozo for his hard work that he felt would definitely account for the progress of the regional language. Commenting that it was nice to hear that research and documentations of the 100-year-old tiatr were on, Dr Colaco added that there was a need for the documentation Konkani songs too.
Every artist expressed his happiness and gratitude to the academy.

Recently the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) had organised the Konkani Song and Music Award 2009. Speaking on the occasion the president of TAG, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Said that the aim behind organising the event was to promote Konkani songs. 

 

Lilting rhythms of Konkani classics revived

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After releasing the album titled Konkani Classics Revisited the chief guest for the occasion, president of Tiatr Academy, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo said that he was happy to see an album with hits by Konkani stalwarts like Frank Fernand, Alfred Rose and M Alphonso. However, expressing his distaste for remixes because he felt that songs lost authenticity, Mr Cardozo made it a point to mention that he had clarified with Mr Felix Correia who recreated the music on whether he had retained the originality of the scores. Mr Correia had done his best to maintain originality. The album has given young Goan talent a platform. He requested Saregama to recognise young talent from Goa and thus prove to the world that Konkani music is not far
behind.
About the Album: Konkani Classics Revisited
Volume One rediscovers the great master Alfred Rose, and his evergreen hits like ‘Janet and Linet’, ‘Viva la Goa’, and ‘Ye Johnny Ye’. Sung by none other than his daughter, Alria Rose D’Souza, along with other talented singers, this is the first time these remixed songs are being released in the CD format. The original music score and lyrics are by Alfred Rose. Compilation of songs and music recreated by Felix Correia.
Volume Two brings us the music of three other great Goan music masters, Chris Perry, Frank Fernand and M Alphonso. Sung by Kyra Pais and others, this CD contains popular songs like ‘Ambeanche Pan’, ‘Mog Boom Boom’ and ‘Marialena’.Goa’s beaches are not the only irresistible attraction the state has to offer - its music has always held a special charm. Liltingly melodious with catchy rhythms and a wonderful mix of west and east Konkani music is wins hearts everywhere. Saregama revisited the heritage collection of ageless classics of Konkani music and brought to life once again rare musical gems.

 Governing council members irked over ESG not holding Konkani Film Festival

PANAJI: Some of the members of the governing council of the Entertainment Society of Goa have taken serious objection to the step taken by the CEO of the ESG, Mr Manoj Srivastava, wherein he has sidelined the decision of the governing council to hold a Konkani Film Festival around April 24,
in commemoration of the screening of the first Konkani film, ‘Mogacho Aundo’ on this day and instead, organised the European Union Film Festival.
It may be recalled that at the 42nd governing council meeting of  the ESG held on June 15, 2009, under agenda item no 9, the calendar of events of the ESG were put up before the council members by the CEO of the ESG. During discussion on the same, one of the senior most members of the governing council, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo had proposed that the ESG should host a Konkani Film Festival to mark the release of the first Konkani film on April 24, 1950, at Mumbai.
The proposal was unanimously approved by the governing council and the CEO of the ESG was supposed to take necessary action on the same. However, after almost 10 months of this decision, it was conveniently forgotten and no step was taken to host the Konkani Film Festival. On the contrary, the European Union Film Festival was organised on April 24.
Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, who had mooted the idea to hold the Konkani Film Festival eventually had to organise a Konkani Cinema Day on April 24 under the auspices of Tiatr Academy of Goa, headed by him.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Mr Cardozo said that the idea to hold a Konkani Film Festival, which would either start or end on April 24 was proposed and approved at the governing council meeting of the ESG with the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat wholeheartedly supporting the concept. “However, some two weeks back, when I went to the office of the CEO of the ESG to find out about the preparations of the Konkani Film Festival, I was told that a European Union Film Festival was being held instead,” he added.
“I was really hurt by the response of the CEO as well as others holding responsible positions at the ESG, as they had dishonoured the decision of the governing council,” Mr Cardozo stated, further adding that he will not only follow up the matter and ensure that a Konkani Film Festival either begins or ends on April 24, from next year, but would also write a letter to the CEO of the ESG on April 26 in this matter. He further lamented that the ESG staff does not understand the emotions of Goans as attached to certain issues.
“The European Union Film Festival is a travelling film festival and could have been scheduled on some other dates so that Goans could have got best of both film festivals,” Mr Cardozo suggested. Mr Vishnu Wagh, another member of the governing council said that once a decision is taken by the council members, the ESG staff should take the same to its logical conclusion. “If the governing council decisions are just ignored, then why there should be a need for a governing council in the first place,” he questioned, stating that it is not the job of the governing council members to follow up their approved decisions.
“The general observation is that whenever benefits are to be given to Goans the priorities are changed in the negative direction, which is very bad,” Mr Wagh said, pointing out that his own approved proposal as regards honouring Mr Nilesh Naik, a rangoli artist for securing an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records by presenting him with Rs 1 lakh, was totally ignored. “It should be ensured that in the future any decision taken by the governing council of the ESG must be fully honoured and implemented, without any obstruction,” he concluded.
Yet another member of the governing council, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode when contacted  told this daily that if any European country was to hold festival of films by its filmmakers, the decision would not have been changed to make way for an Indian Film Festival in that country. Mr Cacode also stated that certain events need to be held on those particular days as those days spell significance just as April 24 is a Konkani Cinema Day. When asked as to whether he knew about the screening of a 7-minute film on Al Jerry Braganza, the first Goan filmmaker of Konkani film, during the inauguration of the European Union Film festival, Mr Cacode said that he came to know about it only through the newspapers.