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On 27th of this month, at Margao, I attended the monthly meeting organized by the Tiatr Academy Goa, starting at 4.30 PM. Though as usual it was not attended by a good number of attendees yet many in the hall seen were the relatives of the Tiatrists who were remembered on this day for their contribution in the promotion of Tiatros. Both the president and the vice president were absent and in their absence the Dais looked nude. Though they may have good reason to be absent but it looks habitual at least for the president. Those who are occupying positions in the TAG are not doing any favour on anyone because they are paid by the government from the tax payers money and as such they must know to shoulder their responsibilities rightly. |
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Ortencio seen speaking
Alvaro Gomes spoke on Jacinto Vaz, Champion Alvares, Thomas Coogan and Lucian Dias while well known Tiatrist Ortencio Pereira spoke on Conception, Nelson Afonso, Souzaboy and Musician Fidelis.
Ortencio’s spoke more on his first hand contacts with them when they were alive and with whom he also participated in many dramas. By citing some genuine examples with them he made his speech more interesting. The speakers are paid Rs. 1000/- by the TAG.
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Among the audience it was Jr. Nelson who rattled the mike when given an opportunity to express himself. He was very forceful in his expression where he asked the TAG what are they doing for those artistes who need assistance for their survival. Many of his statements were fabulously applauded by the audience as audience felt he was right.
A.Veronica Fernandes also spoke and cited some historical incidents in the life of Nelson Afonso, Jacinto Vaz, William de Curtorim and others.
After the meet, this writer personally spoke to the spokesmen of TAG and also personally visited TAG Office in Panjim to verify the facts given by TAG spokesmen. TAG is an organization financed by the government of Goa and it employs about 10 staff from the point of Peon to the President, all are salaried by the government. With the backing of the funds given by the government, TAG gives some financial doles to the needy Tiatrist amounting to RS. 10,000/- plus goodwill visit to him when TAG comes to know of his poor condition, physically and financially. Recently they went to visit Xavier Mendes and Bonaventure Pietro because they are sick.
When they remember the dead Tiatrists monthly once, they include in their list the late Tiatrists from Bombay also. According to TAG, it does not discriminate between Goan and Bombay based Tiatrists.
When felicitating Tiatrists, TAG also felicitates Tiatrists from Bombay as well besides from Goa. As brought to their notice by this writer, TAG must also felicitate Tiatrists based in the Gulf mainly from Kuwait which is the strong citadel of Tiatros in the Gulf. Two Tiatrists from Kuwait cannot be forgotten, one Francis de Verna who being a long timer Tiatrist in Kuwait still creates ripples in Kuwait while the second is Edmundo Fernandes now retired in Candolim, Goa but was the living Tiatro personality in Kuwait from the time first Tiatro was organized in Ahmadi Kuwait. Most probably he is the only surviving member of that group that initiated Tiatros in Kuwait.
Many of the Tiatrists are facing lot of financial difficulties. To ease their difficulties, TAG must create special fund by organizing at least 3 Tiatros every year to provide financial assistance for the needy Tiatrists.
TAG must also allocate certain amount to new and upcoming directors for them to stage their Tiatros. This will boost their efforts to stage more and more Tiatros without undergoing losses.
A.Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.