At the beginning of the 20th century it was indeed a Goan lady who earned the
sungular distinction of breaking a tradition, when others would fear to tread.
It was none other than late Regina Fernandes, a native of Raia Salcete , (the
village of our ex Union Minister Mr Eduardo Faleiro ) the wife of “Pai
Tiatrist” Joao Agostinho Fernandes (in whose name the 1150 seater AC indoor
auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan at Margao Salcete Goa has been christened )
According to Sharmila Fernandes the grand daughter, and other members of the
family of “Pai tiatrist” who spoke to this writer, at their 140 year modest
ancestral house in Modsai , Margao last week, they confirmed that it was
indeed for the first time on 22nd November, 1904 that a lady ventured to act
on stage.
It was a Konkani tiatro “Bhattkara de Panzare –I ” staged in Mumbai (then
Bombay) which was produced and directed by the husband “Pai Tiatrist” Joao
Agostinho Fernandes (1871 –1947) of late Regina .
The event turned out to be a red letter day in the annals of performing arts
in Mumbai and became a subject of animated discussions - as until then no
woman would dare come on stage even in Marathi “nataks” staged in Mumbai.
There was indeed a stigma attached to those indulging in “zagors “ and “khells”
as a cheap form of entertainment and as a result was looked down by society,
viz well meaning citizenary.,
Having broken the tradition, later, her sister too was drawn on stage and this
provided encouragement to others. Many of the males who used to perform female
roles in tiatros were taken aback by the emerging trends of woman on stage.
It is another matter that most of them did not last long. Nevertheless later
day tiatrist like C Alvares encouraged women on stage and from then on there
was no looking back till this date.
Unfortunately Regina Fernandes did not live long to pursue her new found
status . She died in 1906 at a relatively young age leaving behind four
children two boys and two girls the oldest then being 10 year and the youngest
just 3 years .
But what is astonishing that having earned such laurels for Goa and Goans
especially the women, it is neither the tiatro fraternity nor the State
Government that has honoured this woman till date.
The Government of India and Goa have embarked on several measures to empower
women with even a special Department created for Women and Child Affairs .
Even the ISO rated Department of Art & Culture of Government of Goa having an
unique first of its kind State Cultural Policyironically , Government has not
felt it prudent to record her achievement for posterity on any of its
documents.
When this writer spoke to some senior tiatrists notably Mr Wilmix Wilson
Mazarello --------who has authored several books notable amongst them “100
years of Konkani teatro “ funded by the Directorate of Art and Culture
Government of Goa , with valid inputs from another senior tiatrist, journalist
Mr John Gomes (Kokoy) which book indeed could be considered as the Bible of
Konkani tatro --- on the need to recognize the role of Regina, even though
posthumously , he agreed that due recognition was not given to her and felt
that the Government should note her achievements. Obviously it is not too late
even after 104 years of that eventful day 22nd November, 1904 to recognize her
achievements.
Another senior tiatrist John Gomes (Kokoy ) a recepient of several awards who
spoke to this writer also agreed that it is necessary to remember the role
played by Regina Fernandes and was forthcoming to hold any event on 22nd
November, 2008. He assured his full co-operation in the event any one comes
forward to commemorate the event on 22.11.2008. He was also receptive to the
idea that the tiatro fraternity themselves moreso the women could contribute
to institute a cash award of Rs. 5000/- and a momento bearing a citation to
be given to the best upcoming female on Konkani stage beginning this year.
He reiterated his association with the family of Pai Tiatrist and indeed also
confirmed that his compilation of tiatrists of yesteryears is scheduled for
release on 2nd December, 2008 when he completes 71 years of age.
Given the significance of the stellar role played by Ms. Regina Fernandes it
is now left to be seen how the Government of Goa the tiatrists and especially
some of the women presently performing on Konkani stage viz; Lorna Cordeiro,
(Saligao ) Rita Rose (Mahim) Sharon Mazarello (Fatorda ) Fatima D Souza
(Fatorda ) Felcy Fernandes (Vasco-da-Gama) Irene Cardozo (Candolim) just to
name a few would respond to commemorate her achievement this 22nd
November, 2008.
One suggestion that came accross to this writer from a veteran tiatro lover a
septugenarian from Loutlolim who spoke to this writer at the Goman Vidya
Niketan Hall on Sunday as she was leaving the hall was that the women tiatrist
could constitute a simple collective ( association ) of all women with late
Regina Fernandes as their role model, and institute the awards, to upcoming
women tiatrists to keep her memory alive.
It is indeed comendable that Margao can boast of late Joao Agostinho Fernandes,
"Pai Tiatrist" his son late Antoneilio (Tony Fernandes) "Put Tiatrist" late
Anthony Mendes and late Chris Perry who etched their names in letters of gold
on the Konkani stage.
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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