The following article appeared in today's Navhind Times:
Tiatro is powerful medium for social, political awakening: Michael NT NETWORK MAPUSA: Complimenting tiatrists for carrying on the legacy of tiatro which was started about 120 years back, the Calangute MLA, Mr. Michael Lobo has said that tiatrists were doing a wonderful job by bringing about a social and political awakening which kept even politicians on their toes. Speaking as a chief guest at a felicitation function held at Tembi ground in Anjuna to honour Anjuna tiatro lover, Mr. Pedro Mendonca who was presented a shawl and a memento, Mr. Lobo urged the audience to watch a tiatro in the right spirit and not to harbour any ill feelings against it. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lobo also said that he really admired the skills of the tiatrists and they had now come to play a vital role in bringing down or installing governments through their social messages. “Tiatro is a powerful medium to bring about social and political awakening. Our misdeeds many a times are reflected through a tiatro so people who watch them know how to react at elections, so tiatro could bring a rise or fall of a political set up,” Mr. Lobo said. Mr. Lobo also claimed that tiatrists should pass on a message in a right way without resorting to any vulgarity but on the other side it was up to the people to accept this in the right way without harbouring any revenge or ill feeling against the actors. Earlier, Mr. John Baptist D’Souza, one of the organisers of the show, appreciated the qualities of Mr. Mendonca in always being concerned about a tiatro and even spending from his own pocket for a successful show. Mr. Lawry Travasso, a Konkani stage actor also praised the good work done by Mr. Mendonca in Anjuna with regards to preserving this age-old art and said that he also was greatly indebted to Mr. Mendonca. Mr. Travasso and another stage actor, Mr. Mario Menezes were also honoured. COMMENTS: When we say ‘Entertainment in Goa’, the first thought that crosses a true Goan’s mind, is ‘Tiatro’. Anjuna does not lack in the number of tiatro lovers. Conspicuous amongst this large number of tiatro lovers is our beloved friend, Mr. Pedro Mendonca of Grande Chinvar. He is a social worker and has a dynamic personality. On this occasion, we, the tiatro lovers from Anjuna, would like to thank him for his endeavours to popularise this art form – the tiatro. His love for tiatro and for his fellow villagers is so great, that he has selflessly spent both, his precious time and energy, to promote it. He has been instrumental in organising tiatros in aid of Chapels and the Churches of Anjuna and Vagator, often at a monetary loss for himself. We are truly indebted to Mr. Mendonca, for, he is not only a wonderful person but a capable administrator. He oversees every detail of tiatro project, right from booking the tiatro troupe, printing and sale of tickets, setting up of stage, lights and sound, down to ensuring eatables and refreshments for the crowd. Tiatro performances encourage younger generation to appreciate this form of art, thus helping to keep it alive. And the older generation, who finds it difficult to travel to faraway places, get entertainment at their doorstep. It also becomes a family outing and helps to de-stress during what is commonly called ‘the season’, when work schedules in Anjuna are quite strenuous. We are indeed blessed to have Mr. Mendonca in our village. May the Almighty Lord bless him with good health to continue the good work he is doing in promoting tiatro, helping various causes and bringing joy to us in the village. The felicitation took place at the interval of the tiatro PISUDDLELIM FULAM by Mr. Lawry Travasso, which was held on February 15. It was the second performance out of 53 shows - 51 shows are yet to take place. The tiatro is very good with a stern message to those who abort children. A must see drama. Moi-mogan, Domnic Fernandes Anjuna, Goa Mob: 9420979201/8805237604