THE HOUSE OF “PAI TIATRIST”.
Though he was considered as “Pai Tiatrist” yet with all his humility, reverence and due credit, he bowed down his head before Lucasinho Ribeiro from Assagao, Bardez, for scripting and staging the first Konkani Tiatro in Bombay. Though Lucasinho Ribeiro did the beginning yet Joao Agostinho Fernandes from Margao, Modsai, is given the title as Pai Tiatrist because of his excellent work in the promotion of Konkani Tiatro. The area where Pai Tiatrist lived in his humble house was also inhabited by the late Chris Perry on one side and on the other side at "Caminho de Monte" lies the house of the late comedian Anthony Mendes. According to the information, the house of legendary Anthony Mendes has been disposed off for setting up a hospital.
On 29th of last month, Tiatrists in Goa marked the 61st death anniversary of Pai Tiatrist. Kuwait Konknni Kendr also simultaneously in Kuwait City marked this day by calling a meeting of its members. The Goa Government as a fitting tribute to the excellent contribution of Pai Tiatrist in the development of Tiatro, has named the Tiatro Hall at newly built Ravindra Bhavan, Margao after Pai Tiatrist. It was a deserving credit to Pai Tiatrist. For this kind gesture of Goa Government, the major credit should go to the Tiatrists in Goa who so vociferously campaigned for this result. If it was not for their strong campaign, the Goa Government would not have come out with naming of the hall after Joa Agostinho Fernandes. And by naming the hall after Pai Tiatrist, the Goa Government has not done any favour. By acceding to the demands of the Tiatrists, Goa Government has only done its duty otherwise due to the might of the Tiatrists, the Goa Government would face lot of problems. The might and power of Tiatrists have increased tremendously in the recent years. Hence, Digambar Kamat and his Government had to bow down to the wishes of Tiatrists. Well done Goa based Tiatrists.
Now the question of the House of Pai Tiatrist. According to the photos I received, this house is in a very bad shape and needs repairing and renovation. Builders lobby is after it to acquire it and in its place construct a building. According to me this house is an historical house belonging to a person who created a history in Goa. This house should not be allowed to pass it on to others like builders. This house should be preserved for posterity as Heritage House. This house should be kept as a touristic attraction along with all the things Pai Tiatrist used in writing his Tiatros and staging them. It has got historical importance. To preserve this house for posterity, it requires renovation and repairs. To do this job lot of money is required. The residents of this house, namely the daughter-in-law of Pai Tiatrist and her young daughter according to my information are not capable to spend the money to renovate and repair this historical house where history maker lived.
In view of this, the onus to repair this house falls on all the Tiatrists first and next on all the supporters and lovers of Tiatro. Today Tiatrists are making lot of money by acting and staging Tiatros. Yesteryear Tiatrists earned nothing by being Tiatrists and died as paupers. Many of them faced lot of difficulties to sustain during their old age. Some of them died in Asilos. Others because of their poverty had to send their wives to the Gulf to work as house maids who faced lot of miseries in the houses where they worked. In Sinquerim one of the top Goan Tiatrists from Candolim to maintain himself financially had to work as Watchman during the construction of Taj Hotel. In one word, yesteryears Tiatrists developed Konkani Stage beautifully and staged best of Tiatros and rendered best of songs but lived a miserable life because they did not make money out of this business.
Today Tiatro is a big business and Tiatrists are making lot of money. Because it is a big business Tiatrists are demanding status of Industry to Tiatro. Today’s Tiatrists are owning and roaming in their own cars while yesteryears Tiatrists did not have even a Cycle. Today many of the Tiatrists are become Lakpotis which is a very good sign and they should become not only Lakpotis but Crorepotis and should not face the same fate as that of their predecessors. If today Tiatrists are become rich thru Tiatros then they should thank Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes who made way and created base for them to reach to their current wealthy position. Since this is the case, the Tiatrists in Goa in particular and elsewhere in general are obligated to show their gratitude to Pai Tiatrist by doing something concrete for him and for his family.
This gratitude can be shown in a best way by raising funds for repairing and renovating the old house of Pai Tiatrist. There are about 500 Tiatrists in Goa. If each one of them contributes
Rs. 1000/- which is nothing in the current time, the total amount from their personal pockets will be Rs. 500000/-. Besides, there are over a dozen Tiatro Troupes in Goa. Each troupe must come forward and stage at least one show of their Tiatros in aid of this funds. In this way, huge fund can be collected which can be used not only to renovate the old house of Pai Tiatrist but also to help financially the dependents of Pai Tiatrist. After repairing this house, it can be converted into a Tiatro Academy or Tiatro School, of course by taking due care of the present residents of this house.
No doubt if Government comes to the rescue of this project then well and good but we should not wait for Goa Government. If we wait for Goa Government, then nothing will come because Goa Government is not a reliable Government. Besides, I don’t have much faith in MP Shantaram Naik. He by visiting the house of Pai Tiatrist made a big show of himself for his political gains. These politicians are not interested in anything concerning Romi Konkani and its promoters. From past history politicians and top leaders in the beginning shed crocodile tears and finally forgot the whole issue. If we rely on Government doles, we will reach nowhere and by that time much damage will be done for that historical house. In the words of legendary Tiatrist Kid Boxer, in one of his political songs, "Serkar amcho nidla, to utta mhonnosor Uzvaddtolem".
Hence, it is time now for Tiatrist to come forward, prepare an action plan and move forward accordingly. It is not difficult for them to do this job. They cannot leave the house of their Pai to rot and get liquidated. They cannot neglect the family members of their Pai if they consider and accept Joao Agostinho Fernandes as their Pai. If they consider Joao Agostinho Fernandes as their Pai then they are duty bound to support the house of their Pai and the family members of their Pai. They must know to fulfill their obligation towards their Pai.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
