This story is from May 21, 2013

We look to the people of Goa to lend us a helping hand: Tiatrist Edwin D’Souza

Edwin Francis D’Souza from Ajgao, Sawantwadi has become a popular face in his hometown ever since he took up the initiative of staging tiatrs in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
We look to the people of Goa to lend us a helping hand: Tiatrist Edwin D’Souza
Tiatrs are making inroads slowly but steadily in other parts of the country too. Edwin Francis D’Souza from Ajgao, Sawantwadi has become a popular face in his hometown ever since he took up the initiative of staging tiatrs in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
He started his journey in tiatrs in 1997. Edwin who works at the Bishop’s House in Sindhudurg, says, “During our Church feast, I would watch tiatrs staged here by troupes from Goa.
My urge to stage a tiatr, involving local artistes sparked off from here.”
“My father, the late Francis used to act in tiatrs. He played the role of a comedian. I couldn’t see his tiatrs as he passed away when I was just nine years.” He goes on, “my family never encouraged me to take up tiatrs as my mother thought that I would not concentrate on supporting the family. She also feared that I would remain within the village itself, where we don’t have any source of income.”
“We were not well off. It was a difficult childhood for us in the family. My mother had to raise six children without anybody’s support.”
After a few years, Edwin started Sindhukalazomo, under whose banner he got local artistes to act in tiatrs.
Edwin’s tiatrs are laden with social messages. “There are quite a few of them in my latest tiatr Tukanch Lagon. For example, there is love in the heart of each person despite a person’s negative traits. Also a person who doesn’t have anybody in this world has always a God above who cares for him.”
Since Edwin lives in a village, the difficulties he faces are manifold. “A major hurdle was changing mindsets — convincing my family that I wanted to do drama. Another problem is that we find it difficult getting female artistes to work in tiatrs.” He throws light on the situation, “We can’t be choosy and take only those who are good in acting. Since our choice is limited, we have to be content with whoever is just interested in acting.” Lack of a hall and other facilities such as proper lighting and props — all essentials to a tiatr — is a major constraint. “Finance is the biggest problem I face,” rues Edwin.

“The Maharashtra government doesn’t provide us with any help for tiatr. In 2012, the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) gave us a financial grant of Rs 20,000 to stage Keloi Puta Sonvsar,” informs Edwin.
However, problems still persist. He explains, “at a recent TAG meet, it was decided not to give us any financial grants because we are based outside Goa. This was a huge set-back for us.” But Edwin holds no grouse against anybody. “Whoever helps us, I see that as a favour which they do for us,” says Edwin. “If we get an opportunity to stage our tiatrs in Goa then it would be good for us. We recently staged our tiatr at the Tiatr Day function in Goa”
Edwin who produces only one tiatr a year says, “The number of tiatrs here in Sindhudurg is less. However, the popularity of tiatrs is huge. Konkani speaking people here long to see a tiatr.”
The dream to take tiatrs to as many places as possible is evident. Edwin has staged tiatrs in the districts of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur. He says his work in tiatrs will always continue.
By- Pratima Achrekar
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