‘Tiatr is presently going through a bad phase’

MARGAO: “Tiatrists should not abuse their freedom of expression. They have a right to criticize politicians, but should not transgress boundaries of morality,” said senior tiatrist and former speaker of the state legislative assembly, Tomazinho Cardozo, on Saturday.
Cardozo was delivering the keynote address on the topic, ‘Impact of tiatrs on Goan society’, during the 20th ‘Sangarsh Sanmaan’ programme organized by Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, wherein Joao Agostinho Fernandes (Pai Tiatrist) was posthumously felicitated.His granddaughter, Sharmila Fernandes, received the Lifetime Award that included a citation, shawl and sriphal from chief guest Fr Avinash Rebelo, parish priest of Holy Spirit Church, Margao.
Initiated last year, ‘Sangarsh Sanmaan’ is held on the first Saturday of every month to recognize valiant efforts of prominent Goans.
Emphasizing that tiatr is a unique drama form, Cardozo said, “Tiatrs definitely have an impact on their predominantly Catholic audience, which views them as mirrors of society because they are not adapted from other plays but are based on various socio-political issues concerning Goans. They also educate viewers on the goings-on in the state.”
Having been associated with the tiatr stage for several years, Cardozo lamented that the drama form is presently going through a ‘bad phase’. Recalling a recent incident where members of the public attacked a tiatrist onstage, he warned that if not nipped in the bud, such incidents would ultimately spell disaster for tiatrs.
“Tiatrists must ensure that freedom of expression is not misused,” Cardozo further said, adding, “The ‘Trio Kings’ comprising Anthony-Nelson-Conception, boldly spoke against the former MGP government’s policies but never named or defamed any politician. They stayed within their limits, unlike some tiatrists of today.”
Among those present at the event were chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Damodar Naik; Dalgado Konknni Akademi president, Premanand Lotlikar; DKA secretary, Vincy Quadros; former MLA, Uday Bhembre and tiatrists Connie M, Irene Cardozo, Mario Menezes, and Agnelo de Borim.