Imagine a world where drama meets music, where stories unfold in mesmerizing verses, and where entertainment transcends conventional boundaries. Welcome to the captivating realm of Tiatr, a unique form of dramatic art unlike any other. Often dubbed the “theatre of Goa,” Tiatr weaves together the art of storytelling, music, and songs, offering audiences an experience that’s both exhilarating and distinctive.
The Tiatr Experience
At the heart of Tiatr lies its distinctive structure. The plot of a Tiatr is divided into 6 or 7 parts, each known as a “Pordho.” Between these Pordhes, you’ll find enchanting songs called “Kantaram.” Picture this: at least 12 to 15 Kantaram grace a Tiatr, creating a rich and diverse musical landscape within a single performance. This unique blend of a central theme and multiple subplots sets Tiatr apart from traditional drama forms.
The Birth of Tiatr
The word “Tiatr” itself has an intriguing origin. It’s believed to have evolved from the Portuguese word “TEATRO,” meaning theatre. Initially, it was even written as “Teatro” and not “Tiatr.” Interestingly, some Tiatr writers with English backgrounds even spelt it as “THEATRE.” Only in the mid-1970s, when Kala Academy of Goa started hosting Tiatr Festivals, the term was Konkanized into “Tiatr.” Today, nearly every Tiatr artiste writes it as “Tiatr,” solidifying its unique Goan identity.
Cracking the Tiatr Code
If you dissect the structure of a Tiatr, you’ll discover its core elements:
– a compelling storyline,
– captivating songs with melodious music,
– and humour interwoven into the play.
Additional elements like stage sets, light effects, background music, and acting contribute to the magic, but it’s the delicate balance of these ingredients that makes a Tiatr truly outstanding.
Inception and Evolution
Tiatr made its debut almost 119 years ago, in 1892, not in Goa but in neighbouring Bombay, now Mumbai. Lucazinho Ribeiro, a young man from Assagao in Goa, is often hailed as the innovator of Tiatr. Alongside Joao Agostinho Fernandes and others, he staged the first-ever Tiatr performance, “Italian Bhurgo,” during Easter on 17th April, 1892. Ribeiro’s ingenious idea was to include songs in front of the curtain while the stage was set behind it. This innovative format became known as “Tiatr.”
However, it was Joao Agostinho Fernandes from Margao, Salcete, who elevated Tiatr to new heights. He wrote and directed numerous Tiatrs, even publishing his scripts over a century ago. Reverently known as the ‘Father of Tiatr,’ Fernandes played a pivotal role in shaping the Tiatr stage.
Why Tiatr?
You might wonder why this unique dramatic form came into existence. Before Tiatr, Goa’s entertainment landscape was dominated by folk dramatic forms like Zagor and Khell. Zagor thrived in the north of Goa, while Khell, also known as Fell, was popular in the south. However, these traditional forms slowly lost their charm due to the introduction of vulgarity and lowbrow humour. Educated audiences turned away, and this decline prompted the need for a fresh form of entertainment.
Tiatr, however, is not a folk drama. It falls outside the category of traditional art passed down through generations. Instead, it was born under the influence of contemporary European theatre. The first Tiatrs were adaptations of world classics like ‘Alladin,’ ‘Ali Baba,’ and ‘Carlos Magno,’ brought to life in the Konkani language. Tiatr’s musical ensemble featured instruments like the violin, banjo, trumpet, and drum, with skilled musicians who read and wrote musical scores. This marked a stark departure from rustic musical instruments and unrefined music.
A Unique Theatrical Fusion
In essence, Tiatr is a product of modern theatre, a fusion of contemporary prose and music of its time. While it draws inspiration from European theatre, it has evolved into a unique and thriving art form with a distinct Goan flavour.
So, the next time you find yourself in Goa, consider experiencing a Tiatr. It’s not just a play; it’s a journey through history, music, and storytelling wrapped in the vibrant culture of this coastal paradise. Tiatr offers an entertainment experience like no other, where drama and music blend seamlessly to create something truly extraordinary.
Head to – https://oneboard.app/goa/goan-tiatr to find out where the next set of Tiatrs is being staged.