The closure of the Pai Tiatrist hall at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, has cast a shadow over this season of tiatr. The collapse of a false ceiling at the Pai Tiatrist hall and the Black Box have forced the management to shut the venue for tiatr and other socio-cultural programmes till the repairs are complete. The hall, which is a key venue for tiatrists, will now remain shut for an extended period with reopening not expected before September. The break would mean a huge setback to tiatrists who had already set their calendar and taken bookings.
While safety must always come first, it is crucial to examine the broader implications of this closure and the urgent need for a strategic, long-term solution. The current shutdown, likely until August-end or beyond, is not just an inconvenience; it is a cultural loss. To dismiss this situation as sabotage or deliberate neglect by the authorities may be unfair, but one has to look at the wider aspects. The tiatr fraternity, which has invested significant resources—time, money, and effort, very often faces the brunt of a situation that makes them feel irrelevant instead of a sense of belonging.
The Ravindra Bhavan hall has been repeatedly undergoing repairs. The closure during critical periods—like the run-up to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)—further compounds the problem, denying tiatrists their rightful space during festivals when cultural expression peaks.
Shifting shows to Gomant Vidya Niketan Hall is an interim arrangement that will keep the tiatr going, but that’s not the ideal scenario both in terms of capacity and economics.
Tiatr needs a stage which it can call its own. A tiatr bhavan, ideally located in Salcete must be considered going ahead. Infrastructure that allows tiatrs to be staged unhindered. Such an institution would safeguard the art form from bureaucratic delays, neglect, and structural hazards. Tiatr is an intrinsic part of Goa’s identity, with a rich history of reflecting social realities, humour, and tradition. It has survived numerous challenges over the decades and remains resilient. A permanent venue would provide a vital platform and allow producers the comfort of continuity, besides helping them to leverage costs.
Cut back to the issue at hand, Ravindra Bhavan Hall cuts out a sorry picture for now. We still cannot comprehend why authorities decided to time the repairs at this crucial time, knowing well that the monsoon is around the corner. Timely maintenance is indeed required, but there has to be proper planning so that tiatrists are not affected and their season is not hit. Last month, through this column, we mentioned that the timing of repairs may kill the tiatr season. Our worst fears have come true.
The annual closures during monsoon or pre-festival periods reflect an inconsistent policy that undermines the continuity of the tiatr. The prolonged closure of Ravindra Bhavan’s Pai Tiatrist hall is a stark reminder of the neglect faced by our cultural institutions and the lack of planning. Tiatr has endured because of the passion of its artists and the support of its audiences. It is time for the government to recognise its value and invest in a permanent venue that nurtures this art form. We must preserve our cultural legacy and ensure that tiatr continues to thrive for generations to come.
