[From Left to Right]: Richie Dsilva (GAI Advisor), Rollyson Luis (GAI Sports Secretary), Milton Vaz (GAI President), Aldrin Rego (Arts & Cultural Secretary), Lawrence Camello (Writer & Director of Ek Khell), Milla Fernandes Hancock (Chairperson, Irish Goa Community), Ajoy Fernandes (GAI Honorary President), Aldrin Coutinho (GAI Attorney) and Cajie Dcosta (Social Secretary).
LONDON
Goan Tiatr demonstrated the strength, unity and talent of the Goan community in Ireland when the Goan Association Ireland recently presented the Tiatr ‘Ek Khell’, written and directed by Lawrence Camello, at KFRC, Kilnamanagh, attracting a large audience from Dublin and various counties across Ireland.
The production, which combined emotion, comedy, tragedy and suspense, kept the audience engaged until the final moments. The performers received warm appreciation for their professional performances, dedication and commitment to the production.
The success of ‘Ek Khell’ was the result of the collective efforts of the organising team and supporters of the Goan Association Ireland. Attorney Aldrin Coutinho, President Ajoy Fernandes, President Milton Vaz, Vice President Noel Sebastian D’Souza and Advisor Richie Dsilva provided leadership, coordination and support throughout the organisation and staging of the Tiatr.
The production also showcased the talents of Dublin’s Goan artistes and musicians. Framton led the band on keyboard, with Joel Misquita on drums and Edwino Augusto Lemos on bass guitar. Cajie D’Costa, Marina Vaz, Maria D’Costa, Comedian Dorothy, Rosario Fernandes and Meeta also contributed to the performance.
Cajie D’Costa hosted the programme, while Greg Carvalho handled the special-effects lighting. Leejoy Pereira served as sound engineer, with Dub AV providing sound and technical support. Aldrin Rego assisted with arrangements at the venue and coordinating the sale of tickets.
The Goan Association Ireland President Ajoy Fernandes thanked the audience for their enthusiastic support, which played an important role in the success of Ek Khell.
The Association expressed special appreciation to Divya, who led the Gen-Z team at the venue and contributed to ticket and certificate design and printing. Rollyson Luis supported ticket sales and provided snacks, while Venisa Alvares arranged snacks for the artistes, Rollyson and Lucy Luis arranged lunch, and Dorothy Camara provided dinner for the artistes.
Ajoy Fernandes provided shelter, food, refreshments, transport and logistical support, while he, along with Richie Dsilva, Maxwell Fernandes and Noel Sebastian D'Souza, assisted with transportation to and from Dublin Airport for the visiting Tiatrists.
The association acknowledged the donors and sponsors whose generosity helped make the event possible. Appreciation was also extended to all volunteers and supporters who contributed their time and effort behind the scenes.
A Housie session was also held during the interval, with a €200 cash prize awarded to the winner.
The Association now looks forward to its upcoming Knock Shrine pilgrimage, free Konkani musical show Songitachi Sanz and Christmas Mega Party, with plans to make the Christmas celebration even bigger with the continued support of the Goan community.
Irish Goa Community leader asks youth to preserve Goan culture in Ireland
Milla Hancock Fernandes, chairperson of the Irish Goa Community in Wicklow Ireland, has appealed to the younger generation to come forward and help maintain Goan culture, language, traditions and sense of community while living in Ireland.
In her address as chief guest, Milla praised the Goan Association for organising the event and said occasions like this give Goans the opportunity to meet one another, celebrate their heritage and keep the Goan community strong.
“I have been living in Ireland for 32 years, and I am married to an Irish person. Living away from Goa and being part of another culture has not always been easy. Keeping my Goan identity and culture alive while also becoming part of Irish life has sometimes been challenging,” said Milla.
“I believe that we can embrace a new culture without forgetting our own. We can be proud of being Irish or living in Ireland while at the same time remaining proud Goans.”
Stating that young Goans have such an important role to play, Milla said: “We cannot expect our culture to survive on its own. We have to make an effort. We have to teach our children Konkani, introduce them to our Goan traditions, encourage them to take part in community events and tell them about the history and values that have been passed down to us.”
Appealing to Goans to remain united, Milla said while differences of opinion are normal, it should not divide the Goan community.
“We must learn to sort out our differences peacefully, with respect, understanding and compassion. At the end of the day, we are all part of one Goan family.”
“Let us remember what brings us together rather than focusing on what separates us. Let us support one another, celebrate one another’s achievements and help the younger generation feel proud of their Goan identity. Let us stay united, let us respect one another, and let us continue to be proud of being Goan,” she added.
