Playwright, lyricist and composer passes away at 86; Goa pays tribute
MARGAO
Konkani tiatr fraternity lost one of its most celebrated and respected figures on Friday with the passing away of veteran playwright, director, lyricist and composer Patrocicio ‘Patrick’ Dourado at the age of 86.
Known for his immense contribution to Konkani theatre spanning over six decades, Dourado’s demise has sent waves of grief across Goa’s cultural circles.
Tiatrists, writers, musicians and theatre lovers remembered him as a pioneering artiste whose work helped shape and elevate the standards of tiatr.
Born on June 23, 1939, in Benaulim, Dourado rose from a humble background to become one of the finest names in the tiatr world. His entry into theatre began in 1957 when, at just 18 years of age, he staged his first tiatr Nagounnechi Girestkai during the chapel feast at Pedda-Benaulim. The production received wide appreciation and laid the foundation for a remarkable theatrical journey.
Over the years, Dourado scripted more than 100 tiatrs and khell-tiatrs, many of which became popular among Konkani audiences. His works, including Vodilunchem Utor, Zolmachem Ghor, Caitan Amcho Xezari, Ghatki Bhoinn, Ostori and Mira, reflected social realities and carried strong emotional and moral themes.
Apart from writing and directing, Dourado also earned acclaim as a lyricist and composer. He penned hundreds of songs and cantos and worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter and ghost composer for several tiatrs and audio productions.
He was widely admired for his storytelling abilities and dedication to preserving the essence of traditional Konkani theatre.
Dourado also experimented with innovative concepts on stage and directed productions featuring all-female casts, a bold initiative during his time. His contribution to Konkani arts earned him recognition from several cultural organisations and institutions, including Kala Academy Goa and Dalgado Konknni Akademi. In 2008, he was honoured with the Goa Government’s State Cultural Award.
Paying tribute to the late artiste, Anthony Barbosa, President of Tiatr Academy of Goa, said the tiatr fraternity had lost a legend whose contribution would remain unforgettable. “He was really a legend who worked hard to take the standard of tiatr to the highest level. Artistes like him are difficult to be born again,” Barbosa stated.
Meanwhile, Arnaldo D’Costa, President of Goan Konknni Non-Stop Tiatrist Ani Tiatristanchi Sonstha, also condoled Dourado’s death and described him as a dedicated artiste whose lifelong service to tiatr would continue to inspire generations to come.
