MARGAO
Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) President Anthony Barbosa on Sunday said tiatr would receive a major boost if Goa’s popular art form gets recognition from UNESCO.
Addressing Konkani stage artistes after paying homage to Pai Tiatrist, Joao Agustinho Fernandes, on his 154th birth anniversary at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Barbosa said UNESCO recognition would open the door to financial assistance from the Centre.
At present, tiatr receives support only from the Goa government.
He added that central funding could also make facilities like the Pai Tiatrist Hall available free of cost for tiatr performances.
Paying tribute to Pai Tiatrist, Barbosa said the Goa government continues to support the promotion of tiatr. He also expressed satisfaction that tiatr shows this season were staged without vulgar content, and thanked tiatrists and directors for providing clean entertainment.
Barbosa thanked Ravindra Bhavan chairman Rajendra Talak for completing the renovation work of the hall on time.
Speaking on the occasion, Talak said Ravindra Bhavan remembers Pai Tiatrist every year as a mark of respect for his pioneering contribution to tiatr.
He said remembering great personalities gives strength to carry work forward, and expressed happiness over the large turnout of tiatrists at this year’s programme.
Talak also thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, BJP president Damu Naik, and the tiatr fraternity for their support in completing the renovation work on time.
Pai Tiatrist’s granddaughter Sharmila Fernandes thanked Ravindra Bhavan, chairman Rajendra Talak, and Konkani stage artistes for paying tribute to her grandfather on his birth anniversary.
