MARGAO
A confrontation took place on Wednesday between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, led by MLA Venzy Viegas, and Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Rajendra Talak over the ongoing closure of the Pai Tiatrist Hall and the Black Box theatre to the public.
The AAP delegation arrived at Ravindra Bhavan only to find Talak conducting an executive committee meeting inside the Black Box, which has been declared off-limits due to safety concerns. This led Venzy Viegas to question how the chairman could hold a meeting in a facility deemed unsafe for public use.
Talak clarified that while the Public Works Department (PWD) had officially declared only the main auditorium unsafe, the Black Box was closed as a precautionary measure. This explanation did not satisfy Venzy, who challenged how the hall could be unsafe for public gatherings but still used for meetings.
Venzy told the media that AAP members and tiatr artists had come to discuss the impact of the closures, especially as many shows were advertised and tickets sold before the halls were shut down. He demanded better accommodation for the affected tiatrists and called for an investigation into the false ceiling collapse that caused the closures. “We will write to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the matter. We cannot allow a repeat of what happened at Kala Academy,” Venzy remarked.
Can't compensate tiatrists: Talak
Meanwhile, Talak stated that the institution lacks the authority to compensate tiatrists for their losses due to the closure. However, he offered tiatr producers and directors the option of refunds or priority booking for shows once repairs are completed.
Talak also said he would consult with tiatrists on whether Ravindra Bhavan could undertake alternative tiatr-related activities during the false ceiling repairs. Discussions will also be held regarding allocation of additional space for ticket sales within the complex.
He reiterated that any compensation claims would have to be directed to the Tiatr Academy of Goa or the government, as the management has no power in this regard.
After Tuesday’s Executive Committee meeting, Talak said the PWD had been urged to expedite work estimates. The committee also decided to approach Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with MLA Digambar Kamat and BJP State President Damu Naik, to seek urgent financial sanction for the repairs.
