Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has reportedly announced that the state government is actively working towards securing national-level recognition for tiatr, Goa’s popular and deeply-rooted theatrical art form. It is a fact that tiatr has already made its mark in 28 countries across the globe. It may be recalled that South Goa Member of Parliament, Captain Viriato Fernandes, had called for the recognition of tiatr by UNESCO as a cultural and heritage treasure. Speaking during the zero hour in Parliament recently, Fernandes urged the Ministry of Culture to establish a task force in collaboration with the Government of Goa and members of the tiatr community to facilitate the process of securing UNESCO inscription for tiatr. While these steps are most welcome by tiatr lovers, it must be said that the grassroots of the tiatr art form which are ‘khell tiatr’ and ‘zomnivoilo khell’, which is performed during village feasts and occasions like Carnival, also need a boost as they have historical importance. The state government needs to financially support the ‘khell tiatrs’ and ‘zomnivoilo khell’. It is necessary to preserve the traditional folk drama by boosting local talent.
