The Tiatr Academy of Goa honoured three senior artists;Aniceto Rodrigues, Surendra D Rankale alias Babu, and Marcelina D’Costa aliasCelina, at the hands of Francis D’ Souza, Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, fortheir immense contribution to the Khell and Khell Tiatrs over the years at aspecial function held at the Conference Hall of the Ravindra Bhavan Margao, onOctober 24. It was the birth Anniversary celebration of late Rosario Rodrigues,the ‘Promoter of Khell Tiatrs’. Shri Joe de Cavelossim, a senior Khell Tiatrartist graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Aniceto Rodrigues, hailing from Benaulim in Salcette beganhis acting career in Khell Tiatrs at a young age of 16 years. Beginning withAnton Moraes he later went on to act for all the top playwrights of the ‘Khelland Khell Tiatr’ segment. Marcelina D’Costa who was known as Celina on theKonkani stage made her debut on the ‘Khell’ segment with playwright VitorinoPereira and performed for all the top playwrights of her time. She was earlieralso bestowed the Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award 2005 by the Kala Academyof Goa. Surendra D Rankale alias Babu is a popular name on the Konkani stage.He served the stage as a professional ‘Prompter’ at a time when the prompterwas an essential part of the ‘Khell or Khell Tiatr’ troupe.
The Chief Guest, Francis D’ Souza, showered immense praiseon the TAG for honouring the senior artists of the ‘Khell/Khell Tiatr’ segmentwho have rendered their lifetime contribution to the Konkani stage. He said,“It is nice to be recognised for the work one does, and it is also importantthat the society recognises the efforts and the hard work of such individuals.Tiatrists work hard to preserve our Konkani language and identity through themedium of tiatr, our people should also supplement their efforts by supportingthem.” He also said that the Government would support the TAG financially inall its endeavours to further develop Goan tiatr which has a mass appeal.
Mrs Carmina Rodrguies the widow of late Rosario Rodrigueswho was present at the ceremony was felicitated by the Chief Guest andpresented with a memento. Prince Jacob president of TAG welcomed the impressivegathering and spoke briefly on the contribution of late Rosario Rodrigues tothe Khell and Khell Tiatrs. Joe Rose Vice president of TAG later proposed theVote of thanks. A short entertainment programme of songs and comedy skits byComedian Agostinho was held on the occasion.
