Bishop Simião Fernandes Inaugurates International Seminar on Tiatr, Calls for Its Preservation

GOA, 28 March, 2025 – Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, inaugurated the International Seminar on Tiatr at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, highlighting the need to preserve this unique Goan theatre tradition. Jointly organised by St. Xavier’s College and the Tiatr Academy of Goa, the seminar focused on the theme "Echoes from the Past, Voices of Today."

In his address, Bishop Simião underscored tiatr’s role in cultural preservation and artistic expression. “Tiatr encourages critical thinking, fosters creativity, and safeguards our values and heritage,” he said. He also credited his former teacher, Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, for instilling in him a deep appreciation for the art form.

The seminar opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by eminent guests including tiatr researcher Prof. Kyoko Matsukawa from Japan, Fr. Tony Salema, Anthony Barbosa (President, Tiatr Academy of Goa), Marcos Gonsalves (TAG Vice President), and Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo (Acting Principal, St. Xavier’s College).

Prof. Melo proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between St. Xavier’s College and the Tiatr Academy of Goa to promote research and awareness. TAG Vice President Marcos Gonsalves welcomed the idea and announced the launch of a Research Journal on Tiatr.

Delivering the keynote address, Fausto D’Costa, Editor of GULAB and a tiatr researcher, stressed the need for systematic documentation to preserve tiatr’s authenticity. He also advocated for constructive criticism to help tiatr evolve while warning against excessive commercialisation.

Encouraged by growing youth participation in tiatr competitions, he expressed optimism about its future.

The seminar featured two academic sessions. The first, chaired by veteran tiatrist Tomazinho Cardozo, included:

Prof. Cosma Fernandes on “Goan Identity through Tiatr and Kantaram.”

Dr. Fr. Luis Gomes on “Societal Reflections in Tomazinho Cardozo’s Works.”

Prof. Anija Shirodkar on “European Influences on Goan Tiatr.”

Prof. Remy Dias on a comparative analysis of Tandllanchem Kestanv and Rice Problem in Goa.

The second session, chaired by tiatrist Wilson Mazarelo, explored evolving trends:

Dharma Chodankar on Prince Jacob’s contributions to tiatr.

Silvester Vaz on folk values in tiatr.

Fr. Roman Rodrigues comparing competition and commercial tiatr.

Chiara Valosha Miranda on music in political dissent.

At the valedictory function, Prince Jacob urged young artists to explore tiatr as a professional career, stressing that it offers financial sustainability. He called for a structured approach to competition tiatr to uphold artistic integrity.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dharma Chodankar, while Seminarian Nigel Pereira anchored the proceedings.

This seminar re affirmed tiatr’s significance as a cultural and artistic legacy, highlighting the need for preservation, research, and innovation.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso, OCD.