Even beforethe advent of National Women’s Day 28thFebruary 1909, the “tiatr” stage witnessed on 22nd November, 1904 aperformance by a woman Regina Fernandes (b:16.11.1880 – 20.12.1908) wife of Joao Agostinho Fernandes (Father of “tiatr”).acted in a play “Battcara”written and directed by him. This marked the beginning for woman to venture on stage –on public platform - which owing tosocial circumstances was then taboo. Only males would perform the role of woman earlier. Today 115later few in the “tiatr” fraternity commemorate this day in memory ofthe trend setter . A mention of this auspices occasion at the commencement of "tiatr" shows today would have sufficed No doubt her birth day 16th November, is celebrated by the Govt of Goa -Tiatr Academy of Goa ever since its formation. For those interested in the history of “ tiatr “ a visit to their modest over160 years old house Behind Holy Spirit Church/Institute Modsai Margao Goa India would provide a peak intothe circumstances how tiatrist of yesteryears performed this art " tiatr " (now 125 years old) in humble settings .
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, cyber journo social activist Rua Sao Joaquim BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 hrs) gonsalvesgodfre...@yahoo.co.in
