Sincethe inception of tiatr, on 17thApril, 1892, i.e 128 years ago, the role of a woman was doned exclusively by males. Woman dared not venture on any suchpublic platform for fear of social stigma and ostracisation from society.
Itwas Joao Agostinho Fernandes (b 14.12.1871 d 29.08.1947)the Father of Tiatr, who broke this tradition. He got his first wife Regina ( b 16.11.1880 d 20.12.1908 ) a native of Raia, Salcette,Goa just 24 years of age. to act onstage, in his own tiatr –Bhatkara- onthis red letter day 22ndNovember, 1904 Unfortunately she died young, at barely 28 yrsof age. Hencetiatr artists owe a homage to the memory of this great lady who broke the social taboos and thereby provided females an opportunity on tiatrstage. The feast of St. Cecilia the Patron St of Tiatrist is also beingcelebrated on this day. Onecan visit her matrimonial house – now –the over 150 years modest HOUSE OFPAI TIATRIST – Joao Agostinho Fernandes – behind Holy Spirit Church, Modsai,Margao, Goa, India wherein Joao Agostinho Fernandes’ second wife viz the sister ofRegina also lived . TheHouse is open to public for viewing and interaction, with the present soleoccupant the grand-daughter Sharmila Fernandes and her two teenaged childrenSonali and Sannil Satish Sawant live. GODFREY J I GONSALVES cyber journo,social activist,St Joaquim Rd., Borda, Margao Goa INDIA +91 9822158584
