1943 saw the birth of yet another rising star of Konkani stage.
Francis Fernandes, popularly known as Francis de Verna, set his feet on the Stage at the age of 15 in Bombay (now Mumbai). While many of today’s dramatists made an early start by acting and singing in other director’s
tiatrs, Francis made a humble beginning by writing small plays for the school functions. A student of Dr. Antonio D’ Silva College and St. Michael Night High School, Francis tried his hand at composing Konkani songs- something which came to him naturally. Although blessed with a good voice and natural acting talent, Francis found it difficult to gain an entry in the tiatr world, especially in Bombay where every struggling artiste would be screened thoroughly unless patronised by a known artiste or relative. Amateur at his work, Francis watched some of the leading personalities
perform on Konkani Stage. He kept a low profile amassing rich knowledge, experience and techniques of this lovely form of art all aimed towards realising one dream: performing on the Konkani Stage.
Francis’ first break on the professional stage came through “Doth” a play staged by Romald Fernandes from Vasco. By now a charming man, with an impeccable personality, more importantly who could act and sing, Francis landed up with the main role opposite Jessie Dias followed by “Put Goenche”. But the most important moment in his life came through ”Churchureanchem Kazar” presented by Alfred Rose (written by Reginald Fernandes) since this was staged at Princess Theatre, Bhangwadi Bombay. Then followed main and character roles in “Zogzogta titlem Bhangar Nhoim” by Rico Rod, “Bhailecho Adar” jointly directed by Rico Rod & M. Boyer, ”Kakut” by Prem Kumar, “Ekvottachem Foll” by H. Britton, “Angounnechi Okol - Lakhpoti Nouro” by Alfred Rose and a negative character in “Vigans” by Peter V. Fernandes.
Francis does not have a count for the innumerable songs he has sung in the tiatrs and the roles he has performed in other tiatrs during his stay in Bombay. However, he had a distinct privilege of working with the legend and melody King Alfred Rose. ”It was Alfi (lovingly for Alfred Rose) who
encouraged and promoted me to sing on the stage” Francis continued to tell us “He also gave me a chance to do background singing in English and Konkani for HMV”. Fully inspired, Francis also sang an English song “ I have fallen in love” on the Bhangwadi Stage.
He reminisces with fondness his work with Souza Ferrao, Anthony D’ Sa, Cecilia Machado, Robin Vaz, Alfred Rose, Rita Rose, Succorine, Prem Kumar, Benny de Aldona, Xavier Gomes, Tony Call, Mendes Bros, H. Britton, Carmo Rod, Leo De Mello, Diogo Cardozo, Jessie Dias and many other leading personalities of the stage. He was not lucky to work with his idol, C. Alvares.
He staged his tiatr “Khoro Ixtt” in 1968 in Bombay, 1973 in Kuwait and 1990 in Goa. He also produced an audio album “Ojeapanchi Maim” a token of his deep devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. He has plans to produce another audio CD shortly.
Francis continues to take part is tiatrs staged in Kuwait. A man of few words and quiet disposition, Francis humbly requests the younger generations of Tiatrists to be dedicated to this form of art and work in unity to promote Konkani language.
Augusto & Gracy Morais Ribandar-Goa (Kuwait)
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