KIMBERLY COLACO
During this time and age when entertainment revolves around social media reels and Netflix and chill, there is a section of the younger generation that prefers to hold on to their roots and stick to the tiatr, even taking it up as a profession. From singers to actors; there are newbies stepping onto the Konkani and becoming one with the tiatr fraternity.
STARTING EARLY HELPS
Take 26-year-old, Sonali Sandeep Naik, a teacher from Sancoale who started her stage career when she was as young as 10, when she participated in a school programme.
Today, she plays a school girl for comedian Domnic’s play Flying Kiss. “I credit all my success to my mother who pushed me to get here. Many are surprised how I get my Catholic Goan accent, that’s because most of my neighbours are Catholics and speak Konkani. But when I’m back home, I speak the Goan Hindu accent.”
FAME AND FORTUNE
Being a professional emcee, 23-year-old Rioma Menezes has to juggle between her love for being on stage and hosting events. Known for her singing ability, she says, “I go singing with many directors and this has led to a lot of fame and you can earn well too. A newbie artiste can earn as much as Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 a month, if there are shows booked daily. While senior artistes can earn around Rs 50,000 a month if there are daily shows. Along with the fortune you earn, you can also get famous. That is much better than a private job, where you earn less,” giggles Rioma.
She adds, “The scripts need to evolve a bit, this could be a reason why many youngsters avoid attending tiatrs. However, there are many new faces seen as there are tiatr competitions now being held at the school level.”
FEELING A SECURE CONCERN
When your young kid comes home late, parents are usually concerned and this is what 20-year-old Jenifer Fernando’s mother was going through.
“Recently, we had a show and we were looking for a hero, but couldn’t find one. That was mostly because the parents didn’t want to send their kids. The only way this traditional art form will be kept alive is by sending younger generations for tiatrs,” says WHO.