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Way back in the 80s and 90s, Kala Academy in the capital city of Panjim was the only auditorium in existence with state-of-the-art facilities. No other city in the tiny state of Goa had a full-fledged auditorium which could cater to the entertainment needs of the masses.
And, Goa being a State rich in art and culture, there was an urgent need for at least one auditorium in each city of the State.
BEYOND PANJIM
As the years passed by, proposals came up for the construction of auditoriums in other cities, besides Panjim.
Plans were chalked out, a financial estimate was laid down on the table, and after final approval by the concerned authorities, including the chief minister and art and culture minister, the green signal was given for the construction of more auditoriums in Goa.
Meanwhile, tiatrs, Konkani and Marathi nattaks were staged mostly in the villages – near the church squares or in the vicinity of temples – for the purpose of entertaining the village communities. These places were the only platforms for enactment of plays, songs and dances.
Meanwhile, tiatrs, Konkani and Marathi nattaks were staged mostly in the villages – near the church squares or in the vicinity of temples – for the purpose of entertaining the village communities. These places were the only platforms for enactment of plays, songs and dances.
After the new Ravindra Bhavan was inaugurated in Margao in 2016, it was well-accepted as the main hub for entertainment. And, the need for more Ravindra Bhavans in other cities as well was voiced by the concerned authorities, with proposals immediately being accepted and approved.
Apart from Margao, the commercial capital of Goa, we have Ravindra Bhavans in Vasco and Curchorem, today. Tiatrs and other cultural programmes are held at these venues on a regular basis.
There is an urgent need for a Ravindra Bhavan in Mapusa city since the decades-old Hanuman Theatre, in the heart of the city, is still being utilised for cultural performances.
However, it is in a pathetic state in terms of non-functioning air-conditioners, small stage, and small seating capacity – as a result of which, audiences prefer to stay away from it.
But, with no other option to cater to the needs of North Goa’s tiatr lovers, the tiatr directors are forced to stage their shows there time and again. And on most occasions, due to the presence of very small crowds in the auditorium, the directors end up to making big losses.
With no other option to cater to the needs of North Goa’s tiatr lovers, the tiatr directors are forced to stage their shows there time and again. And on most occasions, due to the presence of very small crowds in the auditorium, the directors end up to making big losses.
Another Ravindra Bhavan in Canacona is due for inauguration shortly. Its presence was the need of the hour as most of the people from the extreme south were forced to travel all the way from Canacona to Margao to enjoy entertainment and shows.
Ravindra Bhavans with state-of-the-art facilities also need to be erected in places like Candolim and Pernem. Right now, private halls meant for weddings and ceremonious occasions are utilised for staging of tiatrs in Candolim and Arambol.
Of late, several tiatrs have been staged at the above two venues and the response from the audience has been overwhelming. Although the seating capacity is small, tiatr directors are happy to present their tiatrs at these venues since tiatr-viewers have no traditional entertainment in their respective areas.
Unfortunately, it is sad to note that after the inauguration of Ravindra Bhavans in various location with state-of-the-art facilities, the maintenance works have taken a backseat.
There is no accountability of the damages and losses, and closure for repairs leads to indefinite regular shutdowns, depriving the local populace of entertainment.
