By Bro John Malvino Alfonso OCD and pictures by Pio Esteves –
Goa: Goan catholic girls have been playing various musical instruments including wind instruments along with the renowned musicians in live bands in Tiatr.
Tiatr, a type of musical theatre popular in the state of Goa , which revolves around social, religious, and political themes, has a history of 131 years. It is considered to be a mirror of Goan culture. The music for the songs included in tiatr is provided by a live band which includes keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, bass guitar and drums.
This time it is in Sammy Tavares Tiatr – Tumich Mhaka Sangat, four young girls playing for the live band along with their maestro Norman Cardozo, one of the well-known musicians of Goa. Madonna Fernandes on the saxophone, Jeslyn Rodrigues playing trumpet, Fevila Fernandes on the drums and Stacy D’Cruz on the Bass Guitar, captivated the tiatr audience.
‘Italian Bhurgo’ was the first tiatr staged on 17th April 1892 by Lucasinho Ribeiro. Way back in 1973, C Alvares staged a tiatr “Khuincho Sacrament, with only women acting in it. In the year 2013, Colva-based tiatr writer Wilma Pacheco, directed her tiatr, ‘Atam tori Chintat” with all women cast and crew including all-girl music band. Fevila Fernandes, was one of the members of the all-girl music band in Wilma Pacheco’s tiatr in 2013.
Now, it is in Sammy Tavares’ tiatr, all- girl music band accompanied by musician Norman Cardozo that enraptured the tiatr lovers.
“When maestro Norman disclosed his plan to introduce all-girl music band in my tiatr, I thought over his plan and knowing his capabilities to train the youngsters, I accepted his idea,” said Sammy Tavares, writer and director of the tiatr, Tumich Mhaka Sangat. Sammy Tavares was the Superintendent of Police of Goa Police Department, retired in October 2022. “I was a bit apprehensive after the final rehearsal, but very much satisfied after the performance of the first show,” said Sammy. “We need to encourage our youngsters and give them a platform to perform,” Tavares said.
Stacy (bass guitar), Fevila (drums), Jeslyn (trumpet) and Madonna (Saxophone)It is heartening to know that many youngsters (boys and girls) are learning musical instruments with all enthusiasm. The Goan musicians at the parish music schools, Kala Academy, or at different music schools train them. Most of the parents also want their child to learn music and contribute in this field.
Hailing from Sanvordem, Jeslyn Rodrigues, who plays trumpet in this tiatr is a student of Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School, Curchorem. She is a grand daughter of prominent drummer Abdonio Rodrigues from Goa.
“Music has been in my family. My great grandfather Diago Rodrigues was a mestri (choirmaster) in Guardian Angel Church. My Grandfather Abdonio Rodrigues was a well-known drummer in Goa and his brothers Johnny and Arcanjo Rodrigues used to play the alto and tenor saxophone and Gaspar Rodrigues, a trumpeter. My father Savio is also a musician, plays trumpet and drums,” said Jeslyn while recalling the contribution made by her family in the field of music.
Inspired by her Father, Jeslyn used to blow the trumpet, when she was a little girl. She took training from Jerome Rodrigues (Paroda), whom she considers as her model and inspiration. She played trumpet for Comedian Dominic’s two tiatr- ‘Sunneachi Xempddi Vankddi ti Vankddi’ and ‘ Morchea Adim Jiye’.
“For the first show, I was not feeling uneasy as I have already played in many tiatr but always as the second trumpet. Playing the lead instrument in this tiatr was a very great experience for me,” Jeslyn shared her experience. “If the youngsters, especially girls, like music, they should learn it and contribute for tiatr or anywhere in the music field,” opined Jeslyn.
Teacher by profession, Madonna Fernandes who plays Alto Saxaphone in the tiatr said that the youngsters should try playing wind instruments along with the other instruments. “ Overcome stage fear and take constructive criticism for their own benefit. Don’t hide God-given talents,” advises Madonna to the youngsters.
Hailing from Santacruz, Goa, Madonna answered five grades in violin, solfeggio, theory in Kala Academy, Goa. She also had one year of voice training at Kala Academy. She has her own YouTube channel. This is the first time, she performed as a musician in the commercial tiatr. She has acted in Willy Silveira’s Lenten Show, “Kor mhojem kalliz Tujea Kallza Sarkem.” She also plays the violin. She has taken training from a renowned musician of Goa, the Late Maestro Luis Cota for trumpet, but difficulty in blowing the instrument made her switch over to saxophone. She said: “ Travelling is my only problem since I am travelling from north and mostly the shows of the tiatr are held in south otherwise I enjoy playing for tiatrs with my co-musicians.”
Fevila Fernandes, who plays drums in this tiatr is from Paroda, began playing drums at the age of 10. She also plays bass guitar and saxophone. “Music has been my passion. When it comes to drumming, it’s my natural talent,” says Fevila who inherited music talent from her Father, Mr. Bikru Fernandes, popularly known as Francis in the field of tiatr.
“My greatest inspiration is my brother Fedrich Fernandes who also plays drums. His drum rolls amazed me, so I showed interest in drumming,” says Fevila, who is a graduate of Arts (Psychology). Tony from Majorda trained her for bass guitar. She took online classes for saxophone from Rui Lobo from Panjim . She is doing her 5th grade and theory with Jerome Rodriguez. Watching the YouTube videos of Prof. Abimael Costa, a prominent musician, she learnt musical notations.
“It was a joyful experience after the first show of this tiatr, as all the artists and the audience were amazed by our performance,” says Fevila. Her other three companions also echoed the same sentiments of their first performance.
She played drums, alto Saxophone and bass Guitar in many professional tiatr, Kala Academy Goa’s Tiatr competitions and other musical shows.
“Goa government should have Goa women Police Band. So that many Goan girls will get a platform to showcase their musical talents and thus make their career in music,” says Fevila, expressing concern over the opportunities to make a career in music.
“From childhood, I was passionate about music, Art and Creativity – maybe it’s singing, playing and trying out different instruments, photography, etc.,” said Stacy D’Cruz , who plays Bass Guitar in the tiatr.
She composes songs and uploads them on her Youtube Channel. Hailing from Siroda, Stacy was inspired to play guitar by listening to Goan as well as Western music. “ I showed interest in bass guitar when I saw bassist Colin D’cruz playing jazz music since that genre had a new feeling and different vibe for me to learn and explore bass Guitar,” said Stacy, a graduate in Commerce (Accounts) .
“My all-time favourite singer, Ms. Lorna Cordeiro – Nightingale of Goa, and her songs are incredibly motivating. I had always hoped to meet our legend Ms. Lorna at least once in my lifetime and, if possible, perform or play Guitar with her,” said Stacy.
“Tiatr is our traditional form of art and we have grown up through this culture as Goans. That’s how I was curious and interested to play for tiatr as bassist and I used to love that sound of notes hitting on the bass which gives an energy to band,” Stacy stated.
Speaking about the challenges faced, Stacy said: “Being a self-taught guitarist, initially I faced a lot of rejections and also people’s criticism. Apart from this, balancing between Music, Work and personal life, time management was little challenging but now I am used to it.
“But I never gave up and with God’s grace I have got so many blessings, love and support and I will continue to make good use of it,” said Stacy, who also played guitar for Church choir, village dramas and professional tiatr.
“Music is my passion so as guitarist/bassist/artist I would love to continue to excel myself in this profession and I am always open for more opportunities,” said Stacy.
“It is essential that we encourage our young minds to contribute to Goa’s legacy and tiatr in order to preserve our traditions and pass down our legacy to future generations,” said Stacy.
Recalling their experiences of performing in this drama, they said: “As a girls band, we were all harmonizing so well with one another, appreciating and admiring one another’s work. It’s great to be part of this girls band.”
They are indebted to Norman Cardozo, their mentor for guiding them and Sammy Tavares for giving them an opportunity in his tiatr. They are grateful to their parents and the audience for their support and appreciation.
“I have always supported the young talents in music. I was aware about the girls playing musical instruments including wind instruments in tiatr. When Director Sammy Tavares contacted me for the music, I thought of doing something different. So, I decided to prepare for them for the ongoing tiatr of Sammy Tavares- Tumich Mhaka Sangat.” Said Maestro Norman Cardozo who played keyboards along with them.
“They are very cooperative, enthusiastic, and dedicated youngsters,” said Norman. He was happy to train them and accompany them in tiatr. “But the credit goes to the musician who trained them, when they played along with the renowned male musicians in the tiatr,” said Norman.