Rama (playwright)

L.C.D. Braganza (), known mononymously as Rama, was an early 20th-century Goan playwright known for his work in '' tiatr'' productions. His popular ''tiatr Maurice and Juliana vo A Real Love Story'' (1910) had a significant impact on Saib Rocha, an early Konkani playwright, who later became a leading producer and director in the Konkani theater scene. Braganza, along with a few other ''tiatrists'' (''tiatr'' performers) such as Karachiwala, F. X. Fernandes Douglas, Rogaciano D'Souza, and Affonceka, played a crucial role in strengthening the foundation of Konkani ''tiatr'' during the 20th century.

Originally from Morjim, Goa, Braganza relocated to Bombay during British India. He then began staging several ''tiatrs'' from around 1908 onwards. Two years later, he shot to fame with his ''tiatr Maurice and Juliana vo A Real Love Story'' in 1910, which featured actors like Affonceka, who made his debut in the ''tiatr'' with a small role as a servant, which contributed to his early success on the Konkani stage. To date, very little information exists about Braganza. The first information about him was written by Konkani historian and singer Wilson Mazarello in his book ''100 Years of Tiatro'' in 2000. The second was by Goa University professor André Raphael Fernandes, who included Braganza among the list of ''tiatr'' personalities in 2010. A little more about Braganza's place of origin and his place of residence was uncovered by writer Fausto V. da Costa in the book ''TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume'' (2019).

Career

Fausto V. da Costa, in the book ''TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume'', discusses the artistic contributions of Braganza, a figure in the realm of '' tiatr'', a popular form of Goan musical theater. From approximately 1908 onwards, Braganza began staging his own ''tiatrs'' in Bombay (now Mumbai). Among his various works, one production that brought him acclaim was ''Maurice and Juliana vo A Real Love Story'', which premiered in Bombay in 1910. Wilson Mazarello, a Konkani historian and singer, explains in his book ''100 Years of Konkani Tiatro'' that it was during one of Braganza's ''tiatrs'' in Bombay that a young 12 year old Goan boy named A. J. Rocha (also known as Saib Rocha) had a transformative experience. Rocha, who had traveled to Bombay for further studies, was in the audience and this particular ''tiatr'' likely played a pivotal role in shaping his career as a prominent playwright, director, producer, and administrator in the world of Konkani ''tiatrs''. Rocha eventually became a leading figure in the production and direction of Konkani ''tiatrs''. ''Maurice and Juliana vo A Real Love Story'' featured a notable cast, including Affonceka (Assis João Avelino Afonso), an early Konkani actor and playwright, who portrayed the character of Ramis, a servant.

Personal life

There is limited information available regarding Braganza's personal life. He hailed from Morjim, a census town located in the Pernem taluka of Goa, which was a part of Portuguese India during the era of the Portuguese Empire (now situated in India). According to da Costa's ''TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume'' (2019), Braganza resided on Colaba Island in Bombay, which was under British control at that time. Braganza was married to an unidentified woman who was engaged in the Konkani stage. She directed her husband's theatrical production ''Maurice and Juliana vo A Real Love Story'' in 1910.

Selected stage works

Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rama
19th-century births
20th-century deaths
Tiatrists
Writers from Goa
Goan people
People from Mumbai
Writers from British India
People from Portuguese India
Dramatists and playwrights from Goa
People from Bombay Presidency
Emigrants from Portuguese India to British India