João Agostinho Fernandes

João Agostinho Fernandes (14 December 1871 – 29 August 1947), popularly known as Pai Tiatrist (), was a Portuguese playwright, theatre actor, and former chemist. Referred to as the "Father of Konkani ''tiatr''", he is known for his contribution to the first ''tiatr'', '' Italian Bhurgo'' (). The play was first performed on 17 April 1892 in Bombay at the New Alfred Theatre, along with playwright Lucasinho Ribeiro, Caitaninho Fernandes, and Agostinho Mascarenhas.

Fernandes continued the ''tiatr'' tradition when his mentor Ribeiro quit being part of Konkani theatre during the early 20th century. Over a span of more than fifty years, he created 30 plays, with the majority being original works crafted by him, totaling 26, while the remaining four were adaptations from external sources.

Early life

João Agostinho Fernandes was born on 14 December 1871, in Margão, Portuguese Goa. His baptism took place a week later. His mother, Maria Francisca, was a native of Portuguese Macau, while his father, Conceiçao Fernandes, worked as a mariner. Initially, there was some confusion regarding his date of birth, as it was erroneously linked to his baptism on 21 December 1871. Fernandes received his primary education in the Portuguese language and initially pursued studies at the Rachol Seminary. However, he later opted to discontinue his education there and relocated to Bombay. In Bombay, he completed his matriculation at St. Xavier's School in Dhobitalao and subsequently secured employment as a chemist at Messrs Phillips and Company, where he gained experience over the course of several years.

Using his acquired knowledge, Fernandes began working with a Parsi individual, starting a business of importing pharmaceutical drugs from France. The establishment, named Shorabji Hormusji and Company, operated a drug store situated at Crawford Market, situated opposite the Jama Masjid. Fernandes's proficiency in the French language likely proved advantageous in facilitating business correspondence related to this enterprise. Unfortunately, he encountered treachery from his partner and consequently severed ties. Fernandes then sought new opportunities by joining Sequeira and Sons, another company operating in a similar field. However, the business faced a setback when the British Government of colonial India imposed a ban on the importation of drugs from France. As a result, Fernandes and his associate found themselves compelled to cease operations and close down their business.

Theatrical career

Fernandes achieved several milestones in his career. In 1908, he made history by becoming the first individual to record songs in the Konkani language when he collaborated with His Master's Voice. During this endeavor, his daughter Sophia accompanied him in the recording sessions. Recognizing the importance of preserving his theatrical works, Fernandes took proactive measures to publish his plays. In 1909, his play ''Batcara I'' (The Landlord I) was printed, and he further made available a printed album containing sixteen songs along with their musical notations. Continuing his creative journey, Fernandes published ''Batcara II'' on 13 June 1916. Subsequently, in January 1937, a compilation of three of his plays, namely ''Battkara'', ''Ven(eravel) Padr José Vaz'', and ''Dotichem Kestaum'', was released in a single volume.

Fernandes's dedication to his craft extended beyond these initial achievements. He meticulously planned the printing of several other theatrical works, categorized into distinct volumes. Among them, Volume Two encompassed ''Battcara Part II'', ''Bebddo'' (The Drunkard), ''Belle of Cavel'', and ''Pandurang Kusmonncar''. Volume Three included ''Geraldina'', ''Rukmibai'', ''Ranneanchem Traisaum'', and ''Paichi Dusri Bail''. Volume Four featured ''Vauraddi'' (The Labourer), ''Kunbi Jaki'', and ''Cazar Matarponnar''. In Volume Five, readers could explore ''Mozo Khapri Chakor'', ''Professor Leitaum'', and ''Bomboicho Telegrafist''. Fernandes also ventured into translating notable works, such as ''Dongui Voiz'' by Molière and ''Teg Zann Tubbokar'' by Alexander Dumas. Notably, Fernandes personally undertook the printing of ''Kunbi Jaki'', one of his most acclaimed plays, which showcased the lifestyle and capabilities of indigenous communities.

On 11 September 1941, Fernandes, perhaps motivated by the loss or theft of three of his plays, took measures to secure copyright protection for one of his works. In response, John Sargent, Esquire, M.A., C.I.E., a Joint secretary to the Government of India, Department of Education, Health and Lands in New Delhi, informed Fernandes on 25 September of the absence of a formal copyright registration system in British India. However, Sargent clarified that copyright protection was granted automatically under the provisions of the Indian Copyright Act of 1914. Fernandes's play, ''Kunbi Jaki'', has since been included in the publication ''Tiatrancho Jhelo'' by the Goa Konkani Akademi.

Impact as a hyperpolyglot

Fernandes's literary works in the Konkani language were significantly influenced by early studies in Portuguese. This influence had an impact on the syntax of Konkani used by him, resulting in a distinct lyrical and poetic quality in Fernandes's writing. The incorporation of a substantial number of Portuguese words into Konkani further contributed to the plays' historical charm. Fernandes demonstrated a conscientious approach to language evolution, updating the vocabulary in his works to reflect contemporary usage through revisions made over time.

Fernandes's proficiency in French enabled him to effectively employ the language in his early romantic comedies, exemplified in ''The Belle of Cavel''. In addition to Portuguese and French, he incorporated Hindustani and Latin into his dramas whenever the narrative demanded their usage, as seen in '' The Belle of Cavel'' and ''Kunbi Jakki'', respectively. Fernandes's mastery of English is evident in his plays, songs, and promotional material for the '' tiatrs''. Notably, in the composition of ''Rukmibhai'' (also known as ''Broken Promise'' or ''The Broken Heart'') in June 1926 in Margão, all stage directions were provided in English, highlighting his proficiency in the language.

Philanthropy

Fernandes was known for his generosity, often prioritizing the well-being of others over personal financial gain in his theatrical endeavors. His son, Anthony, attested to Fernandes's commitment to ensuring adequate remuneration for the artists involved, even if he himself did not receive a portion of the earnings. Many of Fernandes's plays were dedicated to serving social or charitable causes.

On 22 November 1904, Fernandes's play '' Batcara'' was staged to mark the inauguration of the Goan Union Dramatic Club. Subsequently, on 7 December 1915, a re-enactment of the same play was organized to raise funds for the Women's War Relief Fund of the Goan Ladies Circle. Similarly, the proceeds from the performance of ''Bebdo'' at the Gaiety Theatre on 8 October 1925, were allocated towards establishing a scholarship at St. Sebastian Goan High School in Dabul.

On 21 January 1927, Fernandes presented ''Geraldina'' at Harmonia Hall, Borda, Goa, with the purpose of supporting the Lepers Home in Macazana, Salcete. Likewise, on 15 May 1932, ''The Belle of Cavel vo Sundor Cheddum Cavelchem'' was staged in Margão to benefit the ''Vauraddeanche Ekvottachea Fundac'' (Workers Unity Fund), also known as the ''Sociedade dos Operarios de Goa''.

Fernandes presented a performance of the aforementioned play at Princess Theatre in Bhangwadi, Bombay, on 27 September 1938, with the proceeds contributing to the Instituto Luso-Indiano. On 9 April 1940, the play ''Vauraddi'' was staged at Princess Theatre, Bhangwadi, in aid of the Society of Nossa Senhora de Piedade in Dabul. Additionally, on 5 November 1940, ''Batcara'' was performed at Princess Theatre under the patronage of Sir Homi Mody, KBE, and with the support of the Instituto Luso-Indiano, to benefit the Bombay War Gifts Fund.

Following the devastating impact of a cyclone that caused widespread suffering in Goa, particularly affecting areas such as Arossim, Cansaulim, Majorda, Colva, Betalbatim, and Carmona, the Goa Flood Relief Fund Committee took action to provide aid and support to those who had been left homeless and impoverished. To achieve this objective, the committee organized a charitable event on 16 February 1941, at the St Xavier's College Hall in Bombay. The primary purpose of this event was to raise funds for the cyclone victims. To attract donations, the committee arranged a performance of the play ''Leopold and Carolin'' or ''Vauraddi'', written by Fernandes. Handbills were distributed to promote the event, inviting both Goans and sympathizers to contribute to this philanthropic cause by purchasing tickets. Attendees would enjoy a three-hour entertainment experience at a reasonable price, and the proceeds from ticket sales would be directed towards the relief efforts. Another theatrical production, ''Bebdo'', was organized on 2 May 1943, in Mapuça, Goa, with the aim of benefiting the Oxel church. A decade later, on 25 January 1957, A. R. Souza Ferrão, a devoted follower of Fernandes, directed a revival of ''Bebdo'' to support the Goan Social Welfare League.

Personal life

Fernandes was married twice. Regina Fernandes, his first wife, is regarded to be the first woman actress in the history of Konkani theater, debuting in the play '' Batcara'' at Bombay's Gaiety Theatre in 1904. They got married on 22 August 1892 at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Dabul, Bombay. At the time of their marriage, Regina was 12 years old, while Fernandes was 20. Regina died due to an illness on 20 December 1908, after a twelve-day battle. Together, they had two sons named Michael and Manuel, and two daughters named Sophia and Annie.

Following the loss of his first wife, Fernandes married Luiza Maria Colaço (b. 1892) of Seraulim. She was 16 years old when they got married on 3 March 1909, leaving an age disparity of eighteen years between them. Together, they bore four children: Anthony (Antonelio), Rosy, Tereza, and Eugene. Luiza Maria actively participated in Fernandes's plays. Moreover, their children and granddaughters continued the tradition of actively participating in theatre.

Death

On Friday, 29 August 1947, a fortnight after India achieved its independence, Fernandes died at Goculdas Tejpal Hospital in Bombay.

Legacy

In honour of Fernandes's contributions, the Goa Konkani Akademi annually organizes the Tiatr Manuscript Writing Competition. Furthermore, the Government of Goa has chosen to commemorate Fernandes by bestowing his name upon the auditorium located at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. Hence, the venue is now recognized as the Pai Tiatrist João Agostinho Fernandes Auditorium.

The legacy of Fernandes's work, particularly his play ''Pandurong Kusmonnkar'', can be observed in the present-day portrayal of Hindu characters and their accents in ''tiatr'' performances. This artistic style was subsequently inherited by individuals such as Souza Ferrão. Fernandes holds the distinction of being the first to introduce Kunbi dances and songs to the stage, incorporating original rhythms. Among his compositions, the song "Sintidan paim ghal re, Jaki...." from ''Kunbi Jaki'' achieved significant popularity among the general public due to its vibrant and engaging rhythm.

Plays

Further reading

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Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tiatrist, Pai
1871 births
1947 deaths
Goan people
Tiatrists
Actors from South Goa district
Writers from South Goa district
Dramatists and playwrights from Goa
Actors from Goa