Proclaiming the Gospel through Art: Goan Priests Keeping the Tiatr Tradition Alive

Tiatr is a popular form of Goan Konkani musical theatre known for its blend of drama, comedy, songs, and social messages. The first recorded tiatr, Italian Bhurgo, written by Lucasinho Ribeiro, was staged in Bombay, western India, on April 17, 1892. Adapted from the Italian opera Italian Boy, Ribeiro resolved scene-change delays by inserting songs performed in front of the curtain, creating the unique format that became known as tiatr.

From its earliest days, Goan priests have enriched Konkani tiatr with faith-rooted themes and creative innovations. Pioneers such as Fr. Planton Faria, Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, Fr. Alvaro Renato Mendes, Fr. Peter Cardozo SFX, and Fr. Nevil Gracias introduced spiritually inspired scripts, music, and operettas that blended Scripture with Goan life. Today, this artistic mission continues through priests like Fr. Milton Rodrigues SFX, Fr. Michael Fernandes, Fr. Roman Rodrigues, Fr. Luis Gomes, Fr. Warren Pereira, Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Fr. Milagres Dias, Fr. Doyal Dias, along with contributors such as Fr. Lucas Rodrigues SFX and Fr. Arvino Fernandes.

This legacy is not only remembered, it is celebrated by those who have witnessed its evolution.

A Legacy Beyond the Stage

Fausto V. Da Costa, editor of the Konkani monthly Gulab, describes the contribution of priest-artists to Konkani tiatr as “immeasurable.” From Fr. Napolean Silveira and Msgr. Macario Pereira in Mumbai to Fr. Alvaro Renato Mendes, Fr. Caetano da Costa, Fr. Planton Faria, Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, and Fr. Nevil Gracias in Goa, priests turned the stage into a pulpit.

“They passed on the baton to younger priests who render yeoman service to tiatr today,” Fausto says. “Their tiatrs conveyed values more effectively than many sermons.”

Productions like Utth Goenkara and Goencho Avaz inspired audiences with poetic language and music that awakened Goan conscience. Citing Porgottnnar (written by Fr. Luis Gomes) on St. Francis Xavier, he adds, “Spirituality and culture go hand in hand. The Church remains the guardian of tiatr and of the Goan soul.”

Where Education, Faith, and Art Meet

Fr. Luis Xavier Gomes, Assistant Professor of Konkani at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, believes that “faith and values can be expressed most powerfully through culture and art.” He began writing tiatrs with Komb for the Tiatr Academy of Goa, marking the first of five consecutive TAG victories. His tiatrs, Purple (disability inclusion), Chitrkar (career pressure), Bhangar Mhojem (drug abuse), Girann (superstitions), and Komb (gender equality), blend Gospel values with real-life concerns.

“The stage is a pulpit where faith becomes culture,” he says. Former students, including Comedian David, began under his mentorship. For Fr. Gomes, tiatr is “a mission where education, faith, and art meet.”

Proclaiming Faith and Values Through Tiatr

For Fr. Doel Dias, chaplain of Holy Cross Chapel, Baradi in the Parish of Tollecanto, the tiatr stage offers “an opportunity to proclaim faith” through drama and music. His productions, centered on Gospel and religious themes, also deepen his own spiritual reflection. While balancing pastoral duties, he guides students and parish groups, emphasizing commitment and integrity over competition. His tiatrs are widely appreciated for their values, sincerity, and uplifting message.

Despite the challenges, he continues this legacy prayerfully and diligently.

The Stage as a Sacred Pulpit

Fr. Milton Rodrigues SFX, Assistant  Professor at Fr Agnel College  of Arts and Commerce, Pilar,  views the Konkani tiatr stage “not merely as entertainment but as a sacred space where faith, art, and Goan culture meet.” Even before ordination, he wrote and acted in tiatrs, later recognizing creativity as “a gift from God for a greater purpose.” His works, Prison Ministry and Daddy’s Home, bring Gospel values to life through real stories.

“My priestly duties come first, but through tiatr, I evangelize, touching hearts through art,” he says, while also mentoring youth in competitions.

Where Sermons Come Alive

Fr. Warren Pereira, Assistant  to the Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier's  Church, Velim, sees the tiatr stage as “a living pulpit where sermons come alive.” Beginning his creative journey at Rachol Seminary, he has written Thevoyacho Chakor, Thevoyacho Chakor 2, Za Dusreancho Chakor, Distinction, and Covid, all centered on Gospel and family values.

“Tiatr allows me to proclaim the Gospel directly,” he says, grateful for the support of parishioners and youth.

Proclaiming Hope and Forgiveness Through Tiatr

Fr. Michael Fernandes, Assistant  to the Parish Priest of St Alex Church, Curtorim, discovered his love for tiatr in childhood, inspired by his mother. “I dreamt of becoming a tiatrist,” he recalls, “but God called me to direct His Kingdom.” Encouraged through seminary, he wrote plays from the age of 14, later publishing a book of 26 plays, releasing a VCD, and presenting a Lenten tiatr.

Calling his art “an extension of pastoral ministry,” he says, “Through tiatr, I proclaim hope and forgiveness.”

When Faith Steps onto the Stage

Fr. Roman Rodrigues, Assistant  Professor at Rosary College, Navelim, fulfilled his childhood dream of presenting a tiatr when he saw his students’ passion for performing. His works, launched at the 2023 Inter-Collegiate Tiatr Competition, explore social, moral, and ethical themes relevant to youth, helping them live Gospel values daily.

“The stage becomes a classroom of faith,” he says. For him, tiatr is “pastoral ministry and cultural mission, an altar of society where priests touch hearts creatively.”

Celebrating Gospel Values Through Tiatr

Fr. Milagres Dias, Chaplain  of Our Lady of Carmel Chapel - Anvottem in the Parish of Curtorim,  discovered his calling after assisting playwright Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, whose mentorship “awakened the artist within.” Since 2013, he has written and directed tiatrs centered on Gospel values such as family unity, forgiveness, compassion, and care for creation.

“Tiatr is a powerful platform to spread God’s message in our mother tongue,” he says. Deeply supported by parishioners, he trains performers of all ages, nurturing talent and faith “through the language of love and art.”

Bringing the Gospel Alive Through Tiatr

For Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, who is pursuing higher studies in Rome, love for tiatr began in childhood. As a priest, it became an integral part of his ministry. Directing parish tiatrs, often with casts of over a hundred, he uses drama, humour, and music to communicate values such as unity, humility, sincerity, service, and family harmony.

He believes tiatr remains “a meaningful pastoral tool” that touches hearts in a practical and relatable way.

Priests Inspire the Next Generation

Clareema Fernandes, a graduate student at Carmel College, Nuvem, who has acted in several tiatrs directed by Fr. Doel, admires his focus on real-life themes like caring for the elderly, his clean humor, and spiritual songs. “Every rehearsal feels like a family and a life lesson,” she says.

Jerico Vas, of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, who acted in Fr. Milton’s tiatrs, recalls, “Fr. Milton inspired confidence and a love for Konkani theatre.” He taught acting, discipline, teamwork, and Gospel values, leaving a lasting impact on students and preserving Goan culture.

Through tiatr, priests continue transforming art into mission, ensuring the Gospel reaches hearts far beyond church walls and into everyday life.