TAG pays tribute to first lady tiatrist

MARGAO: In 1582, Isabella Andreini stepped on stage for the dramatic troupe Commedia Dell'Arte. Years later, in 1904, Regina Fernandes replicated her deed on the Konkani stage, effectively becoming the 'first lady of tiatr.' Even though hers was a short stint; she emerged on stage at the age of 23, and died merely five years later. She was a role model for several female artistes, who then took to the stage in spite of social taboos.It is for this reason that the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) celebrated her 131st birth anniversary, with celebrations at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
Earlier in the day, a workshop was organized on 'Women's role in art and culture' by Meenacshi Martins, a noted artiste and activist. It was attended by female performers of the Konkani stage.
A musical show, however, drew a large audience that cheered and applauded their way through the performances. Presided over by Antonette Mendes, the noted artiste of days gone by, the evening was a full of solos, duets, quartets and group performances.