Corona shadow looms large over tiatr performances across Goa

With renewed SOPs like 50% seating and adequate social distancing, auditoriums are set to open shortly. Despite that, Goa’s popular Konkani theatre – tiatr – has no clarity when plays can be staged.
Sagun Velip, director of art and culture says, “We have sent the SOPs to the auditoriums; they have to follow it to make sure that the audience is safe during the pandemic.”
‘NO CALL YET FROM TIATRISTS'
Tiartrists haven’t started bookings halls yet.An official from Ravindra Bhavan, Margao said, “We are ready to start the auditorium. We take a 15 days prior appointment for the shows, but till date we haven’t received any enquiry about hall rentals.”
Sachin Desai, deputy collector of Vasco who also manages Ravindra Bhavan in Vasco says, “We have a mini auditorium and a conference hall, which will be sanitised and repaired in the next few weeks.”
Kala Academy member secretary Pravin Barad, says they might not open the auditorium just yet, as they have some major maintenance work before they open.
TIATR NOT FEASIBLE FINANCIALLY?
With only 50% seating capacity allowed, to recover the cost of a show, Menino De Bandar, president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, says they have to increase the rates of tickets or the halls have to be given at a subsidised rate. “We will have a talk with the department of Art and Culture to waive off the fees of the halls.” According to Mario Menezes, tiatrist: “Halls like Kala Academy, Ravindra Bhavan charge `10,000-15,000 as rental. So I will first start off my plays at village halls, before hitting the city halls.”
Roseferns, a veteran from the industry points out that since 50% of halls will be used, only 50% of the hall charges should be paid.
We are ready with our plays, but will people attend?’’
Tiarists are ready with their tiatrs, since many plays from Easter are yet to be staged, but they are unsure if people will show up. Mario says, “I’m looking at late December or early January to begin with the shows.”
Roseferns, suggests organising a free shows with all safety measures to gauge the mood of the public and get them comfortable to attend tiatrs again.
SOPs for tiatr theatres
50% occupancy of the total seating capacity
Adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed
The auditoriums should be sanitised after screening, box office, food and beverage areas, staff lockers, toilets
Disinfection of the premise to be taken up if anyone is found positive
Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times
Availability of hand sanitisers, preferably touch free at entry and exit points
Thermal screening of visitors/ staff mandatory