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MARGAO: The Goan tiatr stage is mourning the loss of one of its cherished voices. Joaquim Santana Marques, popularly known on stage as Marques Pereira, passed away on Wednesday, September 24 at the Goa Medical College, following a brief illness. He was 60.
A respected and prolific contributor to the Konkani stage, Pereira was known for his multi-faceted talent as a singer, writer, director, lyricist, and composer, having enriched the tiatr world for over four decades. His distinctive voice, deeply rooted storytelling, and dedication to the art form left an enduring legacy.
Born on January 12, 1965, in the village of Betalbatim, Salcete, Pereira was introduced to tiatr at a young age by his uncle, the late Francis Anton Pereira, a traditional folk playwright and composer of cantos for zomnivele khell. He was also heavily influenced by Anthony of Trio Kings, whose musical stylings shaped his own creative direction.
Pereira composed over 600 songs, including solos, duets, trios, chovkos, and duos, many of which were performed in tiatrs staged for the Kala Academy Tiatr Competition and by various other groups and institutions. He was especially noted for his work with tiatrist Derrick Dmello, having performed in Dmello’s acclaimed 2009 tiatr “Kallokhi Uzvadd”, and composed songs and cantos for several of his other competition entries, including “Teag”, “Vadoll”, “Ekvott vho Duspott”, “Tumcho Sangat”, “Mullam”, and “Vossad”.
His lyrical themes often reflected real-life incidents, with songs structured as compelling narratives, resonating deeply with audiences. Though he was most comfortable with solos and trios, he frequently collaborated with fellow tiatrists such as Martha and Melisha on duets.
In addition to his contributions in Goa, Pereira also expanded his reach while working abroad. After stints in Mumbai, Dubai, and Kuwait, he released his first CD/VCD titled “Saibinnichim Vizmitam”, which was well-received among the Goan diaspora.
Expressing deep sorrow over his passing, the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) released an official condolence message. Anthony Barbosa, President of TAG, said: “Marques Pereira was a well-known lyrics writer and singer. He was one of the artists who worked for tiatr dedicatedly throughout his life and inspired many young tiatrists through his work and commitment. His contribution to the Konkani stage is invaluable, and his absence will be deeply felt by the tiatr fraternity.”
Pereira also performed in tiatrs directed by William de Curtorim and comedian John D’Silva, further cementing his place as a versatile and respected figure in the tiatr community.
His funeral was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, where hundreds of fans, fellow tiatrists, and community members gathered to pay their final respects to a man whose voice and words will echo through Konkani theatre for years to come.