The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) has selected noted Konkani tiatr artistes Antonio Sebastiao Xavier Rodrigues, popularly known as Jack Rodson, and Felipe Norman Fernandes, popularly known as Normandez, for its prestigious Lifetime Contribution to Khell/Khell-Tiatr Awards in recognition of their sustained contributions to Goa’s traditional performing arts.

The awards, instituted in memory of late Rosario Rodrigues, seek to honour artistes who have contributed significantly to the development and promotion of Khell and Khell-Tiatr. The awards will be presented at a special function to be organised by TAG.

Anthony Barbosa, president of TAG, congratulated both awardees on their selection and acknowledged their contributions to Konkani theatre and their efforts to preserve and promote Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

Jack Rodson, a resident of Benaulim, began his career in Konkani tiatr at the age of 12 in 1977, when he performed in Jose Roque’s tiatr Orixtt Tufan. His early exposure to the stage inspired him to write one-act plays before venturing into non-stop tiatr productions.

His first non-stop tiatr, Tuzo Hat, was written in 1984, followed by Mevonk Nam. The appreciation received by these productions motivated him to continue writing for the Konkani stage. His other tiatrs include Uspun Kaddlem, Hanvem Dhorlem, Porot Ailem, Mhoji Porbi Tuka, Konnuch Noko and Tum Asli Zalear.

Rodson has made a particularly significant contribution to khell tiatr, having written Carnival khell tiatrs every year since 1987. His first khell tiatr was Dekh, Aicho Somaz, Korunk Nam. Over the years, he has written 117 folk plays, earning appreciation from audiences and contributing to the continuity of this traditional theatrical form.

Besides writing, Rodson has acted and sung his compositions in productions staged by several prominent Konkani tiatr directors. His creative work also includes the Konkani film VCD Tond Bond Kor and the Khell Tiatr VCD Konnak Chukonam, Noxibantlem. He has also performed in several other Konkani video productions.

His achievements include prizes in Khell Tiatr competitions organised by TAG and other organisations. His tiatr Tum Asli Zalear received recognition for Best Script and Best Trio at TAG’s Popular Tiatr Competition in 2013. He was also felicitated by TAG during the 125th anniversary celebrations of tiatr in 2017.

The second awardee, Felipe Norman Fernandes, popularly known as Normandez, was born on March 29, 1966, in Assolna. A versatile artiste, he has established himself as a writer, director, lyricist, singer, stage actor and film actor, with a career spanning Konkani theatre, music and cinema.

His interest in performing arts developed during his school days at Don Bosco High School, Sulcorna, where he sang, acted and wrote short plays for school functions. In 1981, he received acting guidance from Br. Felix Fernandes at St Savio’s Boys’ Home, which helped shape his artistic journey.

Normandez received his professional break in 1986 through the late Anil Kumar’s production OTMO. The same year, celebrated tiatrist Roseferns selected him for productions including Tuttlele Dhage and Dhovo Kanvllo. He subsequently performed in tiatrs across India and abroad, including Mhoje Dhage Tuttlele, written and directed by him and staged in Doha, Qatar, in 2003.

As a playwright, he has written works including Rag Vo Mog, Mochea and Mhoje Dhage Tuttlele, earning recognition in one-act-play competitions for acting, scriptwriting and direction.

In 1992, Normandez established Hillary’s Production and released several Konkani music albums, including Baradicho Khuris, Tarvottia Salam Tuka and Kazarachim 25 Vorsam, composing the lyrics and tunes for his albums. He also contributed to Konkani video cinema through Bhavachem Dennem in 1994 and later appeared in Hindi films, including Drishyam 2.

His Konkani song Bhavarti Dotor was broadcast on an American Asian radio channel in 2008, extending the reach of Konkani music to audiences overseas.

The selection of Rodson and Normandez recognises their varied artistic contributions and their role in keeping Goa’s Konkani theatrical and musical traditions alive for future generations.