Tanwarpal Singh: Creating.

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Creating.

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{{Short description|Indian playwright and prompter (1930–1981)}}
{{AI-generated|date=January 2026|reason=Since [[Special:Diff/1221855535|original May 2024 version]]; note [[WP:AISIGNS]] including promotional tone, vocab distribution typical of 2023-2024 LLMs, etc}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Antonio Sinforiano
| image = Antonio Sinforiano.jpg
| caption = Portrait of Fernandes during his youth
| birth_name = Antonio Sinforiano Timotio Luis Fernandes
| birth_date = {{birth date|1930|8|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Navelim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| other_names = {{hlist|A. Sinforiano|Sinforiano Fernandes}}
| death_place = [[Varca]], Goa, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|1981|3|11|1930|8|22|df=y}}
| education = ''[[High School|Segundo Grau]]'' (Portuguese)
| occupation = {{hlist|Playwright|theatrical producer|ghostwriter|theatre prompter|stagehand}}
| years_active = 1960s–{{circa|1981}}
}}

'''Antonio Sinforiano Timotio Luis Fernandes''' (22 August 1930 – 11 March 1981), known professionally as '''Antonio Sinforiano''' or '''A. Sinforiano''', was an Indian playwright, [[theatrical producer]], [[ghostwriter]], composer, [[prompter (theatre)|prompter]], and [[stagehand]] known for his work in ''[[tiatr]]'' productions staged [[Liberation of Goa|post-liberation]].

==Early life==
Antonio Sinforiano Timotio Luis Fernandes was born on 22 August 1930 in [[Navelim]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]], to [[landlord]]s Conceiçaõ Manoel Fernandes and Maria Santana Graciana Josefa Rebelo, who hailed from [[Varca]], Goa, into a [[Goan Catholic]] family. Fernandes was the fourth of four children, with his elder brothers Gabriel (born 1923) and Jeronimo "Jerry" (born 1926), and a sister Maria (born 1928).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2006 |title=Registo De Nascimento |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/Appln/UIL/BirthDeathCertificate_af?__Key=&_Mode=B&__cscKey= |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Goa Online |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810131321/https://goaonline.gov.in/HomePage |url-status=live}}</ref> After finishing his education at a [[Parochial school|religious school]], Fernandes continued his studies in [[Margão]], where his parents lived. He successfully completed his High School education, known as ''Segundo Grau'', in the Portuguese language.<ref name=":0" />

==Career==
Fernandes, known for his intellectual prowess and accessibility, was regularly sought out by [[folk play]]wrights and ''[[tiatrist]]s'' (artists specializing in ''[[tiatr]]'' performances) to assess and provide feedback on their scripts. This interaction sparked his interest in ''tiatr'', a distinctive form of [[Goan]] [[musical theater]]. Consequently, Fernandes initiated his involvement in ''tiatr'' by authoring scripts, crafting songs, and offering [[ghostwriting]] services to ''tiatrists'', demonstrating his multifaceted contributions to the theatrical landscape. Driven by his passion for ''tiatr'', he immersed himself in the world of [[theatrical production]]s, taking on the tasks of a [[prompter (theatre)|prompter]] and backstage assistant, embodying the role of a [[stagehand]] in the theater environment. Fernandes remained dedicated to the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theater scene, commonly referred to as the ''tiatr'' stage, by independently creating and presenting his own ''tiatrs'' as a [[theatrical producer]]. Among his popular works were ''Rozarachem Kont'' (The Rosary Beads), directed by Konkani singer and writer [[Kid Boxer]], ''Maim, Tum Asli Zalear'' (Mother, If You Were There), ''Oso Cholta Ho Sounsar'' (This Is How the World Works), ''Disop Vortounam Zavop'', ''Map Bhortoch Vot'ta'', and others.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Da Costa |first=Fausto V. |title=TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume |publisher=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] |year=2019 |location=[[Panaji, Goa]] |pages=241, 243}}</ref> On 5 November 1972, Fernandes presented his self-written and directed ''tiatr'', ''Boreponn'' (Goodness), near [[Nuvem]] church. The staging of this ''tiatr'' production was made possible with the assistance of the Santos Sports Club. The cast included Babina, Luiza, [[Clara Dias]], Jephsis Hitler, Lucian, Greg de Candolim, Valento Luis Rod, C de Sanquelim, Roam-Rem-Rod, Domnic Vaz, Lume Gomes, [[C. D'Silva]], [[Master Vaz]], Albert de Cana, and J X Miranda. Luciano served as the [[stage manager]], while the music arrangements were executed by Alex's band.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Mazarello |first=Wilson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |pages=320, 324, 343 |language=en |access-date=2024-05-02 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107200151/https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the period in which Fernandes was active, the Konkani ''tiatr'' stage saw a significant reliance on prompters for the delivery of dialogues by performers. These prompters, including Fernandes, were engaged by directors and played a vital role in the production process. Their primary responsibility was to provide timely cues to the performers, ensuring that the lines were delivered accurately and on time. Prompters like Fernandes<ref name=":1" /> possessed the ability to convey the precise emotional nuances required for each [[Character (arts)|character]], enhancing the overall performance. The demand for prompters of Fernandes' caliber was substantial, and directors would secure their services well in advance, starting from the [[rehearsal]] stage and continuing throughout the entire duration of the performances. Fernandes and his contemporaries frequently traveled with the ''tiatr'' [[theatrical troupe|troupes]], joining them as they performed in diverse locations. In addition to their prompting duties, prompters often provided valuable input by offering suggestions and making necessary corrections to the dialogues. The role of prompters extended beyond dialogue delivery. In addition to overseeing the ''tiatr'' program, they were in charge of managing [[Scenic design|stage transitions]], coordinating the availability of [[prop]]s, and other essential elements necessary for a successful ''tiatr'' performance. Their meticulous attention to detail and careful approach were instrumental in ensuring the smooth and seamless execution of the ''tiatr'' show. What made Fernandes stand out among other prompters was his versatility as a writer and composer. In addition to his prompter responsibilities, he possessed the talent to create original content and compose music for the ''tiatr''.<ref name=":0" />

Fernandes played a significant role in fostering and promoting emerging talents within the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] ''[[tiatr]]'' community. One notable individual he supported was [[Clara Dias]], an actress and singer who made her debut on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] during the early 1960s. Fernandes offered her encouragement and guidance during the early stages of her career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2011-10-21 |title=Winning hearts with her acting prowess – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/10/21/magazines/buzz/ilive-winning-hearts-her-acting-prowess/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118113017/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/10/21/magazines/buzz/ilive-winning-hearts-her-acting-prowess/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Moreover, he actively sought to introduce promising artists in his own [[theatrical production]]s. For instance, he provided a platform for [[Josephine Dias]], daughter of playwright Casiano, to make her first appearance on the commercial ''tiatr'' stage in the 1960s with the production ''Maim Tum Asli Zalear'' (Mother, If You Were There).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2023-07-18 |title=Golden years in tiatr – The Navhind Times |work=The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/07/18/magazines/buzz/golden-years-in-tiatr/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718133733/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/07/18/magazines/buzz/golden-years-in-tiatr/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Fernandes also played a pivotal role in providing opportunities for aspiring ''tiatr'' artist [[Eddie Mascarenhas]]. In one of his ''tiatr'' performances held at the Colva Fama, also known as ''Fama De Menino Jesus'', Fernandes afforded Mascarenhas the chance to showcase his singing talent. Mascarenhas received admiration from the audience for his rendition, effectively launching his career in the Konkani ''tiatr'' industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=De Souza |first=Daniel F. |date=2013-05-18 |title=Thoddea utrancho ani hanstea sobhavacho Eddie Bab |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/18_may_avaz |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Amcho Avaz via [[O Heraldo]] |language=gom |archive-date=2023-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826080650/https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/18_may_avaz |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, Fernandes made contributions to the ''tiatr'' community beyond his own productions. On 4 February 1967, he assumed the role of a [[stage manager]] for the ''tiatr'' production ''Adim Chintunk Nam!'' (Didn't Think Before).<ref name=":1" /> Later in his career, Fernandes became involved in theater competitions, serving as a judge for the [[Kala Academy]] Goa's 3rd Tiatr Competition held during the 1976–1977 season. This competition took place across three venues: the Kala Academy Theatre in [[Panjim]], Gomant Vidya Niketan in [[Margao]], and Zopha Mandop in [[Canacona]]. Collaborating with judges Krishna L. Moye and Albert Carvalho, Fernandes contributed his expertise to evaluate the performances showcased in the competition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1974–1975 |title=KALA ACADEMY GOA 1st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition 1974–1975 |url=https://kalaacademygoa.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tiatr-A-Group-Competition-Programme-Results.pdf |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Kala Academy Goa |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212055954/https://kalaacademygoa.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tiatr-A-Group-Competition-Programme-Results.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Fernandes was recognized for his erudition and intellectual pursuits. During his formative years, he relocated to [[Margão]], [[Goa]], where he pursued his high school education while residing with his parents. However, at the age of 48, around the year 1978, he decided to leave the city and establish his residence in [[Varca]], Goa, his mother's hometown. Fernandes's older brother, Jeronimo<ref name=":2" /> "Jerry," decided to pursue a similar path, starting out as a [[prompter (theatre)|prompter]] and [[stagehand|backstage assistant]] before transitioning to become a playwright and director. Additionally, Fernandes's sister-in-law, Filomena Lopes, who entered into matrimony with Jerry, actively participated in the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] as an actress and singer. After their wedding, she took part in the theatrical performances produced by Fernandes.<ref name=":0" />

According to Fausto V. Da Costa, the author of ''Tiatr 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume'', Fernandes died on 11 March 1981, at the age of 50, at his residence in Varca. However, a death certificate bearing similarities to Fernandes's and his father's names indicates an alternate account, suggesting that he may have died at the [[Goa Medical College]] in [[Bambolim]], Goa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 March 1981 |title=Directorate of planning, statistics and evaluation and office of the chief registrar of births and deaths |url=https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/DeathCertificate.aspx#aSearch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123154022/https://rbd.goa.gov.in/ErrorPage/500.htm?aspxerrorpath=/Certificate/DeathCertificate.aspx#aSearch |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> The absence of [[secondary source]]s makes it challenging to corroborate this claim. Initially, Da Costa had stated in his writings that Fernandes was born in the village of Varca;<ref name=":0" /> however, the birth certificate points to his birthplace as the town of [[Navelim]], Goa.<ref name=":2" /> Consequently, uncertainty lingers regarding the precise location of Fernandes's death.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sinforiano, Antonio}}
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:People from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa]]

Antonio Sinforiano - Revision history

Tanwarpal Singh: Creating.