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{{Short description|Indian singer and lyricist (1927–2019)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Master Vaz
| image = Master Vaz at 125 years of Tiatr Celebrations (cropped).jpg
| caption = Vaz at Ravindra Bhavan, [[Margao]] in 2016
| birth_name = José Lourenço Vás
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1927|9|6|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Mapuçá]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| death_date = {{death date and age|2019|12|13|1927|9|6|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Salcete#Salcette territory|Utorda]], Goa, India
| notable_works = {{ubl|
* ''[[Mogacho Anvddo]]''
* ''[[Amchem Noxib]]''}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|playwright|lyricist}}
| years_active = 1934–{{circa|2004}}
| children = 9, including [[Marcus Vaz|Marcus]]
| spouse = Marianin Vaz
}}

'''Jose Lawrence Vaz''' (born '''José Lourenço Vás'''; 6 September 1927 – 13 December 2019), known professionally as '''Master Vaz''', was an Indian singer, playwright, and lyricist known for his work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]], ''[[tiatr]]'' productions, [[folk play]]s, and [[radio play]]s.

==Early life==
Jose Lawrence Vaz, originally named José Lourenço Vás, was born on 6 September 1927, in [[Mapuça]], [[Goa]], which was under [[Portuguese conquest of Goa|Portuguese rule]] as part of [[Portuguese India]] (now in India). His father, Benjamin Vaz ([[né]] Vas), a tailor, hailed from [[Aldona]], and his mother, Maria Aurora Vaz ([[née]] Rodrigues), was a homemaker. They belonged to a [[Goan Catholic]] family<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sequeira |first=José Joaquim |date=1927 |title=Registo De Nascimento |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030120953/https://goaonline.gov.in/ |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> and had an elder daughter named Josephine, who was a [[Konkani language|Konkani]] singer. Both of Vaz's parents were ''[[tiatrist]]s'' (''tiatr'' performers), known for their unique theatrical abilities, and they often performed in ''[[tiatrs]]'' across [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai).<ref name=":1" />

==Career==
In 1934, the ''[[tiatrist]]'' Saluzin from [[Bardez]] made the strategic decision to bring his theatrical production, titled ''Bomboichi Ixttinn'' (Bombay Friend), to the city of [[Bombay]]. In this production, Vaz's parents assumed the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Vaz within the said drama. At the age of 7, young Vaz, the protagonist's character, was introduced by the director as '''Master Vaz''', a name that resonated and became his enduring [[stage name]] within the [[Tiatr|Konkani theater]] landscape. During this period, Vaz collaborated with individuals such as Pako, [[Ernest Rebello]], and Saluzin, collectively creating a [[repertoire]] of melodious compositions that Vaz performed with nostalgia. Additionally, Vaz's elder sister, Josephine, possessing a vocal prowess, joined her brother in rendering [[duet]]s for approximately two years. Furthermore, Vaz's brother-in-law, Sebastian D'Souza, known by the [[moniker]] SD Punewala, contributed significantly by composing songs for Vaz's performances. Vaz initiated his foray into scriptwriting at the age of 12, debuting his first comedic ''[[tiatr]]'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2019-12-14 |title=A boy named Master Vaz who became a tiatr legend |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/a-boy-named-master-vaz-who-became-a-tiatr-legend/articleshow/72555849.cms |access-date=2024-01-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> ''Jack and Mack, Tarvar Zalem Pack'', at the St. Martin's Hall in [[Bandra]]. Although the production deviated from a conventional ''tiatr'' format, presenting itself as more of a concert, it received appreciation and acclaim from the discerning audience. Subsequently, Vaz continued to enrich the theatrical landscape with his creative output, successfully staging two additional ''tiatrs'', namely ''Addecho Dotor'' (The Orthopedic) and ''Enddeanchem Noxib'' (Fool's Luck).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=A masterful career |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/A-masterful-career/89975 |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref>

The arrival of the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] singer [[Minguel Rod]] and his ''tiatr'' in Bombay heralded a significant milestone for Vaz's career. Welcomed into Rod's troupe, Vaz diligently engaged in rigorous rehearsals alongside fellow artist [[Kid Boxer]], often concluding their creative endeavors with a shared convivial moment at [[Mahim]]. Notably, Paulo Marcel Pereira, hailing from the town of [[Goa Velha]], contributed to the propagation of Minguel Rod's theatrical works, presenting the ''tiatrs Ghorchem Kestanv'' (Family Feud) and ''Bapul Bhav'' (Cousin Brother) in [[Goa]] subsequent to their successful staging in Bombay. During this period, Vaz and the entire troupe found solace and accommodation within the hospitality of Paulo's abode in Goa Velha. Encouraged by their predecessors' achievements, contractors from [[Verna, Goa]] and [[Salcete#Salcette territory|Cansaulim]], namely Caetan Bev/Kontu and Sakratis/Paru, respectively, sought to emulate their success by staging Minguel Rod's celebrated ''tiatrs'' in numerous villages, predominantly in Verna and Cansaulim. This trend continued as Vaz and his troupe members spent the months between November and January in Goa, captivating local audiences with their ''tiatr'' performances while residing at Minguel Rod's residence in [[Cortalim]]. The culmination of their [[Goan]] sojourn coincided with the [[Epiphany (holiday)|feast of Three Kings]] on 3 January, wherein they performed their final presentation in Cansaulim before returning to the city of Bombay.<ref name=":1" />

During his tenure with Minguel Rod's troupe, Vaz acquired expertise in songwriting, singing, and scriptwriting for ''[[tiatrs]]''. He had the privilege of being cast in ''tiatrs'' produced by pioneers of the Konkani stage, including [[Saib Rocha]], [[Dioguinho D'Mello]], [[Kid Boxer]], [[Minguel Rod]], Young Menezes, [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]], [[C. Alvares]], [[J. P. Souzalin]], [[Aleixinho de Candolim]], and others. Vaz's son, [[Marcus Vaz]], a Konkani singer, organized a performance of his ''tiatr Almachea Disa'' in [[Kuwait]] and invited Vaz to join the cast, alongside [[Prince Jacob]], [[Antonette De Calangute]], and Marcelin de Betim.<ref name=":1" /> Throughout his career, Vaz has written and directed approximately 25 ''tiatrs'', with contributions including ''Bapui'' (Father), ''Mhalgoddo Put Fulgoddo'', and ''Ghoracho Divo'' (The Light of the House). In addition to performing in [[Goa]], Vaz showcased his ''tiatrs'' in various locations such as [[Pune]], [[Malwan]], [[Vengurla]], [[Sawantwadi]], [[Belgaum]], [[New Delhi]], and [[Daman and Diu]]. He also expanded his artistic endeavors internationally, presenting his performances in [[Karachi]], [[Mombasa]], [[Nairobi]], [[Nakuru]], and [[Kampala]]. Vaz's creative talents extended to the realm of film, where he composed the lyrics for the opening song of the first [[Konkani cinema|Konkani film]], ''[[Mogacho Anvddo]]'' (1950), as well as a song in the Konkani film ''Mhoji Ghorkarn''. As a prolific lyricist, he composed and performed thousands of songs, many of which enjoyed popularity. Furthermore, Vaz showcased his versatility by writing and presenting numerous [[folk play]]s on [[All India Radio]], [[Panaji]]. Some examples of his [[radio play]]s include ''Visvaxi Ghorkarn'' (Loyal Wife), ''Vizmit'', and ''Ganvchi Seva'' (Village Service).<ref name=":0" />

==Style and reception==
''[[The Times of India]]'' writes, Vaz's career was characterized by his portrayal of [[Cross-gender acting|female roles]], a task that was deemed unconventional for women at the time. He exhibited impressive proficiency in his [[body language]] and mannerisms, surpassing the abilities of even the most accomplished contemporary female performers. Vaz's performances were flawlessly executed, often deceiving audiences into believing that they were witnessing an actual woman on stage. Furthermore, he showcased his vocal talents by [[Cross-dressing in music and opera|singing the female parts]] in [[duet]]s alongside esteemed figures in the [[Tiatr|Konkani theater]] realm. ''The Times of India'' further acknowledges Vaz's personal attributes. He consistently displayed a benevolent nature, readily extending assistance to emerging ''[[Tiatrist|tiatr artists]]''. Moreover, he fulfilled his roles as a husband and father, and his guidance and companionship proved invaluable to present-day ''[[tiatrist]]s''.<ref name=":0" />

==Select filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1950
|''[[Mogacho Anvddo]]''
|Lyricist
|[[Theme music]] only
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1963
|''[[Amchem Noxib]]''
|Actor
|
|-
|1969
|''Mhoji Ghorkarn''
|Lyricist
|one song
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Mello |first=Pamela |date=2016-03-27 |title=Konkani filmmakers are buying themselves a dream run by going beyond the multiplex |url=https://scroll.in/reel/805738/konkani-filmmakers-are-buying-themselves-a-dream-run-by-going-beyond-the-multiplex |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|}

==Selected works==
===''Tiatrs''===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1934
|''Bomboichi Ixttinn''
|Child artiste
|Debut ''tiatr''
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1939
|''Jack and Mack, Tarvar Zalem Pack''
|Writer
|Debut as writer
|rowspan="5"|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''Addecho Dotor''
|Writer
|
|-
|
|''Enddeanchem Noxib''
|Writer
|
|-
|
|''Ghorchem Kestanv''
|
|
|-
|
|''Bapul Bhav''
|
|
|-
|1960s
|''Bapui''
|Writer
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-26 |title=BAPUI – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/tiart/bapui/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|
|''Mhalgoddo Put Fulgoddo''
|Writer
|
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Ghoracho Divo''
|Writer
|
|-
|2004
|''Almachea Disa''
|
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|}

===Radio plays===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|
|''Visvaxi Ghorkarn''
|Writer
|
|rowspan="3"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Vizmit''
|Writer
|
|-
|
|''Ganvchi Seva''
|Writer
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|id=4956786}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaz, Master}}
[[Category:1927 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Musicians from North Goa district]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]

Master Vaz - Revision history

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