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{{Short description|Indian musician and trumpeter (1928–2011)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Mastor
| image = Mastor.jpg
| caption = Rebello in his later years
| birth_name = João Santana Rebêlo
| birth_place = [[Benaulim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|2|9|df=y}}
| death_place = Benaulim, Goa, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|2011|12|2|1928|2|9|df=y}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|double bass player}}
| years_active = 1956–1980s
| children = 8, including [[Luis Rebello|Luis]] and [[Jack Rebello|Jack]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Faustina Rodrigues|1966}}
}}

'''João Santana Rebello''' ([[né]] '''Rebêlo'''; 9 February 1928 – 2 December 2011), known [[mononymously]] as '''Mastor''', was an Indian musician, [[double bass]] player, and former [[trumpeter]] known for his work in ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell tiatr]]'' and ''zomnivoile khell'' ([[street play]]) productions.

==Early life==
João Santana Rebêlo was born on 9 February 1928 in [[Benaulim]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India), to [[palm tree]] farmer Joaquim Peidade Rebelo and [[homemaker]] Pascoela Gomes, into a [[Goan Catholic]] family. He was the third of three children, with an elder brother João Caetano (born 1917) and a sister Jacinta (born 1924).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=30 June 2006 |title=Registo De Nascimento |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/Appln/UIL/BirthDeathCertificate_af?__Key=&_Mode=B&__cscKey= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810131321/https://goaonline.gov.in/HomePage |archive-date=10 August 2023 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref>

==Career==
Rebello was a musician known for his contributions to the cultural scene. Originally a [[trumpet player]] in ''zomnivoile khells'' ([[street play]]s), he eventually shifted his focus due to health concerns and became actively involved in organizing ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell]]'' competitions. Rebello played a pioneering role in bringing ''zomnivello khell'' to the stage, organizing the first-ever ticketed ''khell'' competitions. One of his significant accomplishments was the organization of the inaugural ''khell tiatr'' in [[Benaulim]], [[Goa]], featuring a competition between the works of [[mistri|mestri]] Anton Marie and [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright A. Moraes. In the late 1960s to the early 1980s,<ref>{{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=202}}</ref> Rebello embraced the [[double bass]] and showcased his musical prowess as a member of the popular [[British dance band|dance band]], Luis and his Melodians, for 12 years.<ref name=":0" /> He collaborated with his brother Joao Caetano, who was also a musician proficient in the double bass, trumpet, and [[tuba]]. Rebello's brother Joao Caetano also led a [[brass band]] that performed at a variety of events, including feasts and funerals. During these performances, he would play either the [[snare drum]] or the big [[bass drum]]. Rebello's musical legacy influenced the next generation, particularly his two sons, [[Jack Rebello|Jack]] and Agnelo, who embarked on their own musical careers at a young age of 14 by joining their uncle Joao Caetano's band.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=N. T. |date=2019-03-24 |title=In the groove – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2019/03/24/magazines/buzz/in-the-groove/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412183745/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2019/03/24/magazines/buzz/in-the-groove/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, Rebello actively supported drama shows by providing essential amenities such as [[pandal]] facilities and organized parking spaces for the convenience of the attendees.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=N. T. |date=2017-09-10 |title=Know about tiatr and music personality Jack Rebello – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/09/10/magazines/buzz/know-about-tiatr-and-music-personality-jack-rebello/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412183808/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/09/10/magazines/buzz/know-about-tiatr-and-music-personality-jack-rebello/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:A typed letter by Joao Santan Rebello (Mastor).jpg|thumb|Rebello's typed letter about organizing the first ''khell'' on the stage in 1956.]]
Rebello played a crucial role in nurturing his son [[Luis Rebello|Luis]]'s musical career, imparting drumming skills to him during his formative years. Concurrently, Rebello himself was an adept [[drummer]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-05-11 |title=The day the beat stopped for 'Luis drummer' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/the-day-the-beat-stopped-for-luis-drummer/articleshow/47226195.cms |access-date=2024-04-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2016-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213165009/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Goa/The-day-the-beat-stopped-for-Luis-drummer/articleshow/47226195.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, Rebello was recognized as a proponent and patron of ''khells'', a traditional [[Goan]] theatrical performance. Fostering an innovative idea, Rebello conceived the notion of hosting a ''zomnivoile khell'' competition on a stage akin to those employed in ''[[tiatr]]s'', a popular form of Goan theater. To realize this vision, Rebello reached out to two ''khell'' [[maestro]]s, Anton Moraes (A. Moraes) from Benaulim and Anton Marie from [[Salcete#Salcette territory|Orlim]], who eagerly embraced the opportunity to showcase their ''zomnivoile khells'' on a stage, a novel prospect for them. Assuming the primary role in organization, Rebello meticulously coordinated the event. On an [[Easter]] evening of 1 April 1956, when several ''khells'' were already captivating audiences across Goan villages, Rebello collaborated with Manuel João Costa, a pandal decorator (''mattoukar'') from [[Varca]], to erect a stage at Tolleabandh, Benaulim. The structure featured a ''mattou'' (pandal) housing a stage at one end, complemented by chairs arranged in front to accommodate the audience, akin to a ''tiatr'' setting. Unlike ''tiatrs'', there were no elaborate curtains or intricate [[Scenic design|stage setting]]s. Rather, the ''zomnivoile khell'' performed on this stage retained its original essence, with the actors directed to face the audience and deliver their performances upon request.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Mazarello |first=Wilson |title=Konkani Khell Tiatr |date=10 March 2018 |publisher=[[Dalgado Konknni Akademi]] |location=Panaji, Goa |pages=14–16, 40}}</ref>

On that particular occasion, two distinct ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khells]]'', which were popular forms of theatrical performances, were showcased. The first ''khell'', titled ''Zolmachi Khomptti'', was presented by A. Moraes, followed by Anton Marie's rendition of ''Bhau-Bhau'' (Brother-Brother). Rebello, the organizer of the event, had set aside an open space within the ''mattou'' (pandal) where spectators could stand and observe the performances. The event operated on a ticketed system, offering seating tickets priced at 1 rupee and 2 [[Anna (monetary subunit)|annas]], while standing tickets were available for 10 annas. All tickets were sold out, indicating the event's triumph. It is worth noting that the intention of the event was not to foster competition, but rather to provide public entertainment. The audience thoroughly relished the performances, although no official awards were distributed. Nevertheless, the packed auditorium likely led attendees to form their own conclusions regarding which ''khell'' was superior, or perhaps perceive both as equally favourable. The significance of this day lies in the decision to bring the ''zomnivoilo khell'', traditionally performed at ground level, onto the stage. This moment marked the initial stride towards the establishment of the ''khell tiatr'', a theatrical tradition that would assume diverse names and forms, eventually even posing a challenge to the dominant [[Konkani language|Konkani]] ''[[tiatr]]'' in the entertainment realm. Rebello, A. Moraes, and Anton Marie Pereira were recognised for their collective efforts in propelling this significant advancement. "Without their collaboration, this groundbreaking leap forward would not have been conceivable", writes author [[Wilson Mazarello]].<ref name=":0" />

The ''zomnivoilo khell'', a traditional theatrical performance, gained significant attention in the town of Tolleabandh, Benaulim. News spread that the ''khell'' had been performed on a stage, generating interest among those who had missed the initial show. However, organizing an immediate follow-up performance proved challenging for Rebello, the organizer, as both participating groups were already committed to other engagements. Despite this setback, the enthusiastic response from the audience encouraged Rebello to strive for an even more impressive production. In 1957, during the [[Carnival in Goa|Carnaval season]], Rebello collaborated with Anton Marie to stage two plays of his ''khell'', ''Bhattkaracho Dusman'' (Landlord's Enemy) and Mauxechi Nossai (Aunt's Jealousy). A dedicated stage was constructed, complete with a traditional [[Backdrop (theater)|backdrop]] and seating arrangements. Rebello introduced stage settings and curtains, transforming the performance into a Konkani ''tiatr''-like experience. The staged ''khells'' were showcased in various locations, including [[Sanvordem]] on 24 February 1957, [[Assolna]] on 2 March 1957, [[Agaçaim]] on 3 March 1957, and [[Vasco da Gama, Goa]] on 4 March 1957. Additionally, Rebello presented the same show at the Damodar Vidhya Bhawan in [[Margão]]. It is worth mentioning that Rebello continued to refer to the performance as "Anton Marie-cheo Don khellacheo Parti", with no evidence suggesting an alternate name. The introduction of ''khell'' performances on a theatrical stage sparked a wave of innovation among other ''khell'' contractors, with A. Moraes being one example. Inspired by Rebello's approach, these contractors began exclusively staging ''khells'' on a formal stage. Performances took the form of either a competition between two groups or two consecutive plays (''don parti'') by the same group. In the latter format, one play was presented before the [[intermission]], and the other followed. The inclusion of stage settings and the shift towards staged ''khells'' marked an important evolution in this traditional art form, offering audiences a more visually engaging and immersive experience.<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
In his lifetime, Rebello was an [[agriculturist]] and farmer who lived in Maddar, [[Benaulim]], [[Goa]]. Besides farming, he had a keen interest in [[bullfights]] and owned a prize-winning [[bull]] named Landdo. He was known for organizing bullfights and even coined the term "''[[Bull wrestling#South Asia|Dhirio]]''" for these events, replacing the previous term "''Boilam Gheram''."<ref name=":0" /> In 1966, he married Faustina Florina Rodrigues from Orlim, [[Salcete]], with a civil registration in [[Margão]] followed by a [[church wedding]] in Benaulim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 June 1966 |title=Registo De Casamento Canónico |url=https://services.goaonline.gov.in/t-bhBeG0CQ4fUsYdqv8IWwf5w3eZzN2KGTpvN2hifLJPLWeFdNsAhiO1IVBeFWJo--sxuDiSkj4cBouH8BYx9uSNz3jbx95PL995kcSxtnrrU1qqZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Goa Online }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Their three sons, [[Luis Rebello|Luis]], Agnelo,<ref name=":1" /> and [[Jack Rebello|Jack]],<ref name=":2" /> have made a mark as musicians in the [[Goan music|Konkani music scene]]. Rebello died at the age of 83 in Pulvaddo, Benaulim, on 2 December 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2011 |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>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mastor}}
[[Category:1928 births]]
[[Category:2011 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Musicians from South Goa district]]

Mastor (musician) - Revision history

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