Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article

2023-08-26T19:13:34Z

Creating a new article

New page

{{short description|Indian theatre director (1941–2013)}}
{{Infobox person
|name = Star of Curtorim
| image = Xeza Pai obit (cropped).jpg
| caption = Portrait of Fernandes from his [[obituary]]
| birth_name = Vicente Florenco Fernandes
| othername = Seza Pai
| birth_place = [[Curtorim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| birth_date = {{birth date|1941|2|27|df=y}}
| nationality = Indian
| death_place = Curtorim, Goa, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|2013|5|16|1941|2|27|df=y}}
| occupation = {{hlist|[[Theatre director]]|dramatist|actor|composer}}
| years_active = 1959–2013
}}

'''Vicente Florenco Fernandes'''{{efn|Alternatively spelt as '''Vincent Florencio Fernandes'''.}} (27 February 1941 – 16 May 2013), known professionally as '''Star of Curtorim''' or '''''Seza Pai''''', was an Indian theatre director, [[dramatist]], actor and composer, who primarily worked on the [[Konkani]] stage. He is best known for his ''[[tiatr]]'' "''Seza Pai''" which he staged along with Nelson Afonso.

==Early life==
[[File:Star of Curtorim (Xezapai) laid to rest.jpg|thumb|Fernandes' residence at Curtorim.]]
Vicente Florenco Fernandes was born on 27 February 1941 in [[Curtorim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India) to Joaquim Joao Fernandes and Maria Augusta Mascarenhas.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=45_WlAEACAAJ |title=Directory of Tiatr Artistes, 2012 |date=2012 |publisher=Tiatr Academy of Goa |language=en}}</ref> He hailed from a destitute family and found himself sent to labor at the residence of a ''bhatkar'' during the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese era]]. This practice was widespread during that time period, however, Fernandes had the misfortune of serving a particularly harsh ''bhatkar''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2013-05-17 |title=Tiatr world loses 'Star of Curtorim' Seza Pai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/tiatr-world-loses-star-of-curtorim-seza-pai/articleshow/20098175.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-08-25 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

One fateful day, Fernandes was coerced into sleeping in the cowshed alongside the cattle, an experience that instilled fear within him. Despite his trepidation, Fernandes mustered the bravery to escape from this oppressive environment under the cover of darkness.<ref name=":0" />

==Career==
===Early years===
Fernandes, like many individuals from [[Goa]], migrated to [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai) in search of employment opportunities. However, as he was settling into his new life, the diplomatic relations between the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese government]], which held control over Goa at the time, and the [[Indian government]] began to deteriorate. This led to concerns among the [[Goan]] community residing in Bombay that sea and road routes could potentially be blocked. In response to the growing unease, Fernandes decided to return to Goa.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:View from the Marmagoa fort.jpg|thumb|Top view of Goa Shipyard (2016)]]
Back in Goa, Fernandes received assistance in securing a job from a Portuguese family, whose patriarch served as the director of "''Estaleiros Navais de Goa"'', now known as [[Goa Shipyard]]. Recognizing Fernandes' dedication and sincerity in his work, the Portuguese officer arranged for employment for Fernandes at the Goa Shipyard, where he remained employed until his retirement.<ref name=":0" />

===Konkani stage (1959–2013)===
In the realm of [[Konkani]] theater, Fernandes played a pivotal role in safeguarding and popularizing ''[[tiatr]]'' during his career spanning over five decades. He demonstrated his versatility by excelling as a writer, director, and producer of numerous highly acclaimed ''tiatrs'', such as "''Izmol''", "''Maim Dukhi Sasumaim Sukhi''", "''Put Mhozo Bekar''", "''Nirmilolem Jivit''", and "''Seza Pai''". Fernandes was regarded as a gentleman, always acknowledging the invaluable assistance provided by ''tiatr'' artists. He consistently held Nelson Afonso, a renowned tiatr artist from an earlier era, in high esteem for his support in staging "''Seza Pai''".<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Vasco Church.jpg|thumb|St. Andrew's Church, Vasco (2018)]]
"''Seza Pai''" was a ''tiatr'' production inspired by a true story set in [[Goa]]. The story revolves around a beggar who regularly sought alms in front of St. Andrew's Church in [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco]]. This beggar demonstrated compassion by using the money he collected to purchase fruits and chocolates, which he then distributed among the children attending [[catechism]] classes at the church. Intrigued by his actions, Fernandes would frequently observe him from the roadside. Moved by the beggar's selflessness, he drew inspiration from this incident and crafted a theatrical production titled "''Seza Pai''". With the assistance of Afonso, Fernandes organized performances of the ''tiatr'' across the state of Goa. As a result, he himself became affectionately known as ''Seza Pai''.<ref name=":0" />

Fernandes exhibited great enthusiasm for [[Konkani]] ''tiatr'' and music, showcasing his passion through his debut ''tiatr'' "''Put Mhozo Bekar''" in 1959. Encouraged by the positive reception, he continued his creative journey with "''Nirmilolem Jivit''," earning accolades from Afonso. This commendation prompted Fernandes to approach Afonso for assistance in producing his successful tiatr "''Seza Pai''."<ref name=":0" />

Afonso not only provided valuable guidance but also actively participated as an actor in the tiatr, fostering a sense of deep gratitude within Fernandes. Renowned for his skill as a composer, Fernandes excelled in crafting captivating "''[[Tiatr#Songs|cantos]]''" for the ''tiatr''. Despite his talent, he remained modest and sought feedback from artist Patrick Dourado, who served as a guiding influence whenever necessary.<ref name=":0" />

==Awards==
Fernandes' achievements on the ''tiatr'' stage garnered widespread recognition from various institutions and the [[Government of Goa]]. His remarkable contributions were honored by esteemed organizations such as the Curtorim Jaycees Club in 2010<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Panaji: Condolence meet to condole death of Vincent Florencio Fernandes |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=175832 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Kala Academy]] in 2008.<ref name=":0" /> In further acknowledgment of his talent and impact, the government bestowed upon him the prestigious Goa State Cultural Award in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recipients of Goa State Cultural Award |url=https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=Directorate of Art and Culture |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805030337/https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Stage works==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1959
|''Put Mhozo Bekar''
|Writer/director
|Debur ''Tiatr''
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Nirmilolem Jivit''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Seza Pai''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Katteantlem Ful''
|Writer
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''Orkache Panch Mister''
|Actor
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''St. Francis Xavier''
|Actor
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''Saat Dukhi''
|Actor
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''Jevnnachi Buti''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|
|''Padri''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|
|''Mhozo Sonvsar''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|
|''Izmol''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":3" />
|-
|2009
|''Maim Dukhi Sasumaim Sukhi''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2016-02-25 |title=Tiatr artistes of yesteryears to be remembered – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2016/02/25/magazines/buzz/tiatr-artistes-of-yesteryears-to-be-remembered/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|''Bail Dukhi Kumar Sukhi''
|Writer/director
|Not completed
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-18 |title='Seza Pai' Ontorlo |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/18_may_avaz |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Amcho Avaz |language=gom}}</ref>
|}

==Further reading==
{{cite book |last=Vilsana Mājhārelo |first=Vilmiksa |year=2000 |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |location=Goa, India |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |pages=189 |oclc=71174491 }}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Star of Curtorim}}
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:2013 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Goan people]]
[[Category:People from South Goa district]]

Star of Curtorim - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article