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{{Short description|Indian female impersonator and actor (1924–1997)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Vincent de Saligão
| image = Portrait of Vincent de Saligão.jpg
| caption = Portrait of Vaz during his youth
| birth_name = Vicente Conceição Vás
| birth_date = {{birth date|1924|12|15|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Saligão]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]]
| death_place = Saligao, Goa, India
| other_names = {{hlist|Vincy Vaz|Vincent Conception Vas}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1997|4|27|1924|12|15|df=y}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Female impersonator|actor|playwright|composer|singer}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Marelia Alvares|1948}}
| years_active = 1942–1980s
}}

'''Vincent Conceição Vaz''' (born '''Vicente Conceição Vás'''; 15 December 1924 – 27 April 1997), known professionally as '''Vincent de Saligão''', was an Indian [[Drag queen|female impersonator]], actor, playwright, composer, singer, and journalist who worked on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]].

==Early life==
Vaz was born as Vicente Conceição Vás on 15 December 1924 in [[Saligão]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]]. Vaz was raised in a [[Goan Catholic]] family, the son of Julio Sebastião Vás, an employee, and Luizinha de Souza, a [[homemaker]] from [[Anjuna]], Goa.<ref name=":3">{{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> He had one younger brother, José, (born 1930). While studying at Mater Dei School<ref name=":2" /> in Saligão, Vaz engaged in a range of performances, including concerts<ref name=":1" /> and theatrical productions, that were organized by the village boys in Saligão. This involvement was a common experience for those with aspirations to become ''[[tiatrist]]s'' in Goa.<ref name=":0" />

After attending a performance by an established ''tiatrist'', Vaz was inspired to pursue a career in ''tiatr'', the traditional [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theater form. At a young age, he wrote and staged his first original ''tiatr'', titled ''Kustorba'', in his hometown, which was well received by local audiences. Vaz's stage productions in [[Parra, Goa]] drew the interest of Anton Francis Rod, a well-known ''tiatr'' performer of that era. Impressed by Vaz's talent, Rod extended an offer for Vaz to participate in one of his shows, noting the young Vaz's presence and skills.<ref name=":2" /> This production also featured the [[Theatrical troupe|dramatic troupe]] of [[Aleixinho de Candolim]], providing Vaz with his first major opportunity to showcase his talents as both a singer and actor on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]], marking a significant milestone in his career.<ref name=":2" />

==Career==
Vaz was known for his versatility as an actor, particularly in [[cross-gender acting|portraying female roles]]. During the early years of his career, he affiliated with [[Aleixinho de Candolim]]'s [[Theatrical troupe|dramatic troupe]]. This association granted him the chance to participate in ''[[tiatr]]s'', a style of [[Goan]] theater, at multiple venues throughout the [[Goa]] region. This exposure helped Vaz gain recognition and acclaim for his acting abilities. He took on roles in a variety of ''tiatrs'' staged by Aleixinho, showcasing his acting talent and contributing to the cultural landscape of Goan theater. He garnered acclaim for his performances wherever he appeared, gradually gaining popularity among audiences.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Cardozo |first=Irene |title=TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume |publisher=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] |year=2019 |location=[[Panaji, Goa]] |pages=115–116}}</ref> In 1942, a theatrical group from [[Bombay]], known as ''[[tiatrist]]s'', embarked on a tour of Goa where they were showcasing a play called ''Ducoulelem Calliz'' by Anthony Vaz. One of the actors, Vincent Rod, playing the role of an [[Amah (occupation)|ayah]], suddenly fell ill after a performance. This led to a requirement for a replacement actor, especially for a female character. The Bombay troupes, known for their high standards, struggled to find a suitable replacement who could meet their expectations, particularly for a female role.<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=112–113 |language=en |access-date=2024-05-22 |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>

After carrying out auditions for multiple artists, the lead actor of the play Miss Julie, who was a [[Drag queen|female impersonator]] and held considerable authority in casting decisions, did not find any suitable candidates initially. However, he eventually relented and allowed Vaz to take on the role.<ref name=":1" /> Before this particular chance, Vaz had never played a female role. However, his [[Androgyny|physical appearance]] and skill in portraying a woman convincingly through attire and mannerisms impressed the Bombay troupes, ultimately resulting in his selection for the role. Vaz's performance in the Bombay ''tiatr'' production further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor, particularly in the realm of female roles. His association with Aleixinho de Candolim's troupe and the success of the Bombay tour cemented his standing in the Goan theater scene.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Cardozo |first=Tomazinho |date=2013-09-07 |title=Vincent de Saligao: Ostorechi bhumika korun tiatr porzollailo |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/7sep_avaz |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Amcho Avaz via [[O Heraldo]] |language=gom |archive-date=2024-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323125429/https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/7sep_avaz |url-status=live }}</ref>

Initially hesitant about his ability to effectively [[cross-gender acting|portray female roles]], Vaz, a newcomer to the world of female impersonation in [[Bombay]], eventually showcased his talents and met the high standards of performance established by other ''[[tiatr]]'' artists in the region during that period. His performance as the character of an "[[Amah (occupation)|ayah]]" (also known as a [[Lady's maid|female attendant]] or nurse) was praised and appreciated by audiences.<ref name=":1" /> The contractor tasked with [[Promoter (entertainment)|managing the printing and promotion]] of Vaz's inaugural performance inadvertently substituted the name "Vincent de Saligão" on the show's [[handbill]]s after failing to recollect Vaz's surname. This stage name then became associated with Vaz going forward. After this initial success, the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright [[J. P. Souzalin]] began regularly incorporating Vaz into the lead roles of his ''tiatr'' productions.<ref name=":0" /> Vaz became a specially [[featured artist]] in Souzalin's work, with the playwright leveraging Vaz's talents to help elevate the ''tiatr'' tradition as a whole.<ref name=":2" />

In a similar manner, Souzalin ensured that Vaz had a dedicated space to pursue his Konkani ''tiatr'' stage career. Some of the popular ''tiatrs'' that featured Vaz in leading roles under Souzalin's direction included ''Osnoddcho Kistulo'', ''Poilea Cheddeacho Baltim'' (First Son's Baptism), ''Tiklem Cheddum'', ''Dadlo Vhodd vo Ostori'' (Is Man Great or Woman?), etc. In addition to his collaborations with Souzalin, Vaz also performed in productions directed by other leading Konkani theatre figures of the era, such as [[Saib Rocha]], [[C. Alvares]], [[A. M. B. Rose]], [[Ernest Rebello]], [[Jacinto Vaz]], [[Minguel Rod]], and [[Anthony De Sa (actor)|Anthony De Sa]].<ref name=":0" /> Across these varied associations, Vaz continued to be cast primarily in female character roles.<ref name=":2" />

Vaz earned the reputation as the "Prince of Female Roles", which many directors bestowed the title upon him, due to his ability to convincingly [[cross-gender acting|embody and depict women on stage]]. He achieved renown for his contributions to ''tiatrs'', excelling in the portrayal of female roles and became a known figure among ''tiatr'' enthusiasts for his performances in female roles across several productions. Playwrights [[J. P. Souzalin]] and A. M. B. Rose tailored specific roles for Vaz that highlighted his talent for portraying feminine characters, which enhanced the entertainment value of the ''tiatrs''. Vaz's transformations into women were so complete and authentic that it was challenging for audiences to discern that he was a male actor, as his [[Femininity|movements, voice, and overall presentation]] all exuded a convincingly feminine quality.<ref name=":2" /> Vaz's most acclaimed performances were in the ''tiatrs Atancheo Sunon'' (The Present Daughter-in-laws) by [[C. Alvares]] and ''Paichi Chuk vo Mainchi?'' (Father's mistake or Mother's?) by J. P. Souzalin.<ref name=":0" />

In addition to his acting endeavors, Vaz was involved in the creation and production of several ''tiatr'' performances that he wrote and staged himself, including ''Visvaxi Ghorcarn'' (Trustful Housewife), ''Anv Matari'' (Me, the Old lady), ''Devak Dennem'' (God's Gift), ''Mhaka Dhor'' (Catch Me), ''Khoxe Bhair Kazar'' (Marriage out of Happiness), ''Hoklechi Khoxi'' (Bride's Wish), ''Atam Konn Kazar Zait?'' (Now, who might Marry?), and ''Boyfriend''. Vaz also acted in the ''tiatr Don Ghoranchi Dusmankai'' (The Adversary of Two Houses), written by [[Dioguinho D'Mello]] and directed by Antonio Francisco Rod, with Dioguinho expressing admiration for Vaz's thespian skills.<ref name=":2" /> During this period, Vaz performed under the stage name of Vincy Vaz. Vaz demonstrated his multifaceted talents through directing the ''tiatr'' production ''Auntychea Roomant'' (In Aunty's Room), in addition to this, he was known for composing various songs, and showcasing his singing abilities. His [[musical compositions]] were recorded by [[Gramophone Company India]], featuring well-known tracks like "Cheddvank Ollkonk" and "Kazar Zain Dista". Furthermore, he played a role as a journalist for [[Konkani language|Konkani]] magazines, including the [[Weekly newspaper|weekly publications]] ''The Goa Times'' and ''The Goa Mail'', both based in [[Bombay]].<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
Vaz was a resident of the [[census town]] of [[Saligao]] in Goa as of 1995, wherein he lived with his family. On 14 November 1948, at the age of 23, he married Marelia Alvares, who was 21 years old and also based in Saligao. The marriage ceremony took place at the Church of Our Lady of Dolours in [[Sonapur, Bhandup]], in [[Bombay]]. At the time of his marriage, Vaz was living in Sonapur and employed as a fitter. His marriage certificate was later [[Transcription (linguistics)|transcribed]] on 30 April 1987, by civil registrar officials in the [[Bardez]] [[taluka]] of Goa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pinto |first=Wellan |date=30 April 1987 |title=Civil regsitrar Bardes order of transcribe |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/AllServices?cat=allZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520212143/https://goaonline.gov.in/AllServices?cat=allZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |archive-date=20 May 2024 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> During his childhood, Vaz developed an interest in the work of [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright [[Aleixinho de Candolim]] and Konkani singer [[Dioguinho D'Mello]]. Though passionate about Konkani theater, he was not a full-time performer on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]].<ref name=":2" />

As noted by Konkani writer [[Tomazinho Cardozo]], he highlighted the difficulty artists faced in supporting their families solely through performances in ''[[tiatr]]'' during that era. As a result, Vaz sought employment in the [[Gulf countries]] for an extended period, working abroad to support his family. Vaz's health eventually declined, necessitating his return to [[Goa]]. He was subsequently diagnosed with [[paralysis]]. During this period, Cardozo frequently visited Vaz at his home to show his respect, but was struck by Vaz's continued devotion to the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] ''tiatr'' stage, despite his debilitating condition. Even though Vaz could no longer actively participate in productions, he remained engaged with the art form, discussing ''tiatrs'' through his thoughts and insights until his death.<ref name=":2" /> On 27 April 1997, Vaz, aged 71, died in Saligao, Goa.<ref name=":1" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saligão, Vincent de}}
[[Category:1924 births]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Actors from North Goa district]]

Vincent de Saligão - Revision history

Serguty: made a bio