Cyriaco Dias

Last updated
Cyriaco Dias
Cyriaco & Jessie Dias (cropped).jpg
Born
Santana Filomena Ceirico Camilo Dias

(1937-03-16) 16 March 1937 (age 87)
NationalityIndian
Other names
  • Shembu Canconkar
  • Ciriaco Dias
Occupations
  • Actor
  • playwright
  • theatre director
  • singer
  • freedom fighter
  • social worker
Years active1956–present
Notable work
Movement Goa liberation
Relatives

Santana Filomena Ceirico Camilo "Cyriaco" Dias (born 16 March 1937) is an Indian actor, playwright, theatre director, singer, freedom fighter, and social worker known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. Throughout his career, he has performed in over 1,000 dramas and has accumulated over 4,500 acting credits. [1]

Contents

Early life

Dias was born on 16 March 1937, in Raia, Goa, a region that was under Portuguese rule as part of Portuguese India during the era of the Portuguese Empire. Presently, Raia is located in India. Dias hailed from a musically gifted family, with his father, Pedro Joao Dias (later known as Peter John Menino Dias), being a musician and maestro, [2] while his mother, Maria Henriquita Dias, was a homemaker. [3]

From an early age, Dias actively participated in the struggle for independence and was recognized as a freedom fighter. [2] He joined forces with his associate Jack de Sequeira during the Goa Opinion Poll. During this period, Dias assumed the guise of a Hindu individual named Shembu Canconkar, donning traditional attire such as a dhoti . [4]

Career

Dias embarked on his theatrical career in his youth by joining a cultural club led by Seby Coutinho, Rico Rod, and Vincent Semedo. This association proved instrumental in establishing his reputation, leading to opportunities in C. Alvares' tiatrs , where he excelled in character roles. Dias's talent and popularity expanded, attracting the attention of other directors. He delivered a memorable performance as Jesus Christ in Manuel D'Lima's tiatr Soddvondar. [5]

Dias' debut tiatr, inspired by the Goan freedom struggle, unfortunately remained unproduced. However, he achieved success with his first staged social drama, Zigzigta Titleim Bangar Nhoim (All That Glitters is Not Gold) in 1956, solidifying his position as a rising star. [6] The same year he participated in the productions Kitem Ho Sounsar (What sort of world is this) and Chepekar Cunhado (Hat wearer Brother-in-law). As his career progressed, Dias collaborated with other figures in the Konkani tiatr, assuming diverse roles on the professional stage. [2]

By 2000, Dias had written six original tiatrs, primarily showcased in Bombay (now Mumbai). His creative output expanded further, resulting in a total of twelve tiatrs by 2011. However, Dias's stage appearances became less frequent from 1978 onward due to his professional commitments in Bahrain. Nonetheless, during his tenure in Bahrain, he managed to stage his own tiatrs and sporadically contributed to other theatrical productions. [5] He was recognized for his socially conscious approach. [6]

Personal life

In the year 2000, it was observed that whenever Dias visited Goa from Bahrain during his leave, he would attend tiatrs , which were being performed at that time. Despite his retirement from Bahrain, Dias has maintained his passion for the stage and intends to complete his unfinished work in the Konkani theater. While residing in Manama, Bahrain, he spends his time in Goa with his family at Ambora, Raia. [5]

According to the 2012 Directory of Tiatr Artistes, Dias currently resides in Calangute, located in North Goa. [7] He shares a familial relationship with Konkani actress Leena Dias and Konkani actress and singer Jessie Dias through his connection with Leena. [8]

During his stay in Mumbai, Dias formed a close friendship with Konkani playwright and director Rico Rod. This was evident when Dias spoke about Rod's character during a condolence gathering held at the Black Box in Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, to pay tribute to the late playwright and director. [9]

Awards and honours

Dias has received several awards and felicitations throughout his career. In recognition of his contributions to theatre, he was honored with the "Goa State Cultural Award" for the year 2010–2011. [10] Additionally, he was bestowed with the title of the 2020 "Gulab Tiatrist of the Year". [11] Dias's acting abilities have been acknowledged, as evidenced by his collection of 14 Best Actor awards. Furthermore, his impact on the theatrical landscape earned him the "Life Time Achievement award" from the Tiatr Academy of Goa in 2009. [12]

In addition to his theatrical achievements, Dias has also been honored by various organizations and individuals for his involvement in other endeavors. His contribution as a freedom fighter earned him accolades from the Goa Trinamool Congress [13] and Ramakant Khalap during the Swatantra Senani - Shahid Sanmaan Diwas event, organized by the North Goa District Congress Committee in Mapusa. [14] Furthermore, his role in the Konkani film Amchem Noxib led to a felicitation by former Goa Legislative Assembly speaker Tomazinho Cardozo at the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK). [15]

Dias's contributions to Konkani culture have not gone unnoticed either. He was felicitated by Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu, the editor of the Konkani periodical Veez, at the 3rd International Tiatr Convention. [16] Moreover, the Tiatr Academy of Goa honored him on the momentous occasion of commemorating 125 years of Tiatr at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. [17] Dias has also received the 2012 "Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar" (APKP) from the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr. [12]

Selected stage works

YearTitleRoleNotesRef
Untitled tiatrWriterUnproduced [2]
1956Zigzigta Titleim Bangar NhoimWriter/directorDebut tiatr
Kitem Ho Sounsar
Chepekar Cunhado

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nevel Gracias</span> Indian Catholic priest and playwright (1964–2022)

Nevel Lourdes Sacramento Gracias was an Indian Catholic priest, playwright, actor, singer, composer, director, and literary editor who primarily worked on the Konkani stage, best known for his lenten tiatrs. He was regarded as a one-man show and served in the general council of the Tiatr Academy of Goa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star of Arossim</span> Indian singer and actor (1932–2016)

Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao, known professionally as Star of Arossim, was an Indian singer, composer, dramatist, director, and actor who primarily worked on the Konkani stage. Regarded as a multifaceted artiste and one of the stalwarts of the Konkani stage. A skilled bongo and conga player, he is best known for being part of the Bomboikar Group for their biannual shows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kid Boxer</span> Indian singer and writer (1917–1991)

Caetano Manuel Pereira, known professionally as Kid Boxer, was an Indian singer, writer, director, comedian, and lyricist who worked on the Konkani stage. He is best known for being the member of the popular Kid-Young-Rod trio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C. D'Silva</span> Indian actor and singer (born 1936)

Pedro Caitano D'Silva, popularly known as C. D'Silva or Daddy, is an Indian actor, singer, playwright, theatre director, restaurateur, former makeup man, and prompter known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. In a career spanning over seven decades, D'Silva has acted in over 100 tiatrs. Due to his ability to portray various characters, he was awarded the title "Man of a Thousand Faces".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Claro</span> Indian writer and director (born 1930)

John Claro Fernandes, known professionally as John Claro, is an Indian writer, theatre director, playwright, and actor. Throughout his extensive career, he has made crucial contributions to the development and advancement of Goan tiatr. His noted research on the history of tiatr led to the discovery that the inaugural tiatr production, titled Italian Bhurgo, took place on 17 April 1892, at the New Alfred Theatre in Bombay, presently occupied by the Police Commissioner headquarters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ophelia Cabral</span> Indian actress and singer (1938–2016)

Ophelia Cabral e D'Souza, popularly known as Ophelia Cabral, was an Indian actress, singer, playwright, and director known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. One of the multifaceted performers of her time, she is referred to as the "Tragedy Queen of the Konkani stage" and was known for her roles in Konkani films such as Amchem Noxib, Nirmon, Boglantt, Bhuierantlo Munis, and Faxi Mogachi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premanand Sangodkar</span> Indian theatre actor (born 1941)

Premanand M. Sangodkar is an Indian former actor, director, playwright, and All India Radio artiste known for his work on the Konkani stage. He started his career by acting in Marathi nataks and later made his debut in the tiatr production Ekuch Rosto by M. Boyer in 1980, as a tiatrist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonette de Calangute</span> Indian theatre actress (1963–2014)

Antonette Pereira, known professionally as Antonette de Calangute, was an Indian theatre actress, and singer who worked on the Konkani stage. A versatile performer, she is best known for her portrayal of tragic characters in tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philomena Braz</span> Indian actress and singer (1933–2011)

Philomena Braz e Crasto was an Indian actress, and singer known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions from 1963 to the 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Souza Ferrão</span> Indian actor and singer (1937–2013)

Joaquim Conceicão "Jack" Souza Ferrão was an Indian actor, singer, playwright, and theatre director known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rita Lobo</span> Indian actress and singer (born 1944)

Rita Landers is an Indian former actress and singer, best known for her debut leading role in the Konkani film Amchem Noxib (1963). Having been discovered by filmmaker Frank Fernand and film director A. Salaam while singing at a restaurant, she was chosen for the lead role after impressing them with her performance. She received Lifetime Contribution to Konkani Cinema Award for her role in the film, her only acting credit before leaving the film industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seby Coutinho</span> Indian actor and playwright (1929–2000)

Seby Coutinho was an Indian actor, playwright, director, composer, dancer, choreographer, and former singer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">João Inacio</span> Indian actor and composer (1921–1978)

João Inacio De Souza was an Indian theatre actor, composer, singer, playwright, and theatre director who worked on the Konkani stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pio Esteves</span> Indian writer and journalist (born 1968)

Pio Antonio Jose Caetano Judas Esteves is an Indian writer, journalist, cartoonist, poet, playwright, and theatre director. As a journalist, he works for the local daily English newspaper O Heraldo. In the Konkani theatre scene, he is known for his work in children's tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sabina Fernandes</span> Indian actress and singer (born 1946)

Eusebia Feliciana "Sabina" Fernandes is an Indian actress, singer, theatrical producer, and theatre director known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josephine Dias</span> Indian Eucharistic minister and former actress (born 1948)

Josefina Francisca "Josephine" Dias is an Indian Eucharistic minister, former actress, and singer and who worked on the Konkani stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonio Sinforiano</span> Indian playwright and prompter (1930–1981)

Antonio Sinforiano Timotio Luis Fernandes, known professionally as Antonio Sinforiano or A. Sinforiano, was an Indian playwright, theatrical producer, ghostwriter, composer, prompter, and stagehand known for his work in tiatr productions staged post-liberation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Mestri</span> Indian musician and composer (1910–1999)

Aleixo Piedade Fernandes, known professionally as Alex Mestri, was an Indian musician, composer, violinist, bandleader, and music director who worked on the Konkani stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Fernandes</span> Indian actress and singer (born 1942)

Ubaldina "Diana" Fernandes, also known mononymously as Diana, is an Indian actress and singer known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonifacio Dias</span> Indian filmmaker and playwright (born 1947)

Bonifacio Dias is an Indian filmmaker, playwright, theatrical director, theatrical producer, and actor known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

References

  1. "TAG artiste of the month". The Times of India. 2011-12-21. ISSN   0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2023-12-30. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Scripting the Goan Tiatr | Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, India". www.artandculture.goa.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  3. "Registo De Nascimento". Goa Online. 30 June 2006. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  4. "'Govt not doing enough to honour Jack de Sequeira'". The Times of India. 2009-01-19. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  5. 1 2 3 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. 2000.
  6. 1 2 Times, Navhind (2011-12-22). "TAG's Meet the Artist felicitates Cyriaco Dias – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2023-12-30. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  7. Directory of Tiatr Artistes, 2012. Tiatr Academy of Goa. 2012. Archived from the original on 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  8. "Leena Dias, Goa's first heroine passes away". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  9. Times, Navhind (2016-07-03). "Remembering tiatr artiste: Rico Rod – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  10. "Recipients of Goa State Cultural Award" (PDF). Directorate of Art and Culture. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  11. "Fr. Freddy J Da Costa Memorial 'GULAB AWARDS 2020'conducted". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  12. 1 2 "Goa: Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr Annual Awards Presented". www.daijiworld.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  13. "TMC salutes freedom fighters, says Goa needs 2nd liberation". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  14. "Freedom from corruption will be mission of Congress- Girish Chodankar | Goemkarponn - Goa News". goemkarponn.com. 2021-08-14. Archived from the original on 2021-08-14. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  15. "Diamond jubilee of 'Amchem Noxib' to be marked in Porvorim". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  16. "Tiatrists across globe seek industry status to Tiatr". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  17. "Celebrations start to mark 125 yrs of tiatr". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2023-12-31.