Comedian Peter

Pedro Menino da Costa (16 September 1957 – 11 October 2010), known professionally as Comedian Peter, was an Indian comedian, actor, composer, ghostwriter, playwright, and lyricist known for his work in khell and tiatr productions.

Early life Pedro Menino da Costa was born on 16 September 1957, in Margão, Goa, which was a part of Portuguese India during the period of the Portuguese Empire. He was born into a Goan Catholic family with a strong connection to the traditional Goan theater known as tiatr. His father, Casiano, hailed from Varca, Goa, while his mother, Maria Santana Joana da Silva, a homemaker, came from Colva, Goa. Tiatr played a significant role in da Costa's family, with several relatives actively involved as writers and actors in this form of entertainment. Notable among his siblings were Dioginho (born 1951), as well as the late Camilo, Joaquim, Josephine Dias, and David, all of whom were performers in the Konkani theater scene.

Career Da Costa began his early involvement in the performing arts as a young performer, introduced to the field by his father, Casiano, within the realm of tiatrs, a traditional Goan style of theater. Later on, da Costa shifted to engaging in zomnivoile khell, which are popular street plays found in Goa. He gained recognition for his performances in Shalibai's fells, synonymous with khell productions. In addition to his acting endeavors, da Costa began writing khells and assumed the role of a young mestre, imparting play acts, known as "partio", to a group of aspiring youths from Assolda and Paroda-Quepem on a regular basis. It was through his involvement in A. M. Pacheco's khell-tiatrs, specifically Odruxtt (1974) and Mr. Romeo (1974), that da Costa secured a breakthrough in the commercial theater domain. Throughout his career, da Costa collaborated with popular Konkani directors such as Pascoal Rodrigues, Filipe Almeida Minino Mario, Milagres de Chandor, and F. Cardozo, participating in their respective tiatr productions.

D'Costa was also a popular figure in the realm of tiatr and khell-tiatr, where he left a mark as both a performer and composer. Alongside A. M. Pacheco, he showcased his comedic talent in the works of acclaimed artists such as Premanand Lotlikar, Roseferns, and Christopher-Meena. Da Costa's creative prowess extended to composing the "cantos" (Konkani songs) for Premanand Lotlikar's seven khell-tiatrs, including popular productions such as Loz Ani Dukh (Shame and Sadness), Zindabad (Long Live), To Mhozo Oprad (That is my Fault), and Povitr Papi (Holy Sinner). In A. M. Pacheco's theatrical work Don Roste (Two Roads), da Costa demonstrated his acting range by taking on the character of a police officer, illustrating his ability to excel outside of comedic roles. Together, he and Margarida had two sons named Marion (born 2005) and Macklin.