John Claro

John Claro Fernandes (born Joao Claro Fernandes; 5 December 1930 – 18 August 2024) was an Indian writer, theatre director, playwright, and actor known for his work in tiatr productions. 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 (now Mumbai), presently occupied by the Police Commissioner headquarters.

Early life Fernandes was born as Joao Claro Fernandes on 5 December 1930, in Cotombi, Quepem, Goa, which was part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now part of India).

During his school years, Fernandes developed a deep appreciation for theater and local art, actively engaging in annual social gatherings. After completing his primary education, he embarked on his professional acting career in Roque Afonso's tiatr production, Eke Oklek Teg Novre (One Bride Three Bridegrooms). He played the role of one of the bridegrooms, alongside Kamat de Assolna and Saluzinho, while Lucas Fernandes assumed the character of the bride. Fernandes's path intersected with that of M. Boyer, as both resided in close proximity in Maddel Pequem, Margao. Due to a scarcity of educational institutions in Goa at the time, Fernandes relocated to Bombay to pursue further education and employment opportunities. a popular venue that served as a testing ground for tiatrists (tiatr performers) in Bombay. The audience's favorable response led to subsequent performances. Due to the play's success, it was later staged at Cowasji Jehangir Hall to support a specific church section. Valerian Gracias, the first cardinal of Mumbai, attended one of these performances.

Fernandes continued to contribute to the tiatr tradition with his subsequent play, Rinnkari Zanvoi, which also found success in Bombay. Throughout his career, Fernandes had written and staged a total of 15 tiatrs. Some of his works included Nirmiloli Sun, Gupit Karann (Secret Reason), Ghorabeachi Durdoxea, Utrachi Mudi, Portugez Kolvont (Portuguese Artist), 23 Vorsam (23 Years), Konkani Advogad (Konkani Advocate), Inglez Madam (English Madam), Tambddi Mati (Red Soil), Rostadak Ostad, Vinglli Nachpinn (Naked Dancer), Civil Kazar (Civil Marriage), and American Dollar. The couple had two sons, Godwin and Godfrey, and a daughter, Golda.

Death On 18 August 2024, Fernandes died at his residence in Quepem, Goa, at the age of 93.

Awards and recognition In 1992–93, Fernandes was bestowed with the esteemed "Goa State Cultural Award" in the field of tiatr, presented by the Directorate of Art and Culture of the Government of Goa. In December 2011, the Tiatr Academy of Goa bestowed upon Fernandes the "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Awards", an achievement in acknowledgment of his outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to the field. The ceremony took place at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao.

In April 2012, Fernandes was honored for his substantial contributions to Goan tiatr during a felicitation organized by the Maharashtra Konkani Kala Sanstha in Mumbai, with support from the Tiatr Academy of Goa. In December 2017, Fernandes was bestowed with the "Dalgado Cultural Award" by the Culture and Art Minister at the time, Govind Gaude. In July 2020, Fernandes was honored with the "GULAB Tiatrist of the Year 2019" award further attesting to his achievements and his contributions to the Tiatr community. In February 2021, Fernandes was presented with the "Gulab Tiatrist of the Year Puraskar" on Konkani Journalism Day.

In December 2022, Fernandes received a felicitation at the Tiatr Academy of Goa's Lifetime Contribution Awards ceremony. In February 2023, the Dalgado Konknni Akademi felicitated Fernandes at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, showcasing his status as a recipient of the "Dalgado Sonskurtik Puraskar". In September 2023, Fernandes was honored with the one-time Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for playwrighting. He was the sole artist from Goa and one among the 75 artists selected across India by the national academy of music, dance, and drama.

Selected stage works

Select bibliography