Lucasinho Ribeiro

Costâncio Lucasinho Caridade Ribeiro (2 January 1863 – 23 January 1928) was a Goan playwright, theatre director, actor, singer, and composer known for staging the first teatro Italian Bhurgo (Italian Boy) on 17 April 1892 in Bombay. Known as a founder of Konkani tiatr, he also staged the first teatro at Assagão, Goa on 1 January 1894.

Early life Costâncio Lucasinho Caridade Ribeiro was born on 2 January 1863 in Assagão, Bardes, Portuguese Goa.

Theatrical career Background: Early zagor and khell tiatrs During the 19th century, Goa was known for its theatrical performances called zagor and khell. Towards the end of the 19th century, the zagor form of entertainment gained popularity in Bombay, attracting the interest of North Goans. Unfortunately, this form of entertainment was considered crude and vulgar, leading to the embarrassment of the more affluent Goans residing in Bombay. They faced ridicule and mockery from non-Goans, which prompted the middle and upper classes in Bombay to shift their attention to English and Portuguese dramas.

Role in Italian Opera Company In 1890, while zagor was still common in Bombay, an Italian Opera Company arrived in the city, presenting performances of high quality in renowned theaters. These Italian operas had good storylines, musical compositions, direction, stage designs, costumes, and lighting effects. These productions attracted a considerable audience, including some well-to-do Goans. It was during this time that Ribeiro, then 27 years old, arrived in Bombay to seek employment. Ribeiro had a strong interest in music and stage arts and was dissatisfied with the condition of Goan entertainment. Comparing the subpar quality of Goan performances to the excellence of the Italian Opera Company, Ribeiro decided that improvements were necessary. However, he encountered many difficulties in Bombay, where he had limited education and few opportunities. Despite these difficulties, he analyzed the differences between Goans and the producers of Italian opera. He questioned why Goans could not create dramas of comparable quality and decided to take steps toward change. Through his personal connections, he obtained a position with the Italian Opera Company, starting as a curtain operator and caretaker or a stagehand. were recruited. Now a team of five, they started planning for the first presentation of a Konkani tiatr. They met for rehearsals each evening after their respective work commitments, near the Round Bungalow on Picket Road in Bombay. Only when they were entirely satisfied with their preparations did they finalize a date for their first performance. On 17 April 1892, the first-ever Konkani tiatr, Italian Bhurgo (The Italian Boy), written and directed by Ribeiro, was performed at the New Alfred Theatre in Bombay. The audience appreciated the production's music, narrative, songs, and the authentic velvet costumes borrowed from the Italian Opera Company. The tiatr's success increased the group's recognition, prompting Ribeiro to name them the Goa Portuguese Dramatic Company.

Plays