Mini Mario

Evaristo Menino Mariano D'Silva (né da Silva; born 26 October 1967), known professionally Mini Mario, is a singer-songwriter, actor, playwright, and director based in London, United Kingdom. He is known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr (theatre) productions.

Early life He was born into a family with a history in the tiatr theatrical tradition of Goa. His father was actively involved in khell performances, particularly in those associated with Magnier Rod. His uncle Merciano was known as a popular figure in the field of khell tiatr, during this time period. From a young age, D'Silva was exposed to the tiatr art form.

D'Silva, at 8 years old, participated in cooperative endeavors with other children in his village to construct makeshift stages for tiatr theatrical performances. Using bed sheets and curtains, they would set up these stages. Pacheco featured him in his tiatr work Dhag. D'Silva's singing and acting talents soon caught the attention of other popular tiatr directors, who began incorporating him into their own productions. Premanand Lotlikar included him in the cast of his tiatr production Loz Ani Dukh, while Menino De Bandar then selected him to perform in the tiatr Vizmit. D'Silva then became a fixture in Roseferns' theatrical group, debuting in his play Thapott and eventually featuring in around 23 tiatrs directed by him during his career. His long-standing involvement with Roseferns' tiatr company culminated in his appearance in the production Jem Tujem Tem Mhojem.

D'Silva has collaborated with a range of professional directors over the course of his career. These directors include figures such as Rosario Rodrigues, Mariano Fernandes, Prince Jacob, Mario Menezes, John D'Silva, Jack Ferry, and Pascoal Rodrigues. With proficiency in vocal performance and acting, D'Silva transitioned his focus to writing and directing original theatrical productions, drawing upon his experience. His first self-directed work, a tiatr (a form of Goan theatre) titled Nit, was presented in several villages to a favorable response from the viewers. Encouraged by the positive outcome of this initial production, he took the step of founding a theater company centered around his play Adim Tum Atam Hanv. As of March 2015, he had written and directed approximately 36 tiatrs, with a particular focus on exploring themes and narratives centered around family dynamics and relationships. As of 2018, D'Silva resided in Ninvaddo, Colva.

D'Silva is a full-time tiatrist. He expresses that his experience as a school dropout led to difficulties in his life. While he possessed a comprehensive understanding of tiatr, this specialization did not facilitate the acquisition of other skills or knowledge that would be beneficial for his future opportunities. He contemplates on his incomplete formal education with a sense of regret, noting that it troubles him consistently. He reflects on the idea that, if he had not become a tiatrist, he would have been interested in pursuing careers as a tailor or a mechanic. His father, on the other hand, opposed his pursuit of these interests, insisting that he continue in the family business.