Miss Ida

José Mendes, known professionally as Miss Ida, was an early 20th-century Goan theatre actor, singer, playwright, and female impersonator known for his work in tiatr productions during the early phase of tiatr. Described as a "celebrated female impersonator on the tiatr stage" by writer Fausto V. Da Costa,

In addition to acting as female characters, Mendes engaged in singing duets with male co-artists. Writer Fausto V. da Costa commends Mendes as an early pioneer who adeptly assumed feminine roles. Tiatr enthusiasts bestowed applause and praise upon Mendes for his performances. He undertook female roles and vocalized songs in the persona of a female character. Mendes frequently collaborated with Thomas Coogan, a fellow Konkani composer and singer hailing from the village of Calvim, Aldona. Their partnership in approximately 20–25 tiatrs left an impression on audiences and formed an unforgettable combination, states da Costa. Several of their duets and duos have been captured by Gramophone Company India and aired on All India Radio (known as Akashvani).

Mendes's contributions to the tiatr extended beyond acting and singing. He penned several tiatrs, with their work Kombekar (Poultryman) generating a significant impact in Bombay during the British India era. The tiatr Kombekar was staged at Indra Bhavan in Dhobitalao, Bombay in 1938. It was within this production that Mendes provided a platform for the emerging Konkani actor and singer Valente Mascarenhas (Carmo Valerian Mascarenhas), who showcased his talent through five songs. Accompanying Mascarenhas were vocalists A. M. B. Rose, Alfred Rose, Thomas Coogan, and Selvyn. It was during the same tiatr that young Alfred Rose made his debut on the Konkani stage. The audience embraced the popular cantar "Kiteak Jiv Khatai?" performed by the trio of Selvyn, Thomas Coogan, and Alfred Rose.

Personal life Information about Mendes's personal life is scarce. He was born in the island village of Calvim, located in Aldona, Bardez, Goa, which was a territory of Portuguese India during the era of the Portuguese Empire (now part of India). He had a nephew named Joaquim Mendes, who was professionally known as Young Mendes and was also involved in the Konkani theater industry as an actor and playwright. It was Mendes himself who played a pivotal role in introducing Joaquim to the tiatr stage at a young age, and Joaquim's debut performance in tiatr turned out to be a success.

Selected stage works YearTitleRoleNotesRefKombekar Writer