Star of Curtorim

Vicente Florenco Fernandes (27 February 1941 – 16 May 2013), known professionally as Star of Curtorim or Seza Pai, was an Indian theatre director, dramatist, actor and composer, who primarily worked on the Konkani stage. He is best known for his tiatr Seza Pai which he staged along with Nelson Afonso during the golden phase.

Early life

Vicente Florenco Fernandes was born on 27 February 1941 in Curtorim, Goa, Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India) to Joaquim Joao Fernandes and Maria Augusta Mascarenhas. He hailed from a destitute family and found himself sent to labor at the residence of a bhatkar (landlord) during the Portuguese era. This practice was widespread during that time period, however, Fernandes had the misfortune of serving a particularly harsh bhatkar.

One fateful day, Fernandes was coerced into sleeping in the cowshed alongside the cattle, an experience that instilled fear within him. Despite his trepidation, Fernandes mustered the bravery to escape from this oppressive environment under the cover of darkness. and the Kala Academy in 2008.

Select stage works

Death A photograph of Fernandes taken during the funeral service, capturing him alongside his grieving family. On 16 May 2013, Fernandes died tragically at his residence in Curtorim, Goa, aged 72. The Roman Konkani version of O Heraldo, known as Amcho Avaz, extended their condolences to Fernandes' family. The Tiatr Academy of Goa also expressed deep sadness upon Fernandes' demise, recognizing him as one of the esteemed theater directors in Konkani language. They acknowledged the significant loss experienced by the Konkani stage.