Manuel D'Lima
| Manuel D'Lima | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1934 Porvorim, Goa, Portuguese India, Portuguese Empire |
| 💀Died | October 2016 (aged 81–82) Santacruz, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaOctober 2016 (aged 81–82) |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Indian |
| Other names |
|
| 💼 Occupation |
|
| 📆 Years active | 1970s–2000s |
| 👔 Employer | Bank of India |
| Known for | Staging religious plays during Lent |
| Notable work | Soddvondar |
Manuel J. D'Lima[lower-alpha 1] (c. 1934 – October 2016)[1] was an Indian banker, former playwright, theatre director, musician, and All India Radio artiste known for his work in tiatr productions and playlets during the 1970s.
Early life
There is limited information available about the life of D'Lima. Hailing from the town of Porvorim, in the colony of Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now located in India), he initially embarked on his stage career within his home region. There, he wrote and staged Konkani tiatrs, a distinctive form of musical theatre indigenous to Goa. These productions found an appreciative audience in Porvorim.[2]
Career
Introduction to theatre and radio in Bombay, British India
Seeking broader horizons, D'Lima ventured to Bombay, British India (now Mumbai, India), a metropolis known for its vibrant entertainment industry. In Bombay, he showcased his creative talents by presenting his first major tiatr, Ek Oklek Don Noure (The Bride With Two Bridegrooms), in support of Socorro-Union, a type of social club where all villagers and like-minded people would meet in the village of Socorro, Goa. This successful endeavor paved the way for his recognition as a writer of repute. D'Lima's artistic journey also intersected with All India Radio, the state-owned public radio broadcaster in India, where he secured a position as a regular artist. On this platform, also known as Akashvani, he had a listenership for his small playlets, contributing approximately 100 of these dramatic pieces. The audience's reception affirmed his skill as a playwright and performer.[2]
The Syndicate band and tiatr contracts (1980s–2000s)
Prior to his work in banking, D'Lima was involved in the Goan music scene as a member of the popular 1980s cover band known as The Syndicate. This ensemble was formed in 1979[3] and was considered a leading Goan cover band during that decade. D'Lima's involvement in the performing arts predated his time with The Syndicate. He had previously worked as a writer and director of tiatrs, a form of Konkani theatrical production. His inaugural theatrical performance, named Eke Oklek Don Noure, debuted in Porvorim, his native town located in the coastal region of Goa, and was also showcased in Bombay, which is presently known as Mumbai. In addition to his theatrical work, he penned multiple skits that were broadcasted on the All India Radio station located in Bombay. After The Syndicate disbanded around the year 2002, following over 20 years of performances,[4] D'Lima entered into a professional partnership with fellow artist Santan Rodricks. Working jointly, they temporarily accepted tiatr contracts under the pseudonym "Lima-San." Throughout his career, D'Lima has maintained involvement in the banking industry, which has been the primary focus of his professional activities for the majority of his working life.[1]
Expansion of commercial theatre productions
Expanding his creative repertoire, D'Lima transitioned to writing tiatrs on a grander scale. Collaborating with popular actors from the Konkani stage, he crafted a series of commercial productions, totalling up to seven.[1] These include Europi Saukar (European Government), Shakuntala, Bism Saib (The Bishop), Milagr (The Miracle), Khorkhos Ostori, Soddvondar, and Quo Vadis? (Where are you going?). His artistic stature grew as he established himself as a respected writer within the theatrical community.[2] His contributions to Goan theatre extended beyond secular performances, as he also left a mark in the realm of religious plays. Pioneered by J. P. Souzalin, a popular Konkani theatre director, the tradition of religious tiatrs was solidified with Souzalin's production of Saibinicheo Sath Dukhi (The Seven Sorrows of Mary) during the early 1970s.[5]
Subsequent work in religious Lenten-themed plays
D'Lima and his contemporaries followed in Souzalin's footsteps, staging religious plays in the mid-1970s. Although predominantly biblical in nature and tied to the season of Lent, these productions aimed to inspire introspection, contemplation, and personal transformation among their audiences.[5] He, along with Konkani dramatists such as Simon C. Fernandes, Remmie Colaço, Prem Kumar, Robin Vaz, and Aleixinho de Candolim, upheld the legacy of Souzalin's pioneering efforts.[6] Notable collaborations brought together D'Lima and other performers within the Konkani theatre community. One standout example is Cyriaco Dias, a Konkani actor and playwright, who portrayed the lead role of Jesus Christ in D'Lima's religious tiatr Soddvondar (The Deliverer), etching this portrayal into the annals of his career.[2] Additionally, the Konkani singer and drummer Tony King lent his talents to D'Lima's religious tiatr Quo Vadis? (Where are you going?).[7]
Personal life
Despite his accomplishments, D'Lima faced time constraints due to his concurrent employment at Bank of India,[1] which ultimately led to his decision to discontinue the production of tiatrs. According to the book 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro by Wilson Mazarello, a Konkani singer and historian, published in 2000, D'Lima resided in Santacruz, Mumbai, with his family.[2]
Selected stage works
Tiatrs
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ek Oklek Don Noure | Writer | Professional debut | [2] | |
| Europi Saukar | Writer | |||
| Shakuntala | Writer | |||
| Bism Saib | Writer | |||
| Milagr | Writer | |||
| Khorkhos Ostori | Writer | |||
| 1970s | Soddvondar | Writer | [1] | |
| Quo Vadis? | Writer | [7] |
Notes
- ↑ (alternatively spelt as Manuel de Lima)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 da Costa, Fausto V.; Rose, Joe (2019). TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume. Panaji, Goa: Tiatr Academy of Goa. pp. 18, 87, 105. Search this book on
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Mazarello, Wilson (2000). 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. p. 173. Search this book on
- ↑ "Qatar: Top Band "The Syndicate" To Perform At The 11th Annual May Queen Ball In Qatar". Daijiworld. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Pinto, Cecil (21 October 2010). "Sounding out Goan cover bands Remo's offer to reward originality". Gomantak Times. p. 7.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Tiatr and the period of prayer, penance and abstinence". O Heraldo. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ↑ Fernandes, Paul; Esteves, Pio (2015-02-19). "Religious tiatr traces its roots back to the 1960s". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Fanki Tony King Ontorlo". Vauraddeancho Ixtt (in गोंयची कोंकणी / Gõychi Konknni). 2014-06-07. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
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