Team Goemkarponn
Margao: Goan theatre groups are once again facing exclusion at Margao’s Ravindra Bhavan, as Chairman Rajendra Talak reportedly invited a Pune-based troupe to perform during the inauguration of the newly renovated Pai Tiatrist Hall and Black Box on November 5, coinciding with Rangabhumi Din. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the local arts community, who argue it undermines the purpose of Rangabhumi Din — a day dedicated to celebrating Goa’s own theatre heritage.
Vishal Pai Cacode, artist and former member of the Goa State Cultural Development Committee, condemned the decision, calling it “a blatant disrespect to Goan artists rather than any form of cultural development.”
Cacode accused Talak of running Ravindra Bhavan in an authoritarian manner that has demoralized Goan performers over the years. “Local artists and troupes have been systematically overlooked while preference is repeatedly given to outsiders. Despite repeated appeals, neither the management nor the Art & Culture Department has acted to prevent this ongoing bias,” he said.
Highlighting financial concerns, Cacode claimed that more than 70 percent of the venue’s annual expenditure goes to non-Goan artists, diverting public funds intended to promote local culture. “This leaves Goa’s theatre, music, and dance groups struggling for opportunities on their own stages,” he added.
He emphasized that Goa has a thriving performing arts community, including hundreds of trained artists, directors, musicians, and youth groups, yet the current administration has allegedly transformed Ravindra Bhavan into a “personal fiefdom” lacking transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
Cacode urged Art & Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar to intervene, calling for a thorough inquiry into the management, programming policies, and financial decisions at the venue. He proposed that at least 85 percent of all programmes and funds be reserved for Goan artists, with clear guidelines for any collaborations with outsiders.
Concluding his statement, Cacode demanded the dissolution of the current Ravindra Bhavan Committee and its replacement with a panel of respected Goan cultural figures. “Ravindra Bhavan Margao has ceased to serve local artists and instead has become a platform for outsiders and administrative favoritism,” he said.
