Panaji: The tiatr fraternity has lost one of its mostrespected figures with the passing of veteran playwright, director, lyricist, and composer Patrocicio ‘Patrick’ Dourado on Friday.Dourado was 86 and was widely regarded for his immense contribution to Konkani theatre over a span of more than six decades.“He was a true legend who worked tirelessly to raise the standard of tiatr to the highest level,” said Anthony Barbosa, president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG).Born on June 23, 1939, in Benaulim, Dourado scripted over 100 tiatrs and khell-tiatrs. He was also known to have ghostwritten several other tiatrs and songs, many of which went on to become major hits. At one point, his name alone was enough to draw large audiences to theatres—any production advertised as written and directed by Dourado would almost certainly ensure a full house.Dourado made his debut in tiatr with ‘Nagounnechi Girestkai’, staged during the chapel feast at Pedda-Benaulim. Among his most acclaimed works are ‘Tin Fogotteanche Marann’, ‘Utor’, ‘Tin Thembe’, ‘Lok Sangtolo’, ‘Ostori’, ‘Tujea Ugddasak’, ‘Dev Borem Korum’, and ‘Varem’. He also presented two all-women shows, ‘Doyal Kallzacho’ and ‘Oxem Ghoddtta’. However, the production closest to his heart remained ‘Ghatki Bhoinn’ (1961).
