This 'tiatak' is breaking barriers in Goan theatre

Dramas and theatre arts have long regaled Goan audiences. Whether it’s a natak performed by village children or a tiatr presented to a global audience, theatre has always been ingrained in Goan culture.

While nataks have primarily attracted Hindu audiences, tiatr remains popular among Catholics. Aiming to offer something that appeals to both, the cultural group Kala Chetana Volvoi presents a first-of-its-kind tiatak—a fusion of natak and tiatr elements.

Why a tourist must watch a 'tiatr' in Goa

A FUSION OF BOTH

Conceptualised by producer Rajdeep Naik and Sucheta Narvekar, directed by Sushant Nayak, and written by Sucheta herself, Kanni Novya Yugachi blends both theatrical formats and promises its audience an entirely new experience.

The tiatak format came about when their earlier shows of Gaanv Zala Zantto (The Village Has Aged) attracted audiences from both Catholic and Hindu communities. “We felt it was important to give something to the entire crowd! If our audience is from both, the theatre unfolding on stage should not be different either,” says Sucheta.

BLENDING ON STAGE: 'Tiatr' and 'natak' artists come together in this 'tiatak'.

Tiatr has many formats, with its kantaras and live band being a major crowd-puller. Tiatak, however, blends the essence of both natak and tiatr into a single theatrical experience.

“Tiatak has it all, the kantara elementof tiatr, the storytelling depth of the natak and the comedy from both. You can almost call it a khatkhate,” Sucheta explains.

Sucheta Narvekar, Writer of Kanni Novya YugachiTiatak has it all, the kantara element of tiatr, the storytelling depth of the natak and the comedy from both. You can almost call it a khatkhate

THE STORY AND THE STAGE

The story of this tiatak focuses on the implementation of the NEP (National Education Policy) and revolves around the lives of twins, finding a parallel in the story of the tortoise and the hare. Kanni Novya Yugachi was first produced as a Konkani natak in 2022.

“With changing times and the inclusion of technology, the education policy needs to undergo certain changes as well. In the earlier natak, the NEP had just been introduced and we were focusing on raising awareness, but now the focus is on proper implementation of the policy by the government,” says Sucheta.

TWO CAN TELL A TALE: The 'tiatak' focuses on the implementation of NEP and revolves around the life of two twins who are growing up.

So what inspired them to choose the NEP as the subject? Sucheta has a heartfelt explanation: “I had my baby the same year the NEP was introduced, in 2020. As I started reading about it, I realised it was a really good policy. It focuses on all the right things. These days, everything is available online, so students don’t need to memorise when Shah Jahan was born. I felt lucky that my daughter would grow up with this system. I was genuinely happy. But soon, I realised it’s not that simple. The policy exists beautifully on paper, but not in practice. That’s when I decided to write this play.”

Sucheta Narvekar, Writer of Kanni Novya YugachiThe policy (NEP) exists beautifully on paper, but not in practice. That’s when I decided to write this play

Looking at the current scenario, Rajdeep and Sucheta decided to stage the drama again, but this time, with a fresh perspective.

Their earlier natak (not the tiatak), produced in 2022, did not include elements of tiatr. Kantaras, accompanied by a live band, are what define a tiatr, but the earlier natak featured only regular songs. Tiatak brings in this essential tiatr element through the inclusion of kantaras, blending the two formats seamlessly.

THE WORLD'S A STAGE: Kanni Novya Yugachi is a first of its kind theatrical format mixing elements of two theatrical genres.

“Kantaras are upbeat and humorous, you feel like laughing, singing and dancing. Many people have given us feedback that they enjoyed the kantaras.” The upbeat tune, mixed with humour of kantaras, was an instant crowd favourite.

In this tiatak, the audience can expect a story and characters that they will relate to, no matter what their religious background is. Everybody will find something here that they will be able to relate to their own life.

The upbeat tune, mixed with humour of kantaras, was an instant crowd favourite.

Ushering in a nove yug (new era) for Goa’s theatre arts, Kanni Novya Yugachi is a bold experiment, blending two beloved theatrical traditions that have long shaped Goa’s cultural identity.

Reflecting on this vision, Sucheta shares, “If we’re setting a benchmark now, we’d be happy to see others take it forward in the future. Goans have always lived in harmony—‘divide and rule’ came much later. If this drama brings people together, then it’s truly something meaningful.”

Discover the beat of Goa’s unique mud percussion instrument

KANNI NOVYA YUGACHI

Written by: Suchita Narvekar; Directed by: Sushant Nayak; Produced by: Rajdeep Naik; Lyrics: Alias Fernandes; Music: Shahu Almeida;

Cast includes: Rajdeep Naik, Rajesh Perela Lohia, Prasanthi Chari, Rock Coelho, Elrich Coelho, Suchita Narvekar, Rananand Naik, and child actress Bhumee Naik Narvekar.

Goa tiatr review: Old wine, new message in ‘Sasumaim, Dhuv …?’ DETAILS:

WHAT: Tiatak - Kanni Novya Yugachi

WHEN: June 26, 2025 at Kala Academy, Panjim; June 28 at Sanquelim,

Curchorem (date to be announced) and Vasco (date to be announced)

TIME: 7.30 pm (Kala Academy, Panjim)