In the current day, couples that work together in tiatr are few and far between, but one couple shares their story so that others may take inspiration from them
Bonny Pereira and Antonette de Calangute, the versatilecouple of the Konkani stage, have served tiatr for several years, and workedunder some of the top most playwrights and directors till date. As a couple,they may have not staged their own tiatr, but merely by the virtue of theirdedicated service rendered, they have carved a niche in the hearts of tiatrgoers.
The Goan went behind the curtains to know a little moredetails about this popular couple where and how they met before coming togetheras husband and wife. Bonny was the first to speak. “I was employed at FortAguada Beach Resort in Candolim, and I resided there as well. Once a week, Iwould visit home. I was also a member of my brother, Vitorino Pereira’s,dramatic troupe. In 1978-79 my brother’s tiatr ‘Sangati’ was to be staged. Andhe required two female artistes. One of the artistes was Antonette deCalangute. She was native to Calangute and was already a stage artiste havingacted for Danny de Ribandar in his shows earlier. Being from Calangute, I wouldoften accompany her to the rehearsals by bus. The show we performed togetherwas ‘Sangati’ (meaning ‘companion’). As members of the troupe we came to knoweach other closely whilst working together in the tiatr. Five years later, in1984, we became companions for life through the sacrament of the Holy Matrimony.”
After they were married, Bonny took a short break from tiatrand took up an assignment in the Middle East. During this period, Antonettecontinued to work on stage, but, only as a substitute in times of emergency andnot as a regular. When Bonny returned to Goa, they began to act together as acouple.
Bonny goes on to shed more light on their history. “When myfirst born son was very young, Bonny’s parents supported us fully by lookingafter him in our absence. We then lived in a joint family in Utorda.” Antonettebudges in and adds, “Sometimes my parents would come and look after him.Whenever, we were on tour, my sister would come down from Bombay and look aftermy children and continue till we returned.”
“We had a hectic schedule day in and day out. Afterreturning from the tiatr in the wee hours of the morning, I would report forduty in the morning, it was a daily routine without a break,” continues Bonny.
Emphasising on the advantages of acting as a couple,Antonette says, “As a couple it is advantageous, as you can travel together andthere is no dependence on others. There is no need for the director to come anddrop or pick you up or even ask someone else to do the needful. You can sharethe ups and downs with your spouse when he is a part of the same troupe.”
As any normal couple in real life or dramatic life, theyaddress each other by pet names. While Antonette addresses Bonny as ‘Shann’Bonny affectionately calls her ‘Bai’. Their story continues to enrich theKonkani stage for the last 29 years.
