Structure of Tiatr

A good story line, attractive songs with pleasing music and comedy, form the basic structure of the Tiatr. The other aspects such as Stage Sets, Light Effects, Background music, acting etc form part and parcel of good direction. If all these ingredients are well balanced, the performance of the Tiatr is bound to be excellent. Script is the story line of the Tiatr and is an important aspect of the structure of Tiatr. Fifty percent of the success of a Tiatr depends on a good story. During the first two or three decades of the existence of Tiatr, the standard of Tiatr was raised with every production of a new Tiatr. The reason lies in the fact that most of the writers and directors of that time were educated persons. What happened on Marathi or Bengali Stages, has also taken place on Konkani Stage. The history of modern theatre in Bengali as well as in Marathi shows tremendous influence of English. Drama Tiatr is not an exception. There is a lot of influence of English Drama on Tiatr too. Therefore one finds translations of numerous English plays into Konkani Tiatr.

The translations of English plays also made their presence felt in Tiatr and further developed the structure of Tiatr. With the translation of an Italian Opera into a Tiatr "Italian Bhurgo" which happened to be the first Tiatr thus determined the structure of Tiatr where script was given due importance.

Music and songs also contours the structure of Tiatr. Music makes a song attractive. It gives flavor to the lyrics. The songs - Kantaram - sung between the Pordhes of the tiatr are equally responsible for the success of the Tiatr. The songs presented in the Tiatr should also be of varied nature, i.e. Solos, Duets, Trios, Quartets and so on. They should also include comedy songs. The production of a song includes (a) Composition of lyrics, (b) setting the music to the lyrics, and (c) singing of songs.

Comedy is essential in the structure of the Tiatr and is one of the specific characteristics of this dramatic form. It also preserves the uniqueness of Tiatr. The comical elements have detail and apt link to the main story line and are relevant and inseparable element of Tiatr.

Direction is another one of the most important aspects of the performance of the Tiatr. The imagination of the director plays an important role in shaping the Tiatr performance. Besides being expert in acting, movements on the stage, facial expressions, and voice modulation, the Director must see that the Stage Setting is proper, Light Effects are effective, Background Music is relevant and the Make-up and Costumes are appropriate. Although there are specialized persons to design the Stage Sets, to operate the Lights, to provide Background Music & to design Costumes, the Director is finally responsible for the overall performance of the Tiatr.