Known in Konkani as Fell, these folk dramas can be traced at least to the 17th century. They are performed by wandering actors who for the most part are anonymous. Some names have survived, however, like “Dongutt” Niclau, Mest Filip, but especially the outstanding Joaquim Santana (“Jak Santan”) Menezes (1898-1939), also a Mando composer. The talk focused on his life and plays, especially one play, “Konk Mauxi.”
Dr José Pereira was born in Bombay in January 1931. He studied painting at the Sir JJ School of Art, and Sanskrit at Siddharth and St. Xavier’s College, where he was awarded a Ph.D. degree in Ancient Indian History and Culture. Dr Pereira then did research and taught at the Instituto Superior de Estudos Ultramarinos in Lisbon, the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, the Institute of Archaeology, also in London, The American Academy of Benares in Varanasi, and Fordham University in New York – where he was Professor of Theology, and lectured on History of Religions.
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