FrancisClement at 18:35, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T18:35:04Z

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{{Short description|Indian writer and director (1930–2024)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = John Claro
| image = John Claro with his son and Paul Romy (cropped).jpg
| caption = Fernandes at the [[Kala Academy]], 2015
| birth_name = Joao Claro Fernandes
| birth_date = {{birth date|1930|12|5|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Quepem]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|8|18|1930|12|5|df=y}}
| death_place = Quepem, Goa, India
| occupation = {{hlist|Writer|theatre director|playwright|actor|consultant}}
| known_for = Research on the history of [[Italian Bhurgo|inaugural ''tiatr'' production]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Piedade Afonso|1970}}
| children = 3
| years_active = 1940s–2005<br/>(theatre)
| relatives = [[Agostinho Fernandes]] (brother)
| notable_works = ''Portuguez Kolvont''
| awards = [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] (2023)
}}

'''John Claro Fernandes''' (born '''Joao Claro Fernandes'''; 5 December 1930 – 18 August 2024) was an Indian writer, theatre director, playwright, and actor known for his work in ''[[tiatr]]'' productions. Throughout his extensive career, he has made crucial contributions to the development and advancement of [[Goan]] ''tiatr''. His noted research on the history of ''tiatr'' led to the discovery that the inaugural ''tiatr'' production, titled ''[[Italian Bhurgo]]'', took place on 17 April 1892, at the New Alfred Theatre in [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai), presently occupied by the [[Police Commissioner of Mumbai|Police Commissioner]] headquarters.

==Early life==
Fernandes was born as Joao Claro Fernandes on 5 December 1930, in Cotombi, [[Quepem]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]] (now part of India).<ref name=":0" /> He was the son of Jose Custodio Fernandes and Epifania Rebello, and had a younger brother named [[Agostinho Fernandes|Agostinho]], who was a writer and [[cardiologist]] based in Portugal until his death on 28 June 2015, aged 82.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 July 2015 |title=Agostinho Fernandes: The forgotten man of letters |work=[[The Navhind Times]]}}</ref>

During his school years, Fernandes developed a deep appreciation for theater and local art, actively engaging in annual social gatherings. After completing his primary education, he embarked on his professional acting career in Roque Afonso's ''tiatr'' production, ''Eke Oklek Teg Novre'' (One Bride Three Bridegrooms). He played the role of one of the bridegrooms, alongside Kamat de Assolna and Saluzinho, while Lucas Fernandes assumed the character of the bride. Fernandes's path intersected with that of [[M. Boyer]], as both resided in close proximity in Maddel Pequem, [[Margao]]. Due to a scarcity of educational institutions in Goa at the time, Fernandes relocated to [[Bombay]] to pursue further education and employment opportunities.<ref name=":0" />

==Career==
On 25 December 1953, Fernandes made his debut as a playwright with his first ''[[tiatr]]'' production titled ''Camil Bottler''. Simultaneously, he stepped into the role of a professional actor for the first time. Directed by [[A. R. Souza Ferrão]], the play featured cast including [[Master Vaz]], [[C. Alvares]], Effie Fernandes, Andrew, [[Anthony De Sa (actor)|Anthony De Sa]], [[Anthony Mendes]], and other popular artists from [[Bombay]]. The initial staging took place at Princess Theatre, Bhangwadi in [[Kalbadevi]],<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ&q=Princess+Theatre,+Bangwadi+mumbai |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |language=en |access-date=2023-12-12 |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171126/https://books.google.co.in/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ&q=Princess+Theatre,+Bangwadi+mumbai&dq=Princess+Theatre,+Bangwadi+mumbai&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiSucyNnIqDAxWwTGwGHVGmD5kQ6AF6BAgGEAM#Princess%20Theatre,%20Bangwadi%20mumbai |url-status=live }}</ref> a popular venue that served as a testing ground for ''tiatrists'' (''tiatr'' performers) in Bombay. The audience's favorable response led to subsequent performances. Due to the play's success, it was later staged at [[Cowasji Jehangir Hall]] to support a specific church section. [[Valerian Gracias]], the first cardinal of Mumbai, attended one of these performances.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=A pillar of Konkani tiatr |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/A-pillar-of-Konkani-tiatr/91489 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=oHeraldo |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171125/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/A-pillar-of-Konkani-tiatr/91489 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Fernandes continued to contribute to the ''tiatr'' tradition with his subsequent play, ''Rinnkari Zanvoi'', which also found success in Bombay. Throughout his career, Fernandes had written and staged a total of 15 ''tiatrs''. Some of his works included ''Nirmiloli Sun'', ''Gupit Karann'' (Secret Reason), ''Ghorabeachi Durdoxea'', ''Utrachi Mudi'', ''Portugez Kolvont'' (Portuguese Artist), ''23 Vorsam'' (23 Years), ''Konkani Advogad'' (Konkani Advocate), ''Inglez Madam'' (English Madam), ''Tambddi Mati'' (Red Soil), ''Rostadak Ostad'', ''Vinglli Nachpinn'' (Naked Dancer), ''Civil Kazar'' (Civil Marriage), and ''American Dollar''.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Portugez Kolvont tiatr handbill.jpg|thumb|Handbill of the ''tiatr Portugez Kolvont'']]
After his return to [[Goa]] from Bombay following the [[Annexation of Goa|liberation]], Fernandes embarked on his second ''tiatr'' production, titled ''Rinnkari Zanvoi'', catering to the local ''tiatr'' enthusiasts. While his first ''tiatr'', ''Camil Bottler'', was also staged in Goa, its run was limited to just two shows due to [[A. R. Souza Ferrão]]'s leading role. However, Fernandes achieved acclaim among ''tiatr'' aficionados with his production ''Portugez Kolvont'' (1979), which swiftly reached the milestone of one hundred performances. This ''tiatr'' also found success outside of Goa, completing a double century of shows. The limited availability of auditoriums during that era posed challenges for staging ''tiatrs'' on a regular basis, a fact acknowledged by Fernandes himself.<ref name=":0" />

The success story of ''Portugez Kolvont'' can be traced back to its origins. Fernandes shared that the script for this play was conceived in Portugal, inspired by a [[fado]] performance he witnessed in [[Algarve]], a tourist hub. The ''tiatr'' commenced with a fado piece and featured a plethora of entertainment, with a particular focus on comedy. The comedic elements were crafted specifically for Paul Romy, while the main role was tailored with [[Ophelia Cabral]] in mind, although her participation did not materialize. Instead, [[Sabina Fernandes]], despite appearing slightly mature for the role, delivered a creditable performance.<ref name=":0" />

Fernandes concluded his career in ''tiatrs'' with his final production, titled ''American Dollar'' around 2005. Throughout his journey, he remembered the support he received from Antonio Fernandes, the late proprietor of [[O Heraldo|Herald Publications]], and later from Antonio's son, Raul Fernandes. Even if it meant making late-night trips to the office, they always cooperated in publishing ''tiatr'' advertisements. Fernandes's contributions extended beyond ''tiatr'', as he established himself as a prolific writer whose works appeared in publications such as ''Goa Times'', ''Sot Uloi'', ''Goan Express'', ''New Goa'', ''Goycho Avaz'', ''Gulab'', ''The Goan Review'', ''[[The Navhind Times]]'', [[O Heraldo]], and ''Gomantak Times''.<ref name=":0" />

When reflecting on the evolution of ''tiatr'' from his era to the present, Fernandes expressed his concern that today's productions lack vision, often resorting to imitation of films and [[television serials]]. In stark contrast, the ''tiatrs'' of his time were driven purely by a love for the stage and the art form, with little regard for financial considerations. Fernandes emphasized that the comedy in contemporary ''tiatrs'' tends to be vulgar, a far cry from the sophisticated humor exhibited by prominent figures such as [[Kid Boxer]], [[Anthony Mendes]], and [[Jacinto Vaz]]. He credits [[Minguel Rod]]'s ability to understand and cater to the audience's preferences as a key factor in his successful career.<ref name=":0" />

In addition to his accomplishments in the field of ''tiatr'', Fernandes displayed his literary prowess by penning a novel called ''Norsicho Mog'', six years after [[Annexation of Goa|Goa's liberation]]. This work revolved around the story of a mother and was published by Prabhakar Tendulkar. Fernandes's acclaimed ''tiatr'' production, ''Portugez Kolvont'' (1979), had also been immortalized in printed form. As of 2015, following a decade-long hiatus from ''tiatrs'', Fernandes had transitioned to running 'Claro Consultancy' in [[Margao]]. His consultancy specialized in English/Portuguese translations. Fernandes's sons, Godfrey and Godwin, actively participated in the documentation of [[Portuguese passport]]s, making it a familial endeavor.<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
Fernandes married Piedade Afonso, a [[homemaker]] from his village of Cotombi, [[Quepem]], on 4 January 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1970 |title=Registo De Casamento Canónico |url=https://services.goaonline.gov.in/t-bhBeG0CQ4fUsYdqv8IWwf5w3eZzN2KGTpvN2hifLJPLWeFdNsAhiO1IVBeFWJo--sxuDiSkj4cBouH8BYx9uSNz3jbx95PL995kcSxtnrrU1qqZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Goa Online }}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The couple had two sons, Godwin and Godfrey, and a daughter, Golda.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colaco |first=Kimberly |date=2024-08-19 |title=John Claro has taken his last curtain call |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/my-goa/art-culture/john-claro-has-taken-his-last-curtain-call |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Gomantak Times |language=en}}</ref>

==Death==
On 18 August 2024, Fernandes died at his residence in Quepem, Goa, at the age of 93.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cardozo |first=Tomazinho |date=19 August 2024 |title=John Claro: A tiatr artiste-director with a difference |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/John-Claro-A-tiatr-artistedirector-with-a-difference/224961 |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=[[O Heraldo]]}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
In 1992–93, Fernandes was bestowed with the esteemed "Goa State Cultural Award" in the field of ''[[tiatr]]'', presented by the Directorate of Art and Culture of the [[Government of Goa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recipients of Goa State Cultural Award |url=https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=Directorate of Art and Culture |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805030337/https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2011, the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] bestowed upon Fernandes the "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Awards", an achievement in acknowledgment of his outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to the field. The ceremony took place at Ravindra Bhavan in [[Margao]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Margao: TAG Confers 'Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Awards' |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/index.php/news/newsDisplay?newsID=124769 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171126/https://www.daijiworld.com/index.php/news/newsDisplay?newsID=124769 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2012, Fernandes was honored for his substantial contributions to [[Goan]] ''[[tiatr]]'' during a felicitation organized by the Maharashtra Konkani Kala Sanstha in [[Mumbai]], with support from the Tiatr Academy of Goa.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-04-22 |title=Six artistes felicitated for yeoman contribution to Goan tiatr |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/six-artistes-felicitated-for-yeoman-contribution-to-goan-tiatr/articleshow/12817020.cms |access-date=2023-12-12 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2022-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925223744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/six-artistes-felicitated-for-yeoman-contribution-to-goan-tiatr/articleshow/12817020.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2017, Fernandes was bestowed with the "Dalgado Cultural Award" by the Culture and Art Minister at the time, [[Govind Gaude]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-12-21 |title='Go beyond scripts to promote Konkani' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/go-beyond-scripts-to-promote-konkani/articleshow/62186188.cms |access-date=2023-12-12 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2023-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507051139/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/go-beyond-scripts-to-promote-konkani/articleshow/62186188.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, Fernandes was honored with the "GULAB Tiatrist of the Year 2019" award further attesting to his achievements and his contributions to the ''Tiatr'' community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulab Awards: Meet the Tiatrist & Writer of the year |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Gulab-Awards-Meet-the-Tiatrist-Writer-of-the-year/163273 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=oHeraldo |archive-date=2020-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726011437/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Gulab-Awards-Meet-the-Tiatrist-Writer-of-the-year/163273 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, Fernandes was presented with the "Gulab Tiatrist of the Year Puraskar" on Konkani Journalism Day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Four personalities win Gulab Awards on Konkani Journalism Day |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/four-personalities-win-gulab-awards-on-konkani-journalism-day/65166.html#:~:text=Gulab%20Tiatrist%20of%20the%20Year,for%20the%20prestigious%20Gulab%20Puraskars. |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171127/https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/four-personalities-win-gulab-awards-on-konkani-journalism-day/65166.html#:~:text=Gulab%20Tiatrist%20of%20the%20Year,for%20the%20prestigious%20Gulab%20Puraskars. |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2022, Fernandes received a felicitation at the Tiatr Academy of Goa's Lifetime Contribution Awards ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-12-16 |title=Lifetime Contribution Awards on Pai Tiatrist's birth anniversary |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/news/goa/lifetime-contribution-awards-on-pai-tiatrists-birth-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202202946/https://www.gomantaktimes.com/news/goa/lifetime-contribution-awards-on-pai-tiatrists-birth-anniversary |archive-date=2023-02-02 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Gomantak Times |language=en}}</ref> In February 2023, the Dalgado Konknni Akademi felicitated Fernandes at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, showcasing his status as a recipient of the "Dalgado Sonskurtik Puraskar".<ref>{{Cite web |title=DKA to felicitate John Claro Fernandes |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-inshorts/%EF%BB%BFdka-to-felicitate-john-claro-fernandes/95127.html |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171127/https://www.thegoan.net/goa-inshorts/%EF%BB%BFdka-to-felicitate-john-claro-fernandes/95127.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, Fernandes was honored with the one-time [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for playwrighting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2023-09-16 |title=84 artists conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/84-artists-conferred-with-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-amrit-awards/article67315511.ece |access-date=2023-12-12 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920171037/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/84-artists-conferred-with-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-amrit-awards/article67315511.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> He was the sole artist from [[Goa]] and one among the 75 artists selected across India by the national academy of music, dance, and drama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tiatrist John Claro conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi award |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/tiatrist-john-claro-conferred-sangeet-natak-akademi-award/91883.html |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212171132/https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/tiatrist-john-claro-conferred-sangeet-natak-akademi-award/91883.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Selected stage works==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1940s
|''Eke Oklek Teg Novre''
|Bridegroom
|Debut ''tiatr''
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1953
|''Camil Bottler''
|Actor/writer
|Debut as playwright
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Fernandes |first=André Rafael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vKAbygAACAAJ |title=When the Curtains Rise--: Understanding Goa's Vibrant Konkani Theatre |date= |publisher=Tiatr Academy of Goa |isbn=978-93-80739-01-4 |language=en |access-date=2023-12-13 |archive-date=2023-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126045216/https://books.google.com/books?id=vKAbygAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1954
|''Rinnkari Zanvoim''
|Writer
|
|-
|1972
|''Gupit Karann ''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dourado |first=Lino |date= |title=GULAB-acho Pormoll Sompum Nakat |url=http://ww25.goa-world.com/goa/poems?subid1=20231214-0034-508f-bd96-bd9f2ecdd6a0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213133547/http://ww25.goa-world.com/goa/poems?subid1=20231214-0034-508f-bd96-bd9f2ecdd6a0 |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=Goa World |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>
|-
|1979
|''Portuguez Kolvont''
|Writer
|
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|1981
|''23 Vorsam''
|Writer
|
|-
|{{circa|1993}}
|''Rostadak Ostad''
|Writer/director
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-18 |title=Lawry Travasso: Kantaram gavpant nanvlovkik zalolo kolakar |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/5th_oct_av |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=Amcho Avaz via [[O Heraldo]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214043226/https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/5th_oct_av |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|
|''Nirmiloli Sun''
|Writer/director
|
|rowspan="8"|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|
|''Ghorabeachi Durdoxea''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Utrachi Mudi''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Konkani Advogad''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Inglez Madam''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Tambddi Mati''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Vinglli Nachpinn''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|
|''Civil Kazar''
|Writer/director
|
|-
|{{circa|2005}}
|''American Dollar''
|Writer/director
|Final production
|<ref name=":0" />
|}

==Select bibliography==
*{{cite book |last=Dias |first=Tom John|date=1967 |first2=John |last2=Claro |title=Advogad: romans|type=Novel |chapter=Norsicho Mog|location=[[Bombay]], India|publisher=Jack of All Stall|oclc=16313402}}
*{{cite book |last=Claro |first=John |date=1996 |title=Tiatrancho Jhelo I |chapter=23 Vorsam|location=[[Panaji, Goa]], India|publisher=[[Goa Konkani Akademi]]|editor=Felício Cardoso}}
*{{cite book |last=Fernandes |first=John Claro |date=2006 |title=Purtugez kolvont: tiatr |url= |location=Panaji, Goa, India|publisher=Goa Konkani Akademi|oclc=141478752}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Claro, John}}
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa]]
[[Category:People from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian theatre directors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]

John Claro - Revision history

FrancisClement at 18:35, 14 March 2026