Tiatr has entered India’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, giving Goa’s traditional theatre a stronger platform for academic research, national outreach and international recognition. The Sangeet Natak Akademi has now called for wider promotion of Tiatr while protecting its traditional character. The move could also support Goa’s efforts to pursue UNESCO recognition for the art form.
Goa’s Tiatr Enters a New Cultural Phase
Goa’s iconic theatre tradition, Tiatr, is gaining fresh momentum after its inclusion as the 56th element in India’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The recognition has opened discussions on taking Tiatr beyond Goa through academic institutions, cultural organisations and Goan communities across the world.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Deputy Secretary (Drama) Suman Kumar has urged the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) and the state government to build on this national recognition and strengthen Tiatr’s cultural and academic presence.
Kumar made the suggestions during a meeting with a TAG delegation at the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi on September 10. The delegation discussed Tiatr’s future development and the possibility of pursuing UNESCO recognition for the traditional theatre form.
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Focus on Preservation and Promotion
Kumar stressed that Tiatr’s expansion should continue to protect its traditional identity. He suggested introducing Tiatr more widely in universities, cultural institutions and theatre circles across India.
He also encouraged TAG to connect with countries where Goan communities continue to stage Tiatr. Such international outreach could help showcase the art form to larger audiences while strengthening its identity as a living cultural tradition.
The initiative could also support future efforts to secure international recognition for Tiatr.
Kumar further highlighted the need to protect traditional art from excessive commercialisation. He said Tiatr should retain its cultural character as it reaches new audiences.
Building an Academic Ecosystem for Tiatr
Academic research emerged as another key area during the meeting.
Kumar proposed establishing a dedicated Tiatr-related academic centre or institutional presence in Delhi. Such a centre could provide opportunities for students, researchers and theatre practitioners to study the history, performance traditions and cultural significance of Tiatr.
He also suggested scholarships for Tiatr research and collaborations with institutions working in theatre, anthropology and intangible cultural heritage.
An annual Tiatr festival in Delhi could further introduce the art form to audiences outside Goa. Kumar also proposed comparative studies between Tiatr and other Indian theatre traditions.
He suggested that teams from the National School of Drama visit Goa and study Tiatr within its traditional environment.
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