# Affonceka

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**Assis João Avelino Afonso** (1898 – unknown), known [mononymously](/source/Mononymously) as **Affonceka**, was a [Goan](/source/Goan) theatre actor, playwright, and [theatre director](/source/Theatre_director) known for his work in *[tiatr](/source/Tiatr)* productions. From the 1920s to the 1940s, he played a pivotal role in the development and progress of [Konkani](/source/Konkani_language) *tiatr*.

## Early life

Assis João Avelino Afonso was born in 1898 in Corjuem,[1] a village located in [Aldona](/source/Aldona), [Goa](/source/Goa), which was under [Portuguese rule](/source/Portuguese_Empire) as part of [Portuguese India](/source/Portuguese_India) at the time (now part of India). He was raised in the village of [Marcel, Goa](/source/Marcel,_Goa), which had evolved into a [census town](/source/Census_town).[2]

## Career

Afonso made his debut in the theatrical scene in 1920, appearing in a *[tiatr](/source/Tiatr)* titled *Maurice ani Juliana vo A Real Love Story*. This *tiatr*, written by [Rama](/source/Rama_(playwright)) and directed by Rama's wife, marked Afonso's first role as Ramis, the servant. [Konkani](/source/Konkani_language) historian and singer [Wilson Mazarello](/source/Wilson_Mazarello) writes, despite the limited nature of his part, Afonso's performance left an impact on the audience, garnering recognition for his potential as an actor.[3] Following his debut, Afonso was offered the role of [Iago](/source/Iago) in a Konkani adaptation of [Shakespeare](/source/Shakespeare)'s[2] play *[Othello](/source/Othello)*.[3] Mazarello further writes, demonstrating his talent and ability, Afonso excelled in this role. Subsequently, he accepted roles in *tiatrs* crafted by popular playwrights and directors.[3] Initially, Afonso became associated with the Marcela Principal Dramatic Company, which later transformed into the Star Principal Dramatic Company.[4]

In due course, Afonso established his own [theatrical company](/source/Theatrical_company), named the Star Affonceka Dramatic Company. In 1924, he ventured into playwriting with his inaugural *tiatr*, *Lawrie Ani Merina*, which enjoyed success during its performance at the Gaiety Theatre in [Bombay](/source/Bombay). The production attracted a full house, resulting in many individuals being unable to secure tickets. One of Afonso's most acclaimed *tiatrs* was *Anjelin Bombainchi Puzadkarn*, featuring notable cast members such as [Miss Carlota](/source/Miss_Carlota), who made her debut in a leading role on the Konkani stage. Carlota's portrayal opposite Anthony Tooloo, a popular artist of the time, further propelled her into the limelight. Afonso's reputation as a theatrical director continued to flourish,[2] and he went on to pen several more *tiatrs*, including *Lisboachem Sopon* (Dream of [Lisbon](/source/Lisbon)), *Xins Guilbertachem* (Disciples of Guilbert), *Ibonez Ani Yoanda*, *Imperador Nero Vo Nimnno Caesar Patxai Romancho* ([Emperor Nero](/source/Emperor_Nero) or Final Emperor of Rome Caesar), and *Anjelin Bombainchi Puzadkarn*. Afonso is best known for his portrayal of Judge Gerald in J. P. Souzalin's theatrical production *Bhott Ailolo Pomburpechea Festak* ([Hindu priest](/source/Hindu_priest)'s arrival at [Pomburpa](/source/Pomburpa)'s feast).[4]

## Legacy

Afonso was commemorated at the *Somplelea Tiatristancho Ugddas* monthly program organized by the [Tiatr Academy of Goa](/source/Tiatr_Academy_of_Goa) (TAG) on various dates, including 12 January 2012,[5] 30 January 2015,[1] 23 January 2018, and 29 January 2020.[6] These events took place at different venues, such as TAG's Conference Hall at [Campal Trade Centre](/source/Campal) in [Panaji](/source/Panaji) and the Black Box at Ravindra Bhavan in [Margao](/source/Margao). Alongside Afonso, several other artists were also remembered, including Mary Vaz, Alex Piedade Fernandes, Tony Friend, [Karachiwalla](/source/Karachiwalla), [J. R. Fithna](/source/J._R._Fithna), [Lucasinho Ribeiro](/source/Lucasinho_Ribeiro), [Shrirang Narvekar](/source/Shrirang_Narvekar), Xavier Fernandes, Rico Rod, Jr. Rod, Meena Leitao, Agnelo Agato Francisco Dias, Cajetan Francis Pinto, [Alex Mestri](/source/Alex_Mestri), [Young Chico](/source/Young_Chico), and Wilma Pacheco. These special programs aimed to acknowledge and highlight the contributions made by these individuals within the realm of *[tiatr](/source/Tiatr)*.[7]

## Selected stage works

Year Title Role Notes Ref 1920 Maurice ani Juliana vo A Real Love Story Ramis Professional debut [4] Othello Iago Konkani adaptation [2][3] 1924 Lawrie Ani Merina Writer Debut as a playwright [4] 1934 Anjelin Bombainchi Puzadkarn Writer/director [8] Lisboachem Sopon [4] Xins Guilbertachem Ibonez Ani Yoanda Imperador Nero Vo Nimnno Caesar Patxai Romancho 1940 Bhott Ailolo Pomburpechea Festak Judge Gerald

## References

1. ["Remembering Tiatr artistes of yesteryears"](https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/01/29/magazines/buzz/remembering-tiatr-artistes-of-yesteryears/). *[The Navhind Times](/source/The_Navhind_Times)*. 2015-01-29. Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. *TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume*. [Panaji, Goa](/source/Panaji,_Goa): [Tiatr Academy of Goa](/source/Tiatr_Academy_of_Goa). 2019. pp. 8–9.

1. ["Saluting those who forged ahead with a purpose in the tiatr world"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/saluting-those-who-forged-ahead-with-a-purpose-in-the-tiatr-world/articleshow/55842978.cms). *The Times of India*. 2016-12-07. [ISSN 0971-8257](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0971-8257). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220925223335/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/saluting-those-who-forged-ahead-with-a-purpose-in-the-tiatr-world/articleshow/55842978.cms) 2022-09-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. [*100 Years of Konkani Tiatro*](https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ). Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. 2000. pp. 37, 76–77. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240107200151/https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ) 2024-01-07 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. ["TAG's 'Somplelea Tiatristancho Ugddas' programme"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/mando-festival-at-curchorem/articleshow/11407323.cms?_gl=1*1tr6n9w*_ga*YW1wLVZSa1JjbUZONEdOWklrVTRJWGFieHZrbk93cUkzVHgtSENVYzdRX1FnczUzeU1fbzExekVfemw5Q04zRkJ5TF8.*_ga_FCN624MN68*MTcwNzMxODg4NS4xMjkuMC4xNzA3MzE4ODg1LjAuMC4w#_ga=2.63217324.2096897922.1707225571-amp-VRkRcmFN4GNZIkU4IXabxvknOwqI3Tx-HCUc7Q_Qgs53yM_o11zE_zl9CN3FByL_). *The Times of India*. 2012-01-08. [ISSN 0971-8257](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0971-8257). Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. ["Late tiatr artistes remembered"](https://www.navhindtimes.in/2020/02/02/magazines/buzz/late-tiatr-artistes-remembered-5/). *[The Navhind Times](/source/The_Navhind_Times)*. 2020-02-02. Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. ["TAG to remember tiatr artistes of yesteryears on January 23"](https://www.navhindtimes.in/2018/01/21/magazines/buzz/tag-to-remember-tiatr-artistes-of-yesteryears-on-january-23/). *[The Navhind Times](/source/The_Navhind_Times)*. 2018-01-21. Retrieved 2024-02-07.

1. Fernandes, André Rafael (2010). [*When the Curtains Rise--: Understanding Goa's Vibrant Konkani Theatre*](https://books.google.com/books?id=vKAbygAACAAJ). Tiatr Academy of Goa. ISBN 978-93-80739-01-4.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Affonceka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affonceka) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affonceka?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.