Tag: Goa cultural events

Films

Cinephile Film Club to Screen Nosferatu with Live Music in Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

The Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa is set to offer audiences a rare and immersive cinematic experience on Thursday, 19 February, at 6.30 pm, with a special screening of Nosferatu at Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim.

Directed by the legendary F. W. Murnau, Nosferatu remains one of the most influential works in the history of cinema. Released in 1922, the silent horror classic is a defining example of German Expressionism, celebrated for its haunting visuals, dramatic shadows, and deeply atmospheric storytelling. Though an unofficial adaptation of Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film carved its own identity, becoming a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Over the past century, there have been numerous reinterpretations of the Dracula legend across film industries worldwide. Yet Murnau’s Nosferatu endures as a cinematic landmark — not because it relies on dialogue or sound effects, but because it demonstrates the power of pure visual storytelling. The chilling silhouette of Count Orlok ascending a staircase remains one of the most iconic images in film history.

What makes this screening truly special is the live musical accompaniment. In the early 20th century, silent films were rarely screened in silence. Pianists and small ensembles would perform live, interpreting the film’s emotional landscape in real time. This Thursday’s screening aims to recreate that tradition.

The live score will be performed by cellist Martin Melendez, who studied music in Cuba, alongside accomplished pianist Guy Hershberg, who will perform on piano and synthesizer. The duo will improvise throughout the screening, responding intuitively to the shifting moods of the film — from quiet dread to stark beauty. Because the music is improvised, each performance becomes unique, ensuring that this is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Live accompaniment transforms the act of viewing into something communal and immediate. The musicians do not merely support the film; they engage in a dialogue with it, heightening tension, amplifying emotion, and occasionally allowing silence itself to resonate.

Through curated screenings such as this, the Cinephile Film Club continues its commitment to bringing meaningful cinema to audiences across Goa — extending beyond the festival circuit and fostering year-round film appreciation.

For film lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone curious about cinema’s origins, this screening offers an opportunity to rediscover how movies once felt: intimate, experimental, and alive.

Screening Details:
📅 19 February
⏰ 6.30 pm
📍 Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim
🎟 Tickets available at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis.

Events in Goa

EGGSISTENTIAL CRACKSIS: A Poignant Exploration of Love, Identity & Art Comes to Anjuna

allycaralgoa

Anjuna, October 2025: Goa’s vibrant art and theatre scene welcomes a thought-provoking new addition — Eggsistential Cracksis, an “eggsperimental” solo play that brings together emotion, absurdity, and introspection in one unforgettable performance.

Set in a kitchen, the performance transforms an everyday space into a symbolic arena of creation, destruction, and rebirth. The protagonist uses the egg as a recurring metaphor — fragile yet complete, ordinary yet profound — to explore themes of identity, modern love, loneliness, and artistic struggle.

Through an intimate narrative that shifts between humor and heartbreak, the play dives into the existential chaos of being an artist in the modern world. Recipes and memories intertwine as the performer cracks open deeper truths about selfhood, belonging, and emotional resilience.

The show will take place at The Flying Goat, Anjuna, on October 18, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at ₹400 and can be booked online via Skillbox.

Speaking about the concept, the artist behind Eggsistential Cracksis describes it as “a performance that doesn’t just tell a story but invites you to taste it — where every crack, stir, and sizzle becomes part of the narrative.”

Audiences can expect an evocative experience — one that blurs the line between the performer and the spectator, the real and the surreal, the comic and the tragic.

As Goa continues to emerge as a cultural hotspot for experimental theatre, Eggsistential Cracksis stands as a testament to the state’s evolving creative spirit — one that dares to break the shell of convention and let something raw, vulnerable, and beautiful emerge.

Entertainment

Pai Tiatrist Auditorium Remains Closed for Roof Repairs, Expected to Reopen by May 30

allycaralgoa

Margao, May 29, 2025 – The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium in Margao, a prominent cultural venue in Goa, has been temporarily closed due to essential roof repairs. The closure, which started in mid-May, was expected to be a brief disruption but has been delayed due to unforeseen monsoon rains. Rajendra Talak, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, confirmed that the venue will likely reopen by May 30, once the repairs are completed. The unexpected rains hindered progress, and the work was paused for safety reasons, as the building’s structural integrity had to be prioritized.

The roof repairs at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium are necessary to maintain the building’s safety and functionality. Talak explained that the ongoing monsoon season led to delays, as the repair work could not be completed under rainy conditions. As a result, the auditorium has been closed for nearly two weeks. The repairs, while essential for the long-term upkeep of the venue, have unfortunately disrupted scheduled events, leaving the venue unusable for the time being. The government has ensured that the work will be completed as soon as possible, with a targeted reopening date of May 30, 2025.

As a result of the closure, all scheduled performances and events at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium have been either cancelled or postponed. This includes a range of cultural activities, theatrical performances, and film screenings that were expected to take place in May. Talak assured that efforts are already underway to reschedule these events. The Ravindra Bhavan team is coordinating with performers and event organizers to ensure that all postponed shows will be rescheduled for later dates, and audience members will be informed promptly.

In a positive turn of events, the Shyam Benegal Film Festival, which was initially scheduled during the closure, will now mark the reopening of the auditorium. The festival, an important cultural milestone for Goa, will be inaugurated on May 30, 2025, by Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo. The film festival will celebrate the works of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal and is expected to draw cinema lovers from across the state. Despite the temporary setback, the inaugural event is set to bring the auditorium back to life, creating a buzz in the local cultural scene.

In addition to the roof repairs, Rajendra Talak revealed plans for major upgrades to the auditorium, which will take place in July and August 2025. These renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance the venue in preparation for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held later in 2025. The upgrades will include improvements to the sound system, projector, and screen, ensuring that the auditorium can host large-scale cultural events and international festivals with the highest technical standards. These upgrades are expected to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences.

While the roof repairs have caused some disruption in the short term, the planned renovations and upgrades signal a promising future for the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium. The venue, known for hosting a wide array of cultural events, will continue to play a central role in Goa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Once the repairs and upgrades are completed, the auditorium will be fully equipped to host a variety of cultural and cinematic events, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Goa’s rich artistic heritage.

The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium’s temporary closure for roof repairs may have caused some inconvenience, but the measures being taken to ensure its long-term functionality and modernization are clear. The venue is set to reopen on May 30 with the exciting Shyam Benegal Film Festival, signaling the start of a new chapter. With upcoming upgrades planned for later in the year, the auditorium will continue to be a vital cultural hub in Goa, attracting both local and international talent for years to come.