Francisco Boavida Fernandes (1 February 1933 – 1 May 2003), known professionally as Francis Tembo, was an Indian stage actor and composer known for his work in zomnivoilo fell (folk drama) and khell tiatr productions.
Early life
Francisco Boavida Fernandes was born on 1 February 1933 in
Benaulim,
Goa, which was under
Portuguese India at the time during the Portuguese Empire. He was born into a
Goan Catholic family. His father, Mariano Piedade Fernandes, worked as a piano and violin repairman and carpenter, while his mother, Maria Acençaõ Serolina Rodrigues (later known as Serolina Rodrigues), was a homemaker.
Career
Tembo, a stage-name adopted by Fernandes, became well known for his prowess in the
traditional game known as "
thembiamni" or
Cup-and-ball.
Thembiamni involved the use of a wooden stick resembling a
hockey stick and a wooden ball. Fernandes displayed skill in both crafting the ball and stick himself, reflecting his talent as a carpenter specializing in the creation of elaborate wooden artifacts and footwear. Fernandes garnered recognition and popularity within the
zomnivoilo fell (
folk drama) and
khell-tiatr communities. Known for his versatility, he assumed diverse roles ranging from a
bhattkar (landlord) and a
Hindu man to a drunkard and a comedic character. He collaborated regularly with
Konkani language khell tiatr figures such as A. Moraes, a
mistri (teacher), as well as Konkani playwright and theater director
Patrick Dourado, Xallibai, Menino Alfonso, and later playwright Menino de Bandar. Beyond his accomplishments as a stage actor, Fernandes took on the responsibility of instructing aspiring performers in the art of
fells (term used for
khells in
Salcete) from villages and towns such as
Curtorim,
Chandor,
Cuncolim, and
Chinchinim. Moreover, he showcased his musical talent by composing songs for his children to perform on stage and at various events.
Fernandes earned distinction as a popular specialist in khell tiatr.
Fernandes gained acclaim as a stage performer and songwriter, leaving an impact on the Tiatr scene. His artistic prowess extended to composing several songs that were used by his son, Peter de Benaulim. Beyond his musical contributions, Fernandes played a pivotal role in guiding his son through the challenges of stage fright, instilling confidence and dispelling fear.
Personal life
Fernandes was a carpenter by profession, he was known for his craftsmanship in creating elaborate wooden artifacts and footwear. In addition to his professional pursuits, he possessed a passion for a
traditional game known as
thembiamni, akin to
Cup-and-ball, in which he achieved a level of expertise. His gaming skills earned him the moniker "Thembo" or "Tembo," eventually incorporated into his stage name.
Fernandes's residence served as a venue for
khell practices, during which his children received instruction in the chants and verses associated with the performances. Through these sessions, he actively contributed to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage to the younger generation.
On 24 July 1961, Fernandes married Severina Piedade Fernandes, a homemaker, in a ceremony held at the Benaulim church. Prior to the church wedding, the couple underwent a civil marriage registration in Margão.
On 1 May 2003, Fernandes died at the age of 70, within the confines of his residence in Mazilvaddo, Benaulim, Goa.
Legacy
In June 2023, Fernandes received a tribute from
Konkani language singer Maythan in an
Theme music performed by Maythan and composed by Fernandes's son Peter de Benaulim during the
tiatr production of Fernandes's grandson, Comedian Bryan's
Mhoji Khori Maim (My Real Mother).
