Philomena Braz
Portrait of Braz during her youth
Born
Filomena Piedade Bras

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Died(2011-02-15)15 February 2011
Margao, Goa, India
Other names
  • Philomina Crasto
  • Philomena Piedade Crasto
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
Years active1963–c. 1978
Notable workAmchem Noxib (1963)
SpouseBernabe Crasto
Children1

Philomena Braz e Crasto[1] (unknown – 15 February 2011; born Filomena Piedade Bras) was an Indian actress, and singer who primarily worked on the Konkani stage.

Career

Braz was a character actress known for her contributions to the Konkani stage. Her career began in 1963 with her appearance in Alfred Rose's production of Zotkaxi Dorji. Throughout her career, she collaborated with a multitude of directors and playwrights, including Saib Rocha, J. P. Souzalin, Kid Boxer, Prem Kumar, Jacint Vaz, C. Alvares, Dod de Verna, Nelson Affonso, Kamat de Assolna,[2] Minguel Rod, M. Boyer, and Remmie Colaco.[3]

One of Braz's standout performances was in Prem Kumar's tiatr, Odhi Bakri. However, her most memorable portrayals were in the works of C. Alvares, particularly in the tiatrs Axea (Greed) and Khuincho Mandament (Which Sacrament?), where she displayed her talent alongside an all-female cast. Braz's versatility as an actress allowed her to shine in various roles, encompassing comedy, elderly characters, and the dynamic relationships of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Beyond her acting prowess, she was also a singer, delivering solo, duet, trio, and quartet performances on stage.[2] She showcased her singing talents alongside artists such as Anthony Mendes, C. Alvares, Alfred Rose, and Star of Arossim.[3]

Braz' performances were not confined to live shows; she also recorded her songs for platforms such as H.M.V. Records and All India Radio. Additionally, her voice graced numerous audio cassettes. While Braz did not write her own tiatrs, she ventured into directing with Axechi Doxea, a production penned by Anthony Fernandes of Vakola, Bombay. The tiatr garnered acclaim, receiving numerous stage performances throughout Bombay. Braz's talent transcended geographical boundaries as she also traveled to various Gulf countries to showcase her tiatr performances abroad.[2]

Personal life

Filomena Piedade Bras originally hailed from Bombay (now Mumbai).[4] She entered into a marital union with Bernabe Caitano Do Rosario Inacio Crasto and together they had a daughter named Candida "Candy" Crasto (b. 1974) in Bombay[5] and later married seafarer Dennis Rebello, who was employed on the MV Queen of the Oceans.[6] According to the book titled 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro, published in 2000, Braz is mentioned as hailing from Orlim, Salcete, while also having a residence with her family at Dockyard Road, Mazagon, Bombay.[2]

On 15 February 2011, Braz died at the Grace Intensive Cardiac Hospital in Margao, Goa.[7]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes Ref
1963 Amchem Noxib [8]

Selected stage works

Year Title Role Notes Ref
1963 Zotkaxi Dorji Debut tiatr [3]
Odhi Bakri
Axea
Khuincho Mandament All-female cast
1978 Axechi Doxea Director [2][9]

References

  1. ↑ "Tiatr Artistes to have Condolence Meet for Late Philomena Braz". O Heraldo. 2011-02-25. Archived from the original on 2023-02-26. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. 2000. pp. 183–184.
  3. 1 2 3 Desk, N. T. (2019-09-29). "TAG to remember yesteryears artistes on September 30 – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Dude looks like a lady". The Goan EveryDay. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  5. ↑ Serrao, Adv. Ravita (28 January 2021). "Affidavit" (PDF). Offical Gazette Government of Goa. 3 (44): 1085 – via Goa Printing Press.
  6. ↑ "DEATH Philomena Braz e. Crasto". O Heraldo. 16 February 2011. p. 30.
  7. ↑ "Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Registrar of births and deaths". Goa Online. 2011. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "Diamond jubilee of 'Amchem Noxib' to be marked in Porvorim". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  9. ↑ "Kenny Zuzarte Ostorechea rupan tiatr palk porzollaita". O Heraldo. 2013-05-04. Archived from the original on 2023-02-26. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
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