Philomena Braz

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,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |pages=183–184 |language=en}} Minguel Rod, M. Boyer, and Remmie Colaco.{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=N. T. |date=2019-09-29 |title=TAG to remember yesteryears artistes on September 30 – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2019/09/29/magazines/buzz/tag-to-remember-yesteryears-artistes-on-september-30/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |language=en-US}}

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. She showcased her singing talents alongside artists such as Anthony Mendes, C. Alvares, Alfred Rose, and Star of Arossim.

Braz' performances were not confined to live shows; she also recorded her songs for platforms such as His Master's Voice 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.

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Filomena Piedade Bras originally hailed from Bombay (now Mumbai).{{Cite web |title=Dude looks like a lady |url=https://www.thegoan.net//dude-looks-like-a-lady/2759.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}} 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{{Cite journal |last=Serrao |first=Adv. Ravita |date=28 January 2021 |title=Affidavit |url=https://www.goaprintingpress.gov.in/downloads/2021/2021-44-SIII-OG-0.pdf |journal=Official Gazette Government of Goa |volume=3 |issue=44 |pages=1085 |via=Goa Printing Press}} and later married seafarer Dennis Rebello, who was employed on the MV Queen of the Oceans.{{Cite news |date=16 February 2011 |title=DEATH Philomena Braz e. Crasto |work=O Heraldo |pages=30}} 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.

On 15 February 2011, Braz died at the Grace Intensive Cardiac Hospital in Margao, Goa.{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Registrar of births and deaths |url=https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Goa Online |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027073241/https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |url-status=live }}

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category:1933 births

Category:2011 deaths

Category:Goan people

Category:Tiatrists

Category:Musicians from South Goa district

Category:Actors from South Goa district

Category:Konkani-language singers