Santiago Pereira (22 May 1912 – 2 February 1960) was a Goan playwright, stage director, lyricist, drama teacher, and musician known for his work in khell (street play) productions.

Pereira received his early education at the Paroda government school, where he completed the primeiro grau (first grade) curriculum taught in the Portuguese language.

[1] Pereira's initial success opened doors for him to present his khell performances in several villages across the region, including Assolda, Cuppamoddi (Curchorem), Chandor, Curtorim, Davorlim, Cuncolim, Macazana [gom], Shiroda, Goa, and Panchawadi, among several others.

[3] Over the course of his career, Pereira was invited to form and lead khell troupes in several Goan villages, including Curtorim, Panchawadi, Verna, Goa, Chinchinim, Benaulim, and Utorda.

In addition to his own troupe leadership, Pereira also encouraged and mentored other aspiring khellgodde to participate in the zomnivoile khell (street play) tradition.

Khell troupes, in an era characterized by limited transportation, would journey on foot from one village to another, signaling their forthcoming performances through the beats of dhol-tassa drums and resonant cornets.

Through his leadership, Pereira played a pivotal role in sustaining and propagating the khell performance tradition as an integral part of Goan Carnaval celebrations in the early 20th century.

During a show in the town of Chandor, Pereira and his troupe faced legal repercussions leading to their arrest and subsequent imprisonment due to the content of their introductory song.

Some of his popular works included Seinicher Petrol, Ek Hokol Chear Noure (One Bride, Four Grooms), Salorechen Pil, Afrikar, Pettientlo Bhattkar, and Kunvrichem Moronn, among others.

Pereira made history as the pioneer khellam-mestri (street play teacher) to have his khell production, titled Swami (Ascetic), broadcast on the Emissora de Goa radio station in 1957.