Leitaō was a popular figure in the
Goan theater tradition known as
tiatr during the mid-20th century. He began his stage career performing in local village concerts, where he demonstrated talent as both a singer and comedic actor. One of Leitaō's strengths was his ability to portray
Kunbi characters. "He had a natural knack for capturing the distinct Kunbi accent, and when dressed in
traditional Kunbi attire, his characterizations were considered flawless," writes historian
Wilson Mazarello. Leitaō's expanding renown in the local
Chinchinim community led to invitations to showcase his talents in
tiatrs, traditional Goan plays, throughout the wider
Salcete region of
Goa. Leading
tiatr directors of the time, including Edward Almeida,
Minguel Rod,
Jacinto Vaz, Saluzinho, Kamat de Assolna,
Dioguinho D'Mello,
Aleixinho de Candolim, and
C. Alvares, sought to feature Leitaõ in their productions. Due to Leitaō's
small stature, humorous character, and skills in singing and acting, he swiftly endeared himself to audiences who frequented
tiatrs, especially in the Salcete region. His performances often drew sold-out crowds. In addition to his skills as a performer, Leitaō was known for his proficiency in composing
musical arrangements, with a focus on creating pieces for
duets,
trios, and
quartets. As a new generation of
tiatr directors emerged, Leitaō continued collaborating with talents such as
Nelson Afonso,
A. S. Conception, Kamat de Assolna, and
Aristides Dias. Leitaō also authored several
tiatrs himself, including works titled
Xeutteamchi Ganthon,
Belgaumkar,
Mogachi Justis,
Chouto Upordes,
Kunnbi Niklau,
Bhau ani Zau, and
Bakro Amge Zalem. Leitaō was primarily celebrated for his comedic abilities. His distinctive physicality, including his
gait and
body language, as well as his
wordplay, regularly elicited laughter from
tiatr audiences. Because of his diminutive stature, he excelled in comedic roles. The future Konkani playwright and politician
Tomazinho Cardozo attended Leitaō's performances in his youth. In addition to his solo comedic work, Leitaō also participated in
comic duet routines during
tiatr productions. In one particular
tiatr directed by
Aristides Dias, he appeared alongside another comedian, Luis Rod, who portrayed a female character. Leitaő's small stature contrasted humorously with Rod's taller, more feminine appearance, further entertaining the viewers. Leitaō and Luis Rod were a popular
Goan comedy duo known for their performances in
tiatrs (
Konkani plays). Their significant height difference was a key part of their act, often eliciting laughter from audiences. In one noted instance, the taller Luis Rod, who frequently portrayed female characters, easily lifted and carried the smaller Leitaō on his back during a performance, a memorable moment in their collaborative work, writes
Tomazinho Cardozo. Beyond their
physical comedy, Leitaō also earned acclaim for his portrayals of
Kunbi characters, drawing on his familiarity with the Kunbi dialect used by many
native Goans. Leitaō's skills as a playwright were acknowledged for his creation of
tiatrs that delved into contemporary events and
societal matters pertinent to the Goan community, shedding light on these subjects on the Konkani theatrical platform. Leitaō's comedic career unfolded during a period dominated by two of the popular Konkani stage performers -
Jacinto Vaz, known as the "Charlie Chaplin of the Konkani stage," and
Anthony Mendes, the "Spring Man of the Konkani stage." Despite the prominence of these figures, Leitaō was able to establish his own respected place within the Konkani theatrical landscape through his talents, writes Cardozo. In the later stages of his career, Leitaō ultimately retired from the Konkani theatre due to the effects of advancing age and declining health. ==Personal life==