Maas Ran remembered at intimate affair

Davina Henry, Staff Reporter

He was a master of the most difficult theatre art, comedy. A dramatist and folklorist, Maas Ran evolved as one of Jamaica's foremost cultural exponents.

Renowned in other areas as a broadcaster and playwright, Maas Ran remains a model of excellence in communicating the passion for his work and his indomitable spirit.

Although the only connection some of the younger generation has to Maas Ran is the venue named in his honour, Randolph Samuel Williams' contribution to the dramatic art has not gone unnoticed.

Celebrating his centennial, friends, colleagues and family, including Williams' son Norman, gathered at the Little Theatre grounds.

The Little Theatre pulled out all the stops with an exhibit chronicling Williams' life and career. Williams became a member of the Little Theatre Movement (LTM) in 1942, and was one of the first persons of colour to be admitted to the theatre's cast.

telling his story

The exhibit also featured videos of some of Maas Ran's most memorable pantomime appearances, including some with another iconic folklorist and comedienne, Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett-Coverley.

Barbara Gloudon, in her capacity as as chairman of the LTM, also chaired the night's proceedings.

"We feel he has been overlooked. The quality of his work and his contribution has been overlooked ... . As long as we can, we will continue to tell the Ranny story," Gloudon said.

And tell it they did.

A reading from the late Vice- Chancellor Rex Nettleford's tribute to Williams highlighted some of the theatre practitioner's stellar achievements, as well as his love and passion for theatre art.

Remembered for his keen sense of observation and more than half a century of uninterrupted, dedicated service to the people of Jamaica, Nettleford sung Williams' praises to an audience who enthusiastically agreed with every word.

Recalling their last moments with the talented and versatile man of the theatre, castmates who worked with Williams on his last pantomime, The Hon All Purpus and the Dancing Princess, brought a sombre tone to the night.

Fellow actors Volier Johnson and Grace McGhie recounted the story of the night of his final pantomime in Canada.

plenty star quality

"Generous, thoughtful, a star without having star attitude," was how McGhie described him.

Anticipation was also high for a mini performance from the Anansi and Goat Head Soup pantomime, which was dedicated to Williams.

Folk songs such as Pop 'tory Gimme and Goat Head Soup had the audience singing along word for word.

Singer Oliver Gordon also paid tribute to Williams with a medley of songs including Here I Come, Revolution and Should I Have Faith by Dennis Brown.

Fab 5 member Asley 'Grub' Cooper delivered an outstanding impromptu performance of Believe in Yourself which was made even more memorable with Williams' son Norman on the drums.

"It's a pity we didn't have a bigger turnout. I love the occasion. It was intimate and nice, but people tend to forget Maas Ran. It would be nice if we could replay some of the old tapes with Miss Lou and Maas Ran show so that the younger generation know who he is and what he did. That is one of the things I think we can do to keep his memory alive," Johnson told The Gleaner.

The event came to a close with the audience singing 'Happy Birthday' in honour of Maas Ran before retiring for refreshments.