Farewell weekend for 'Mas Jasper'

Funeral service takes place today Proceeds of tomorrow's 'Puss Gone Rat Tek Charge' opening night for actor's estate

Nicholas Kellyman, Gleaner Intern

In memory of actor Calvin Morris, the play Puss Gone Rat Tek Charge will have a special opening performance on Sunday at Theatre Place, at 5:00 p.m, with all proceeds being contributed to Morris' estate.

Morris, who starred as 'Mas Jasper' in Lime Tree Lane, died on June 27 and will be laid to rest today with a funeral service at the Charlemont Open Bible Church in Ewarton, St Catherine, at 1:00 p.m.

According to best friend and producer of Puss Gone Rat Tek Charge, Pablo Hoilett, Morris, who leaves behind wife Vivia Morris, had been hospitalised after the sickle cell disease he had been living with created liver problems.

"Because of di disease, he always had these, what I call 'liver attacks', an' he would be in so much pain an' he had one this last time which led to him goin' into hospital two Tuesdays before he died," said Hoilett.

Puss Gone Rat Tek Charge was to have been remounted earlier this month but had to be postponed because of Morris' death.

Even while in hospital, the actor, who played a major role in the play, was looking forward to performing.

"He said I should mek sure seh we a rehearse, for wen him come back," Hoilett remembered.

"Morris was a brilliant performer, a wonderful talent an' a great friend," he said.

First Meeting

"I remember di first time I got to meet him was in a play called Justice, by Lloyd Reckord. He was such a brilliant actor I used to stay backstage every night and jus' watch him."

So impressed was Hoilett with Morris' performances in Justice, he had to write a role for him in Lime Tree Lane.

Hoilett recollected his fondest memory of Morris.

"Once we performed at a show in London, he rocked di crowd dat night. Di audience was totally into his performance. Dat was the best I ever saw him perform."

Puss Gone Rat Tek Charge has received acclaim in markets such as England, North America and the Caribbean.

"We have performed in London, Birmingham, Manchester, New York, Miami, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Bermuda, Grand Cayman and St Vincent," Hoilett explained.

The remount will star Peter Heslop (in place of Morris), Nadine Rawlins, Pam Bennett, David Crossgill, Christina Starz and Patrice Wallace.