CoverleyTHE INSTITUTE of Jamaica has saluted actor, comic and impresario, the late Eric Coverley, for his contribution to local theatre.
"The name Coverley is synonymous with Jamaican Theatre: Eric's aunt, Connie, was an excellent contralto with the Jamaica Choral Society, his father was a renowned flautist and his sister, Edna, was a champion elocutionist," stated the Institute.
"Like his father, Eric was a trained draftsman and worked with the Jamaica Government Railway Corporation, where his love for the theatre and his calling as draftsman resulted in the staging of the first RAIL Show at the Railway Corporation.
"The 1930s saw Coverley acting in productions of Una Marson's Pocomania, Frank Hill's Upheaval and also Archie Lindo's Busman's Holiday. Together with George Bowen and A.E.T. Henry he also took on the challenge of staging a rival Christmas morning concert to Ernest Cupidon's at the St. George's Hall, (now called Ramson Hall). This Christmas production was to become an annual fixture staged at the Coke Methodist Church and the Ward Theatre for the next 21 years.
"Developing on a game his father used to entertain him as a child (draw and guess) and his skill of calligraphy, Eric pioneered the Chalk Talk in the Jamaican Theatre, long before realising that it was a popular art in the United States and Europe. Through Chalk Talk, he illustrated his mastery of synchronising story telling with cartoon drawings; many of which are now cherished souvenirs.
"Eric Coverley's early years in theatre were fuelled by his love of it. He spoke of being inspired by Harold Brownlow, Granville Campbell and Johnny Lyons who, along with him, worked gratis as there were no ready sponsors.
"Nonetheless, Coverley discovered and provided exposure for many artists, including dancer Harold Holness, magician Bunny Neil and of course his wife, the Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley, O.M., O.J., M.B.E., who received her first professional fees as a performer at one of Coverley's Christmas Morning concerts.
"In 1949, 'Mas Eric' was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He was also awarded the Order of Distinction, O.D. for his contribution to the growth and development of art and culture in 1979.
"The Institute of Jamaica formally recognised Eric Coverley's work from as early as June 1980, when he was awarded the Institute's Centenary Medal for Drama and Dance. Further, in 1999, Coverley was awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal for Outstanding Merit in the area of Popular Arts: Theatre."
The Institute said that, with his passing, the nation had lost one of its greatest sons, whose tireless work aided in the development of the unique expression of self - that of the Jamaican Theatre.
"Our condolences to his widow, Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, O.J. and his family."
