Suriname: R.I.P. Henk Tjon
Written byNicholas Laughlin
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Celebrated Surinamese playwright and theatre director Henk Tjon died in Paramaribo on 18 September, 2009. The Bahamas-based Ringplay Productions blog remembers “his passion and his eloquence on the subject of the role of the arts in Caribbean society.”
Written byNicholas Laughlin
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So Henk has danced to join the ancestors. His spirit has been a uniting force in the Caribbean and South America for nearly half a century. Whether here in Barbados, in Ghana, in Suriname, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and most recently in Guyana he embodied the hope that our region, especially our young people need. In our last conversation he urged that our generation pass on our knowledge to the next as quickly as expeditiously as possible. May he rest in peace. Kofi Akobi
When I just started out in theatre at UWI (Mona), I had the pleasure of working with Henk twice. Those two instances were the most pivotal in my decision to pursue a career of some sort in the field.
I always thought there would be many more opportunities for us to work together again. Now, I feel even more privileged for the ones I had and sad for all those who won’t.
Sleep well Henk.
I worked with Henk at Trinidad Tent Theatre in the 1980’s on two wildly different pieces. One was Lovers by Brian Friel, and the other Anansi. I don’t recall the writer at the moment. I remember his passion for theatre and his hard work and great personality.
Rest in Peace, Henk.