The gentle thespian
Jith Pieris: Mentor to many generations and left, in his younger days
Jith Pieris, the ineffably modest theatre veteran who, along with the likes of Jerome de Silva, was a senior mentor in the local English drama scene, passed away on Wednesday, January 7.
Jith with his signature “plebeian-looking” cap was one of the illustrious Pieris family, and, like his Grand-Uncle Harold Pieris, was a sensitive and gentle artiste.
Educated at St. Bridget’s Convent, S. Thomas’ Prep School, Kollupitiya and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Jith’s entré to the thespian world was at the Prep School, where he first played ‘Little Boy Blue’, but his theatrical horizons were to expand in the 14 years he spent in London and Chelsea.
He has recalled being part of the Chichester Theatre Festival in Sussex for three whole summers where he imbibed “the finer points in theatre- in great detail”.
Jith came back to Sri Lanka in 1980, and amongst his repertoire in Colombo was Ralahamy in Indu Dharmasena’s classic Tommiya series, and a gamut of Shakespearean roles. He famously produced some classics of Sri Lankan theatre including Lyn Ludowyke’s ‘He Comes from Jaffna’, and also ‘Well, Mudaliyar! How?’, also of Western theatre such as ‘The Importance of Going Wilde’. Interspersed in between were countless other productions.
An avid equestrian who sometimes donned a beret (in lieu of top hat) for Nuwara Eliya horse race meets, he was also an ardent bibliophile whose biggest tragedy in life was when his library of more than a thousand books was stolen overnight.
The most difficult role he ever played he had said was the Marquis of Queensbury in the ‘Return of A.J. Raffles’ where he was the bullying marquis alongside Edward, Prince of Wales played by Winston Serasinghe.
Among the bereft is Indu Dharmasena who knew him from those ‘salad days’ of the earliest Tommiya plays in the very early 1990s. Indu said in his tribute:
“Jith was not only a talented actor who brought life and spirit to the plays I was fortunate to work with him on, but also a truly jolly soul to be around. Rehearsals and performances were never just about the work when Jith was present — they were lighter, warmer, and richer because of his infectious good humour.
He had a wonderful gift for storytelling, sharing witty anecdotes and observations that could dissolve tension and bring laughter even in the most demanding moments. His stories, told with sparkle and impeccable timing, were often as memorable as his performances on stage.
Beyond his talent, Jith’s generosity of spirit stood out. He connected easily with people, made them feel welcome, and reminded us all that theatre — and life — are at their best when joy and camaraderie are shared.
His passing leaves a silence that feels deeply unfair, but his laughter, his stories, and his presence will live on in our memories and in the work we created together.”
Acclaimed singer and music director Mary Anne David shared precious memories;
My cherished friend Jith Peiris has stepped from this earthly stage and entered his heavenly abode.
Jith has gone to join the many friends he cherished — the friends he acted with, laughed with, dined with, and shared life’s joyful moments.
‘Annie’, the musical was produced and directed by Andrew, with vocal direction by me. Jith assisted Andrew in many ways and was finally convinced to play the role of President Roosevelt. He had to sing a couple of lines — and that was what frightened him most. After a few one-on-one sessions, however, he was more than ready for the role.
The Merry-An Singers, both young and old, adored him.
I first met Jith in 1979 when I saw him perform in ‘Who Killed Santa Claus?’ He was outstanding — possessing all the qualities of “the perfect actor,” particularly his charisma and handsome presence. Over the years, Andrew and I worked with Jith at Stafford International, and Jith also produced and directed shows with The Merry-An Singers.
One of my most memorable productions with him was ‘A Bouquet to Show Business’, and another where he presented us in a programme of Stephen Foster songs, complete with costumes from that era. There was never a moment when Jith was rude or spoke harshly — kindness and courtesy were simply part of who he was.
He later joined The Merry-An Singers again for ‘100 Years of Irving Berlin’. He sang, danced, and was part of a wonderful cast. Jerome was also part of the production and choreographed the show. Jith was always at the centre of the fun and frolic, his infectious laughter, warm personality, and caring nature lighting up every rehearsal.
After Andrew’s passing, Jith never failed to call to check on me and on how my son Andre was faring. He was one of those special “uncles” who would happily sit on the floor building blocks with Andre or playing alongside him.
I have so many stories, photographs, and treasured memories of Jith. I know he will be deeply missed by so many in the theatre world.
Rest in peace darling Jith. I will always remember you whenever I sing your favourite Irving Berlin and Cole Porter songs.
Veteran music teacher Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu had this to say:
“My association with Jith dates to more than 30 years. Later I was privileged to have him as my immediate neighbour.
He could hear almost all my piano and singing classes at my studio and used to call me if he heard any potentially talented pianist or singer it was almost like an audition. Thus many of my young singers have been featured at his shows.
Jith was not only an icon in the world of performing arts but also a wonderful human being who was well read and kept abreast of the current affairs of the world, be it in the arts or politics.
Said fellow thespian and producer
Jehan Aloysius:
“Jith taught me so much about theatre and life. One could not ask for a better mentor. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am if not for his initial support as a budding director.
From taking me to Pettah to buy fabric, to building sets, to connecting me with my costume seamstress of 30 years, to chats at the Rowing Club about theatre, I realise that so much of his personality has rubbed off on myself as a director.
While many of the older generations of directors only sought to undercut my success, Jith always cheered me on even with a message or phone call.
I always had a seat available for Jith for any night of my shows ever since my debut as a director. I would say, just turn up on any night.
Jith will always have a dear place in my heart and memories. Rest in peace, my mentor.
I hope I’ve done him proud.”
The irrepressible Anuruddha Fernando, thespian and radio personality shared:
“Jith was a wonderful human being, with a true sense of joy regarding the human condition. He has helped mentor so many people in English Theatre, and supported multiple schools for the Shakespeare Drama Competition. He was the perfect Director, and always allowed me the room to interpret iconic roles in ‘Well Mudaliyar! How?’ and ‘He Comes From Jaffna’.
He has been instrumental in defining the theatre careers of so many, and he was as humble as they come. Above all this, he was a true gentleman and very proud Thomian, with an unyielding love for his alma mater. He loved tradition and treated the theatre and the many, many plays he has directed, produced, and acted in, with the utmost reverence. He was a truly great man; intelligent, sensitive, sophisticated, and above all, kind. I will really miss him, as so many others shall too. May the turf lie easy on you Jith!”
Of the younger singers to know him, was Dmitri Gunatilleke:
“I knew Uncle Jith through Aunty Menaka who was my vocal coach at the time. He used to have shows and I sang for them though I never acted under him. I remember in 2010 when I was doing a production I was not very confident with my acting. I was just having a chat with him and said I can’t deliver a particular line, and he immediately told me how I can deliver it and that helped me so much.
I am grateful to have known him- such a lovely, lovely gentleman and friend and director. ”
Gehan Cooray, actor, filmmaker and
baritone, added:
“Jith Pieris was more of an uncle to me than anyone related by blood. Although he has now left this physical plane of existence, I could never move on from how rare and sacred that bond truly was.
When I first saw Uncle Jith onstage in the mid-1990s, acting in one of Indu Dharmasena’s unforgettable productions, I was struck by the naturalism and humanity of his performance, devoid of any artifice or pretensions. Even offstage, he wore his heart on his sleeve. It was impossible for anyone not to get along with him.
I first met Uncle Jith off the stage in 2004, at the age of sixteen. Our mutual Ward Place neighbour and my former music teacher, Menaka de Fonseka, recommended me to Jith as a baritone soloist for his concert ‘Stars on Parade’. Most people may not realize that it was the very first solo performance I gave after my voice had fully cracked. I sang ‘September Song’ from an old Kurt Weill musical and the confidence Jith gave me to command the stage as a young man in my mid-late teens, versus the “cute little boy” I had previously been, cannot be overstated.
Whenever I returned to Colombo for a visit from the United States, we would talk for hours – often well past midnight – about everything that mattered. Those conversations are among the most vivid memories of my life. I could always be myself with Uncle Jith.
What a man.
What an artist.
What a child of God.”
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