Raymond Choo Kong’s murder, the fourth tragic death within the theatre fraternity in a space of a year plunged the community into further shock on Monday.
52-year-old Gregory Adam Singh, a theatre producer was found dead at this Arouca home last September while actor Chris Smith, 44, died of leukaemia in January mere weeks after he diagnosed.
Days after Smith’s death’s President of the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NDATT) Edwin Erminy Bayley drowned in Grand Riviere.
Comedienne Nikki Crosby could hardly form words when Guardian Media contacted her, while actor Conrad Parris admitted that most of his colleagues would find it difficult to speak on Choo Kong’s death.
Last night, thespians gathered at the Little Carib Theatre to mourn.
A statement to the T&T Performing Arts Network, one of the organisers of the event, said, “Today is a day where people would want to come together. [...] The Carib called and offered their space and I am being proactive, making the necessary calls to people in our community so that can be among each other, talk, and share in this time of need.”
Conrad Parris - Actor
“The fraternity is in shock. It’s already been in mourning with Gregory Singh’s and Chris Smith’s passings. We haven’t quite recovered from those.”
Penelope Spencer - Actress
“He was the best director. He was an actor. He was a producer. He was a teacher. He was all round theatre God. His loss is like one of the hardest things that we were going to experience in a while.”
“This loss with Raymond now is just like given us a big hole. Our hearts are broken our mentor is gone. You know he has been the man for us all this time. It’s very shocking. Very, very shocking. This has been very very hard for us.”
Errol Fabien - Comedian
“A lot of people (said) he wasn’t doing serious theatre. That was bacchanal and scandal you know and to that I say, theatre always reflects what’s going on in a society. And that is why when he had his productions people would come out and go and see it because he gave the people what they want.”
“Hearing about his death, I don’t think Raymond was given what he wanted. I know Raymond wanted to live and wanted to do so much more and produce so much more work and work with some many other and new young people. It’s really a sad day for me to hear what is happening or what has happened.”
Michael Cherrie - Actor
“The top theatre producer, director...and the best actor Trinidad & Tobago has ever seen...completely transformed the theatre space, community and industry here for the better...I’m speechless...I have absolutely no words...this is place is Hell - no question....make new and wonderful vibrations in that realm of light with the Creator...Godspeed, my friend....my deepest condolences to his family and all our theatre family.”
Simmy D Trini - Comedian
“Distraught is not even the word to use for this. The class offered us as performers, a safe space.”
Pride TT
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our friend Raymond Choo Kong.
Raymond established himself as an award-winning pillar and icon of theatre in Trinidad and Tobago. He added the accolades of actor, director, entrepreneur and accomplished producer to his name. Raymond lived as a fearless example of love and compassion to our community and for this we thank him.
We offer our condolences to his family and friends and pray that they find comfort in this time. RIP Raymond Choo Kong. We love you.”
Ministry of Community Development Culture and the Arts
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic death of our mentor Raymond Choo Kong. He leaves behind a great legacy and will forever live in our hearts. We extend condolences to his family, friends and the theatre fraternity.”