Death of a South African theatre stalwart

THE South African theatre fraternity bid their final farewell to legendary playwright and performer Mohamed Alli this week.

In the final act of his life, he was surrounded by his family until his death at his home in Isipingo on Tuesday.

He was laid to rest at the Clairwood cemetery the same day.

Alli, 76, suffered a second stroke the week before his death and lost the ability to speak.

Long-time friend and actress Savy Ramsamy, 73, described Alli as a breath of comical fresh air.

“He always knew how to lighten a mood and make you laugh, he was a legend. I will always be grateful to him and Essop Khan for the role they played in my career. If it was not for them there would not have been parts for our community to act in.”

Alli and the late Khan co-founded Essop Khan Mohammed Alli Productions, aka EKMA Productions, which saw the duo write and perform a number of live theatre productions together.

Their first professional production was the comedy hit, The Jamaal Syndrome.

Essop, Alli and Ramsamy travelled the country sharing their love and passion for theatre.

“I met Mohamed in high school and Essop joined us later on. We had known each other for decades and now I am the sole survivor. I lost my dear friends but hope they are at peace. The legacy and family live on and that is how I will stay connected to them.”

Essop died at his Asherville home in April 2018 at the age of 72.

Actress Narusha Chetty said Alli gave her a chance to make it in the industry.

“I met him a decade ago when I auditioned for their production called On Common Ground. There were over 50 girls that auditioned and most of them had experience in the industry. I was the last to audition but they gave me the lead role on the spot. I wouldn’t have my acting career without him.”

Throughout the years Chetty had kept in contact with Alli until his final curtain call.