THE METHODS AND MADNESS OF THE MASTER A perspective on Sri Lanka’s theatre maestro: Kala Keerthi Jerome L De Silva – By Surein de Silva Wijeyeratne
When I first met Jerome over 30 years ago at St. Peter’s College, he was already a legend—famous, formidable, and a little… mad. His pirate beard, impeccable English, commanding voice, and eccentric style made him seem like a character straight out of a play.
Fast forward three decades, and I can honestly say: Jerome has shaped Sri Lanka’s theatre in ways few can match. From that first humble workshop in 1992, the man behind The Workshop Players has turned our theatre scene into a vibrant, creative hub that reaches across the country—not just at the Lionel Wendt, but in halls and schools everywhere.
But what makes him truly unique? It’s his methods—a mix of relentless learning, meticulous planning, unwavering discipline, and deep-rooted faith.
Early Life & Inspiration:
Born on November 1, 1951, in Sri Lanka, Jerome was the last of six children to Etta Anna Bianca de Silva and Captain G. H. de Silva. His journey into theatre began during his school days. He studied at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, from 1957 to 1969, then transferred to St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4, where he studied from 1969 to 1971.
His first brush with performing arts was in 1970, when he transferred to St. Peter’s College and joined the school choir under Rev. Fr. Claver Perera. That same year, he took part in the chorus line for Wendy Whatmore’s production of Boyfriend, sparking his passion for theatre. This opened doors to working with Mrs. Oosha Saravanamuttu Wijesinghe and Mrs. Ena Heynnecker, who nurtured his talents and encouraged his artistic journey.
Global Recognition & Artistic Growth:
In September 1996, Jerome became a fellow at the Salzburg Seminar in Austria, selected from nominations across North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. He attended session 340—”The Power of Theatre, Artistry, Entertainment, Social Commentary”—learning from legendary course faculty such as Arthur Miller, Ariel Dorfman, Andre Brink, David Thacker, Benedict Nightingale, and Christopher Bigsby.
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His time in Salzburg included master classes with actors from the Royal National Theatre, where he deepened his craft in acting and direction.
The Highest Honour & Legacy:
In 2019, Jerome was awarded the Kala Keerthi, the highest national honour for the arts in Sri Lanka. Notably, he is the first individual from the English theatre scene to receive this recognition a testament to his unparalleled contribution to the arts in Sri Lanka.
Always Learning, From Everyone Jerome’s hunger for knowledge is endless. Despite over 75 productions and decades of experience, he keeps seeking new insights—reading voraciously, listening to others, inviting experts from all walks of life. His curiosity and humility are his true strengths.
Divide & Conquer:
He used to oversee every detail himself—acting, directing, designing, managing. Now, responsibility is shared with skilled team members, ensuring each production runs seamlessly. Jerome invests in building a team of talented individuals, giving them the freedom to excel.
Perfecting the Flow:
Scene changes are often the Achilles’ heel of amateur theatre. Not with Jerome. Every transition is carefully planned, directed, and rehearsed—sometimes over and over—so that the audience remains captivated, phones stay off, and magic is preserved.
Big Casts, Big Opportunities:
His philosophy? Give everyone a chance. Back in 1992, he believed in rotating casts to help newcomers gain experience. Today, his large cast approach fosters discipline, teamwork, and a sense of collective achievement—because in his theatre, no one is irreplaceable if they don’t show up.
Rules & Rituals — The Madness Part
Ever wonder why the front seats are kept empty? That’s Jerome’s way of ensuring every sightline is perfect. His rituals—like the ‘handover’ at the end of rehearsals to the Stage Manager—mark a professionalism that’s become his signature. Rehearsals are relentless, often till dawn, because he believes there’s no substitution for hard work.
Preparation & Flexibility:
His notes are detailed, but come showtime, almost everything changes. That’s part of his mastery—visualizing the big picture while remaining adaptable. A false fire alarm, a broken set, or an off-mic won’t stop him.
Faith & Inspiration:
Deeply spiritual, Jerome always includes prayer before and after performances—regardless of faith. This spiritual strength fuels his work and inspires everyone around him, making theatre not just an art, but a sacred journey.
His advice remains timeless: Keep learning, stay disciplined, have faith—and never stop dreaming.
A Living Legend on Stage & Off With over 50 years of stage presence, Jerome’s commanding performance and character immersion set him apart. Many of Sri Lanka’s top directors and actors started under his guidance. His legacy is cemented in workshops, mentorship, and unforgettable productions like The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Les Misérables, Cats, and more.
When finally, the time comes for the pantheon of demi-gods of the Sri Lankan Arts have their names etched in marble somewhere, along with those of Lester James Peiris, Chitrasena, Lylie Godridge, Lionel Wendt and George Keyt, you will find the name of Kalakeerthi Jerome L. De Silva.
Even if I have to put it up there myself.
