Claude Walter Reid came screaming into the world at Tunapuna October 29, 1935. It was his first line on the stage of life. His proud parents Charles and Viola Reid were so elated with their son Walter and they decided to limit the edition. His early education was progressively teacher Edith's private school, Tunapuna EC and finally San Juan Secondary.
On acquiring his Cambridge school certificate Claude proceeded to Miss Jordan's Commercial that equipped him for his first clerical job at the Central Abattoir. His growing ambition led him to a post at the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee where he rose in the ranks until his retirement as Chief Executive Officer some four years ago.
In the interim he married Helena, a dedicated teacher,
who generously allowed Claude the space he needed to pursue his artistic
talent. Claude loved his work and tackled his duties with such spirit
that his close friends would refer to him as being the busiest public
servant in the land. If he enjoyed his job he loved his theatre more.
"God I hate actors! They refuse to accept
The reality they live in!
I pronounce these solemn self-deceivers
Guilty of doubling the dream that is life."
Don Juan, from the Joker of Seville by Derek Walcott
Acting did not come easily for Claude, but with an intuitive sense of timing and improvisation, he worked at it hard, labouring late and long to get the lines right, the nuance clear, and the gesture perfect. In the pursuit of his dream Claude stretched himself, dug deep down into his inner being and surprised no one more than he. And when the magic was spun Claude would cry out in ecstasy, "Yes! I did it - we did it!"
Whether rehearsing late into the night or sharing a beer and a tall story of exploits in some far off land the memories well in the mind as well as we recall the good times spent with Claude. "Spanish," "Creed," "Scatters," "Chalkey" - just a few of the sobriquets we gave to this gregarious, fun-loving actor we knew as friend for the better part of our lives.
Over the years you saw the growth in the
actor and the man. From humble beginnings with the St Clair dramatic
group in Tunapuna, became a founding member of the then Little Carib
Theatre Workshop led by Derek Walcott in 1959. Riding his Raleigh bicycle
to rehearsals, he paid his dues first as a stage hand then stage manager,
then bit part player until the principal roles came.
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The role he had to work hardest at - Jackson in a Pantomime was to take Claude farthest afield - to Singapore in 1995 - appearing at the stately Raffles Theatre during the Singapore Festival of Arts. It was the crowning achievement of his acting career and rounded off his theatre life on a high note.
On a TTW tour of Boston in 1993, former president of Boston University and kind sponsor, John Silber insisted that he see pantomime and a private showing was arranged in three days.
Shortly after his return from Boston, Claude fell gravely ill from renal failure and his daily routine changed dramatically. John Silber came to the rescue and Claude spent a month at the Boston University hospital undergoing tests to try to correct his failing organs.
All the while Claude gave yeoman service to other performing arts organizations. He was twice programme director for Carifesta in Trinidad and for thirty un-broken years he was a member of Stage Crew that managed all major production in and around Port of Spain. He was also a long-standing executive member of the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago and in 1997 received the Cacique Life Achievement Award for his contribution to theatre. For several years he was an adjudicator for both the best village and schools' drama festivals.
Claude Walter Reid dedicated public servant, actor, husband,
passionate liver and bon vivant.
"Good night sweet prince
And may flights of angels
Guide thee to they rest."
Farewell friend "Creed"…we shall miss you.