Mthethwa: Patrick Shai was mobile encyclopedia of SA arts
Minister of
Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has described the late Patrick Shai as a great
art educator and encyclopedia of South African arts.
Mthethwa was speaking during Shai’s memorial service at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg on Thursday.
“He was genius who possessed such incredible sense of creative imagination. This was man revered as an art educator for his ever readiness to share his knowledge not only of art but knowledge of life in general,” he said.
“He had skills and experience with the young and emerging artists and was a mobile encyclopedia of the South African arts.”
Shai, who appeared in popular shows such as 7de Laan, Generations, Soul City and Bophelo ke Semphekgo, died on Saturday at the age of 66.
According to Mthethwa, Shai who was affectionately known as ‘Bra Pat’, was a very approachable person who was willing to listen and learn from others.
“We understood Bra Pat and he was a well-known stage, film and television actor, director and mentor. People have said a mouthful here (including that) he was a performer whose performances were always legendary because of the passion, talent, skill and rarity he always brought to any medium he was on.
“Through his craft of acting and performing he contributed immensely to the South African cultural landscape stretching beyond the realm of performance but also mentoring others and advocating for the arts and culture to be recognised as important field in society.”
Shai’s funeral service will take place on January 29.
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