(Mike Jackson working during the creation of the Holocaust Centre. Photo courtesy of the Centre)
Mike Jackson, highly respected in the
Durban theatre community, passed away a few days ago from heart problems.
Rob Cross, former head of NAPAC (now the Playhouse Company) pays this tribute:
Mike seems to have been an important part
of the NAPAC story almost from the beginning. He was our Props Master for many
years and seemed always able to provide whatever anyone needed - no matter how
complex or how unusual the prop might be.
When we moved from the Alhambra to the Playhouse as our new performing home, Michael was invaluable and seemed capable of handling whatever we asked of him - I shall always remember him hanging from what seemed a frighteningly insecure harness as he nonchalantly painted and attached braid to the concrete clouds in the Opera Theatre of the Playhouse.
He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and worked with him over so many years.
I send my love and best wishes to his wife Julie who was part of Mike’s life for so long. Rob Cross
Facebook tributes acknowledge the value of
Mike Jackson to the theatre community:
Megan Holder, who worked with Mike Jackson in the early part of her career as a theatre technician, remembers him with sadness:
Mike Jackson, I can’t believe you are gone! Thank you for believing in me and my ability and teaching me the art of stage curtains and mechanisms. Thank you for also being there for me and the time spent in your workshop creating new gadgets and always having a good laugh! My sincerest condolences to your family who I know you loved and cherished and were so proud of! – Megan Holder
Charles
Grey, who used to work at NAPAC, comments:
It is with a sad heart that I announce the
recent passing of my ex colleague from NAPAC (Playhouse Company), Mike Jackson.
Mike did so much for the theatre world in Durban and was one of the nicest guys
I ever met and worked with. My sincerest condolences to his wife, family and
friends. Rest in peace Mike - you will be missed. – Charles Grey
The passing of Mike Jackson is a sad loss!
He leaves a gaping hole in our little KZN arts community. He was always the 'go
to' person, a jack of all trades and master of all he took on. His gentle ways
and kind ability to share and care was always appreciated. He will be sorely
missed. RIP dear Mike Jackson. – Debbie Lutge
Jackson was much involved in the creation of the Durban Holocaust Centre.
Mary Kluk, founding director of the Centre, states that he was “an integral part of this permanent exhibition in 2007, but became so much more than that. Mike and Julia were a huge part of our family. Mike truly understood the essence of our work and the significance of the DHGC for Durban. Until very recently he constantly popped in to ensure that the exhibition was maintained to perfection. Mike’s memory will always be a blessing to us. We will miss him dearly.”
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