In Jamaican theatre, characters such as Jookie Jam, Delcita and Shebada have a common element — playwright, director and producer Paul O Beale.

It is his contribution to local theatre, which includes 43 original stage plays; nearly 300 TV drama episodes; feature films; over 50 short films; two seasons of radio drama; 600 poems; 32 books, mainly novels; and countless commercials for television that many see as his lasting legacy following his death last Friday from what is suspected to have been a heart attack.

His popular stage catalogue includes Bashment Granny 2 and 3, Granny Rule 1 & 2, Di Driver, Courthouse Drama, The Plummer, Ova Mi Dead Body, Di Politician, and the popular roots theatre series Unda Mi Nose, which was produced by Ralph Holness.

Reports indicate that the 57-year-old who had suffered a stroke five years ago, from which he made a full recovery, collapsed at home and was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies where he died.

In commenting on Beale’s life and work, actor and playwright David Tulloch referred to him as a visionary and real creative genius whose work can be seen in the creation of these popular characters in local theatre that have taken on a life of their own.

“Paul’s legacy will never die. He was one of the writers in the early years of Stages Theatre Company, which produced many of the exciting productions of the time. His sense of understanding of what is required was amazing. Clash was the first play I wrote for Stages and it was Paul who directed it. I can never forget those early days, and I know that his insight and critique will be sorely missed,” Tulloch told the Jamaica Observer.

Actor Glen Campbell also remembered Beale for his work in pushing the burgeoning genre of roots theatre in the early days.

“He was a forthright person, always said what he meant and stuck to his guns, even if it was not popular. Paul was also passionate about his craft. His work with Ralph Holness in pushing roots theatre will no doubt be a legacy. They were able to reach the masses much better that mainstream theatre, as they took the productions to the people, travelling around the country much more than other productions did. His creation of characters, such as Jookie Jam and Delcita, will also be his reward,” Campbell noted.