Death of a companion loyalist and stage man

Rupaningal Thomis Rupasinghe, my stage manager for over thirty-five years, companion, friend, confidante and household help, died on Thursday, August 25 at the age of 68. It is the circumstances under which he died that prompt me to write this article.

Yes, it is mean as a tribute too, for a singularly dedicated, faithful and endearing man who shared practically every moment of joy and sorrow in our lives, meaning my family.

Rupaningal Thomis Rupasinghe was introduced to me way back in the sixties by another stage hand who has now retired from the scene. Thomis was our stage manager in all my productions from Janelaya to Siri Sangabo.

The last time he performed his duties as stage manager was on 30, June (this year) at the Elphinstone Theatre with our latest production ‘Swarna Javanika’.

Thomis died of burns due to a gas explosion in our kitchen on Tuesday, August 23. Apparently there had been a gas leak in the kitchen during the night due to a faulty connection line or some other fault.

My man Thomis who knew our kitchen inside out and was familiar with it for the last so many years apparently had not taken the smell of gas seriously. He had checked the controls which were properly closed and thought that the smell of gas was due to a minor leak or some such thing.

I was on the corridor leading to the hall - I was going to play the Pirith C.D. my first act every morning. The lights came on in the kitchen and there was this massive explosion. My poor Thomis came running and screaming, his sarong on fire. I managed to tear it away from his body but by then he was badly burnt. We applied egg white on the burns and within 20 minutes he was receiving treatment at the Kalubowila hospital.

There was one precautionary action we did not take, because we did not know. That was that we did not douse him with plenty of water. He had over eighty percent burns and even the dousing of water would not have saved him - it could have prolonged his life may be a few days, or if he was lucky he may have even been saved.

Personal problem

I will have to live the rest of my life with those doubts and concerns in my mind. Anyway that is my personal problem. I have written down these details so that you who read this will take all the precautions you need to take, in handling domestic usage of gas.

And that you will remember to douse any burns victim in water - immerse the injured in a tub of water for over ten minutes or expose him or her to running water (like a shower) for an equal length of time, before taking the patient to a hospital, I believe you should check these details with those medically qualified too to give advice.

I have many memories of my silent, faithful and vigilant friend. On the stage he was never fazed by any challenge, any delay, any mishap of any nature. He never missed a cue on his job as stage manager. On the job he was a tough task master to his helpers but once the job was over he was their caretaker and mentor. If Manel or I flared up for some lapse (often for no fault of Thomis) he would just treat us with a tolerant smile and move away until we subsided.

When we took our plays to far out places there were many inconveniences we had to put up with. In most such places meals were served in parcels and tea in weather-worn jars. My wife Manel always checked that Thomis and his team had been served, before she herself partook of a meal.

Thomis and his family have been very close to us for over 20 years. His eldest son Sanjeewa grew up in our home and went for his first job from our home. I was to sign as his witness in 1999, when he got married. Unfortunately I had been operated for cancer of the colon just the day before and I sent my son to deputize for me.

Thomis’s house was partially damaged by the tsunami and we helped him rebuild it. He had just occupied the rebuilt house and celebrated the coming of age ceremony of his eldest granddaughter, only weeks before tragedy struck him. Why a God-fearing, simple and honest man like Thomis had to meet with such a cruel fate, I fail to understand. Perhaps God, or Fate or whatever you call it have their own ways!

Poignant episode

I wish to relate a poignant episode in my man’s life. Recently (after the coming-of-age ceremony of his eldest granddaughter) he told me that she had asked for a dictionary. “Sir, why does she need a dictionary? She is hardly twelve and what use is a dictionary for such a young girl..?” Thomis asked me.

I explained to him that a dictionary was an essential item for any student - especially past grade 5 and that we should give her what she asks. “Don’t worry, I will buy her a dictionary and you can present it to her when you next visit home.” I told Thomis.

He was pleased no end. Without my knowledge he had been collecting money in a till for the purpose. My other help in the home, Darshana, brought this to my notice after Thomis’s death. We opened the till.

There were Rs. 825 in it. The Gunapala Malalasekera Eng-Sinhala dictionary cost me only Rs. 800. On the day of the 7th day Bana we presented the Dictionary together with her grandfather’s till, to the little girl and told her that it was a special gift to her from her Seeya. She smiled when she accepted the gift but I could see her tears behind that smile.

My Man Friday Thomis was given all the possible attention and even more, at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital. The doctors, nurses, attendants and all concerned carried on a valiant and unceasing battle to save this good man’s life.

We were there, in and out during visiting hours to be at the bed side of our man Thomis. Not only my man, but all the patients received the utmost attention. I have had the occasion to visit Kalubowila hospital several times during the past few months.

It has become one of the best run, clean and efficient Govt. Hospitals in the country. May I offer my gratitude and congratulations to all of you, dear staff.

Death comes in many ways and we eventually learn to accept the truth. But with most patients, we live with the patient, we share his or her pain, trauma and the tribulations of a long illness. We take them for treatment, find medicines difficult to obtain, we keep vigil and console them as best as we can.

Except keeping vigil, there was hardly anything else we could do for poor Thomis. For a ‘burns’ patient there is hardly anything we could do. We could only watch helplessly. My poor man had over 80% burns. They say only a miracle could have saved him.

Rupaningal Thomis Rupasinghe, my friend, my companion, my help, my confidante, my Man Friday, I do wish with all the affection left in my heart that you never again undergo such a fate in sansara and that we meet again to continue the good work we did on our stage together. You were an impeccable stage manager and I have learnt many things from you. I cannot even imagine carrying on, without your presence on our beloved stage.

Thought of the week

What else can I think of, my dear friend. May you rest in peace in that unfathomable state called death. Your pandals, your Vesak and Poson lanterns, your Pirith Mandapa will be missed by thousands of people, not only in your village of Balapitiya, but far out and wide. The young men and women in the village inspired and guided by you will carry on with the good work. I am sure you’ll be watching them from some heavenly abode. May you finally attain the Bliss of Nibbana.

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