Come Meet the ‘Real’ Maas Ran on October 26, 2014, Kingston

In an effort to bring to life the work and accomplishment of Jamaican cultural icon, Randolph Samuel Williams, CD popularly known as Ranny Williams or Maas Ran, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture will stage a special showcase on Sunday, October 26 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston. The Showcase which will begin at 5:00 p.m. will commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the cultural icon and will highlight interesting facets of his life.
 
JCDC Field Services Director, Mrs. Marjorie Leyden Vernon explained that: “Many persons are familiar with the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre as a venue but not much is emphasized about the man, Ranny Williams. This showcase will focus on the various facets of his life including “his comedic side, his ‘Brer Anancy’ character, his time with the Pantomime, his interest in Revivalism and his stint in Garveyism which will be highlighted through theatrical acts and excerpts, music and dance and musical performances.”

Through this special showcase, the JCDC aims to preserve the legacy of Ranny Williams while highlighting the significance of his life and work to cultural heritage.

Mass Ran was born in Colon, Panama on October 26, 1912 and migrated to Jamaica at the age of six with his mother. A social worker, JAMAL worker and founder of the Ranny Williams Youth Club, Ranny Williams rose to prominence when he began playing Brer Anancy in ‘Anancy and Busha Bluebeard’.