Dorothy (dot) tenham
OBITUARY - by Neil Fraser, Technical Courses Leader, RADA
DOROTHY TENHAM, who died on Friday 15th February 2008, was a pioneer both at RADA and in the greater world of technical theatre. She created the concept, and then set the standard, for the training of Stage Managers in the U.K. In the mid-1950s by sheer force of personality she persuaded the then Principle to allow her to put alongside the acting training at RADA an education of similar status for Stage Managers and this same tenacious and inspiring personality in turn lead to an equal partnership at RADA in training of all the varied Technical theatre areas. From small beginnings grew the careers which otherwise may never have flowered or in some cases even begun of such notable industry greats as Paul Pyant, Catherine Bailey, Lindy Hemming, Alasdair Flint, Mollie Kirkland, Alan Hatton, Diane Pao, and Maggie Whitlum to name only too few. She also put in place and encouraged great teachers: Francis Reid, Colin Brown, Graham Walne, Brenda Hawkins, Peggy Smith, Stella Chitty, Tony Bond, Douglas Heap and David Ayliffe who succeeded her. Through and with them Dot Tenham instilled a love and a recognition of what it is to work in theatre and uphold the highest standards within the profession standards of commitment, of integrity and of care that she herself embodied. With these people Dorothy Tenham changed the face of professional theatre practice and was a major part of the movement that followed to recognize and give proper status to the stage arts battling often (in the early days) in the face of considerable and bitter opposition, to maintaining a training in a manner from which all benefited. And to do so with uncompromising standards and irrepressible and often irreverent good humour. Her influence lives on and informs the industry to this day and for this, and for much more, a great debt of gratitude and admiration is owed to Dot Tenham. |