Stage Door News
Stage Door News
TORONTO, November 16, 2012 - Playwright and poet David Freeman passed away November 14 after a long illness. Tarragon Theatre is deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
David Freeman, a writer who had cerebral palsy, offered an immense and courageous contribution to Canadian theatre. His extraordinary and groundbreaking play Creeps was instrumental in Tarragon's success. Creeps was first presented by Factory Theatre, directed by Tarragon's founding Artistic Director Bill Glassco who then staged it to launch Tarragon's first season in 1971. The play was a resounding success - critically and financially - ensuring a powerful start to the fledgling theatre.
Tarragon went on to present his plays Battering Ram in 1972 and You're Gonna Be All Right, Jamie-Boy in 1974. During its 40th anniversary season, Tarragon organized a reading of Creeps with a number of young actors, as well as with many of the original cast in attendance.
"David Freeman was instrumental in the genesis of Canadian playwriting. By taking his own struggle with illness and putting it on the stage, he paved a path, ensuring we could tell our own stories - and demonstrated there was an audience for them. We mourn his loss but celebrate his contribution," says Richard Rose, Artistic Director of Tarragon Theatre.
Born in Toronto on January 7, 1945, Freeman is chiefly known for his plays: Creeps; Battering Ram; You're Gonna Be All right, Jamie-Boy and Flytrap. He wrote poetry for most of his life and kept a poetry journal. His first poem was published in an educational magazine when he was fourteen. In 1973, Centaur Theater supplemented its production of Creeps by publishing a booklet of his poems. Freeman also worked as a journalist for Maclean's Magazine, Toronto Daily Star and Star Weekly. David's happiest years were spent in Montreal with his life partner, artist Francine Marleau, until her death in 2010.
Tarragon mourns his loss and is grateful to him for the theatre's legendary beginning.
ABOUT TARRAGON THEATRE
Tarragon Theatre is known for its creation, development and production of new Canadian work. Now in its 42nd season, more than 190 plays by this country's most pre-eminent writers have premiered at Tarragon. Tarragon presents new plays from all parts of the country, revives significant Canadian plays and produces international work, contemporary and classical. Tarragon is also a pioneer in presenting Quebecois plays in translation. The theatre offers extensive play development programs in a concerted effort to develop the next generation of playwrights and an active outreach and education department. Tarragon received the 2012 Premier's Award for Excellence in the Arts in recognition of producing and developing leading edge and thought-provoking Canadian Theatre, both nationally and on the world stage. Richard Rose is the Artistic Director. For more information visit www.tarragontheatre.com.
Photo: Michel Tremblay, David Freeman and David French on the night in 1973
when Freeman won the Chalmers Award..
2012-11-16
Toronto: Tarragon Theatre mourns the loss of Canadian playwright and poet David Freeman