Stage Door News
Stage Door News
“Go to that place that terrifies you. Stand there and breathe. And then dismantle that terror piece by piece. As an artist I have always believed that if a project didn’t scare the shit out of me, what was the point of doing it? Making art is for my own growth as much as for what I hope an audience get can get out of it."
-Kim Renders, 1955-2018
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of Nightwood Theatre's founders, Kim Renders. Her immensely powerful energy and the deep commitment she pursued for a more just world lives on in the multitude of people she touched.
"Kim described herself as 'an optimist misdiagnosed as a pessimist.' She had an insatiable curiosity, and her fierce passion for making a difference was contagious. She united like-minded individuals, created opportunities for discussion, and ignited change. She unapologetically stood up for what she believed in, and although she ruffled some feathers along the way, she always supported the underdog and spoke out for those without a voice. Kim refused to remain quiet about the issues that mattered to her, and she worked tirelessly towards changing the world.
"Kim was, and forever will be, one of kind. She will be remembered for her art, her fire and the impact she had on all that were lucky enough to have known her. She will be profoundly missed by her mother Yolande, her sister Micky, her brother Peter, her partner Robert, her children Finn and Jill, her dog Blue, and her many many colleagues, friends, and students whose lives she transformed. The family will hold a celebratory party at a later date."
Read more from Kim's obituary here.
Nightwood is sincerely grateful to Vishmayaa Jeyamoorthy, one of Kim's students, for the wonderfully thoughtful gesture of setting up a fundraising page in Kim's memory. We are touched by the generosity of those who have chosen to honour Kim's spirit with a donation, and are so proud to be able to continue her legacy.
While this is a brutally sad loss and she is gone far too early, Kim's life force has made a powerful and indelible mark on many and for this we are indebted. Let our voices continue to rise in her memory. We must look back to understand the shoulders we stand on, and face forward for the work to be done.
Rest in peace, dear Kim.
Photo: Kim Renders.
2018-07-19
Toronto: Nightwood Theatre co-founder Kim Renders has died