| Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (January 5, 2017) — The Shaw Festival was saddened to learn of the passing of our Co-Founder, and Founding Board Chair, Mr. Calvin Rand of Buffalo, NY. In 1962, Mr. Rand and Brian Doherty produced four performances each of Bernard Shaw’s Don Juan in Hell and Candida staged in the Assembly Room of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Court House. In this singular act of passion for theatre, the Shaw Festival was born.
“We owe our very existence to Mr. Rand and his prescient colleagues” said Executive Director, Tim Jennings. “The Shaw was established during the formative days of the Non-Profit Theatre movement, but it did not come easily. There were early detractors and many obstacles. Mr. Rand and Mr. Doherty are especially honoured in our history for their tenacity and exceptional dedication. What they created over 55 years ago has grown into one of the largest theatres in the world and a symbol of bi-national excellence.”
Current Board Chair Andy Pringle shared Mr. Jennings praise: “Calvin remained on our Board throughout his life. He never stopped caring for The Shaw and his legacy evolved and grew under his watchful eye. He will be greatly missed.”
“Mr. Rand was what all artists pray for – a truly dedicated friend, supporter and advisor: one who was in it for the long haul,” noted Tim Carroll, Shaw’s new Artistic Director. “We really can’t thank him enough. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time.”
The Shaw honours our co-founder by dedicating Mr. Carroll’s 2017 production of Bernard Shaw’s iconic play Saint Joan to Mr. Rand’s memory.
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