In Memoriam

John O’Neal’s Invitation to Make the World a Better Place

Civil Rights activism and theatre were integrally intertwined in the life’s work of the founder of Free Southern Theater and Junebug Productions.

We were just two gentlemen who worked on a show together, but oh, the music he made.

In his years at Yale Rep and ART, this extraordinarily versatile actor/director set the bar for generations of stage artists.

The title ‘arts management consultant’ doesn’t capture the wide-ranging passion and commitment she brought to her career and her life.

Debuting on Broadway 1951, he acted in Lincoln Center Rep and APA-Phoenix Rep at the start of a long New York and regional career.

The free writing she taught us may have opened us up, but she also subtly framed and shaped our sense of theatrical form.

Ntozake Shange brought her fearless poetry out of the basements and cafes into the theatre and reached the world.

How my teacher led me home.

We who were lucky enough to study with the great playwright and teacher felt challenged, inspired, and above all seen.

His road to Broadway was paved with talent, chutzpah, and collaboration.