Vale Steve J Spears
Wed, 17 Oct 2007, 07:03 amstinger5 posts in thread
Vale Steve J Spears
Wed, 17 Oct 2007, 07:03 amActor, writer and all-round charismatic chap Steve J Spears died yesterday in Adelaide at the tender age of 56 of a brain tumour. He will be sadly missed by many, both in and outside showbiz circles.
Steve came to prominence in the 1980s for his one person play 'The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin' which also revived Gordon Chater's career. More recently, Steve has made a mark as a writer of crime novels, notably 'The Pentangeli Papers'.
I crossed paths with Steve at U of A Law School in 1971 and numerous times at various places around the country thereafter. Once, at the bar of the Adelaide Festival Playhouse, he 'sold' me the performing rights to several of his songs for the price of a round of drinks.
As a tribute to Steve, I hope to direct one of his plays in the not too distant future.
PeteN
stingerWed, 17 Oct 2007, 07:03 am
Actor, writer and all-round charismatic chap Steve J Spears died yesterday in Adelaide at the tender age of 56 of a brain tumour. He will be sadly missed by many, both in and outside showbiz circles.
Steve came to prominence in the 1980s for his one person play 'The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin' which also revived Gordon Chater's career. More recently, Steve has made a mark as a writer of crime novels, notably 'The Pentangeli Papers'.
I crossed paths with Steve at U of A Law School in 1971 and numerous times at various places around the country thereafter. Once, at the bar of the Adelaide Festival Playhouse, he 'sold' me the performing rights to several of his songs for the price of a round of drinks.
As a tribute to Steve, I hope to direct one of his plays in the not too distant future.
PeteN
LogosWed, 17 Oct 2007, 01:20 pm
See Ya Steve
I vividly remember a couple of his early efforts here in Adelaide in the early seventies.
I sat at a table with him and Rob Tillet sometime around then and listened to them argue about the way forward for artists.
He will be missed.
Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au
Walter PlingeWed, 17 Oct 2007, 04:01 pm
Vale
One of my most treasured possessions is a poster of the original run of "Elocution..." when it was on at the Regal!
A great play which did much to spark my interest and involvement in theatre.
Walter PlingeMon, 22 Oct 2007, 03:49 pm
Vale Steve Spears
Australia is poorer for the loss of The Bodgie, Steve J Spears. His refusal to bend to authority made his theatrical works all the more exciting to interpret. I worked with Steve only once, in the 1980's on one of David Williamson's less successful plays, "Celluloid Heroes"for the Nimrod Theatre. Our tour ended unexpectedly in Perth, at the time of the assassination attempt of President Reagan. Upon hearing about the event, Steve uttered characteristically, "Fuck!. Did they get him?". I loved him, and will miss him, but will never forget him. Stir the clouds up Steve! Michael Carman.
Walter PlingeThu, 3 Jan 2008, 01:03 pm
never too late
It has only come to my notice today that Steve died last October. Steve's leaving too early highlights for me how much we need to make of our time here. That it's never too late to participate. I have memories of a small semi-detached house in Melbourne that we shared in the 70s, of seeing his wonderful play Benjamin in London, of watching his children's shows, and knowing how passionately he fought through his mother's illness. If there is any chance of Di or Rodney from Adelaide reading this .. i would be greatful if you would let me know. belinda
belinda@qpac.com.au