Elizabeth O'CONNOR Obituary

The belated news of Elizabeth's passing has so saddened and shocked me today that I don't feel fit to write a suitable message. Elizabeth was my friend for 30 years and how I wish I'd taught her to use Contacts in her phone, but her utter brilliance came with her dogged stubbornness. What a power house NZ theatre has lost and what a wonderful friend I have now only to remember, no longer exchange hugs. Haere dear friend and much love to all the O'Connor family.

I met Elizabeth 25 years ago in Scotland. She found me again 2 years ago, and through email I was re-introduced to her wit, kindness, and courage. My heart goes out to her family-- I hope your memories of her intense humanity can provide some comfort

I was at Villa Maria with Elizabeth ( Betsy as I knew her then). I have only this week come to learn of her untimely death and I am deeply saddened. I would often run into Elizabeth around Christchurch over the years until I moved away 5 years ago . I was always in awe of her interlect and seemingly interesting life. I remember her fondly from our school year reunion 7 years on the occasion of our 50th birthdays. My thoughts go out to her family at this time .

So sad to hear of Elizabeth's too soon death. She was a great mentor to me, when I was doing production management, in Christchurch. I learnt so much from her. Thank you Elizabeth, for you love and generosity. Love, Pipi

It is such a shock to learn of Elizabeth's early death. I flatted with Elizabeth in our Masters year and remember her kindness, sharp intellectual wit that lead to her deserved 1st class honours degree and her wonderful friendship. My sympathies are extended to her wonderful family
Phillipa Chirnside (nee Hunter)

Thank you, Elizabeth for your tireless support of NZ theatre and writers. For your positivity and good company over a glass of wine. You will be missed.

Thank you Elizabeth for your wisdom shared so generously, you were a brilliant dramaturg.
Felicity Price, Christchurch

Elizabeth, thank you for your commitment to getting Man in a Suitcase onstage at the Court. In spite of the quakes, you kept the faith. I shall always remember your unique presence, your intelligence and your love for the theatre.

Quite a shock to hear of Elizabeth's passing. She has been so omnipresent, so much a part of the NZ theatre community for so long it seems very strange to think of her not continuing her interests and work here. Elizabeth was a very intelligent reader and developer of scripts, always an acute observer and participant in workshops, and a great nurturer of new writers. She will be sadly missed but many writers will remember the opportunities and advantages she gave them. Travel well, Elizabeth ...

Thoughts with your family and colleagues coming to terms with this very sad news.

I had the privilege of working together with Elizabeth over five summers running a theatre based community development project for secondary schools in greater Christchurch till 2008.

Treasured memories for all the reasons previously outlined. Bless you, Elizabeth.

Ruth L

I was so sorry to hear of Elizabeth's passing. I first met Elizabeth at The Court Theatre in the early 1980s. She later travelled to Whanganui to direct Noises Off for Four Seasons Theatre. My sons and I enjoyed entertaining her whilst she stayed in the city. She used my old racing bike to get around. My thoughts go out to her family. A precious lady gone too soon. Safe travels Elizabeth.

this is a terrible shock. I Only heard the news last night as I entered the Q theatre to watch a show but Elizabeth would have liked that.She was such a highly intelligent woman with a great passion for the Theatre and the written word. I enjoyed our chats in the green room at the Court Theatre. Such a sad loss.

On behalf of Canterbury Repertory our thoughts and wishes go out to Elizabeth. Thnakful that she shared her talents with Repertory over the years.

Elizabeth will live on in numerous memories. A woman of exceptional wisdom and humanity. Her positive influence in many areas of art and drama touched so many.

David Sell, Christchurch

Elizabeth, you were a trouper, a true stalwart of the theatre, who gave so much. Thank you for your huge contribution

Sunny Amey x

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the superb voice training you gave me. Your kind and warm encouragement was greatly appreciated. I am so glad that I managed to see you one last time in Christchurch Hospital. May you rest in peace.

So very sad to hear this news. A big shock.Elizabeth was a most engaging spirit. My thoughts go out to her family.

Very sad news. We knew Elizabeth when we lived in Sumner, Christchurch. We have not seen for many years but we still remember her. She was a beautiful young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with her lovely parents, brothers and sisters. Rest in Peace Elizabeth.

I was in the same year group as Betsy at Villa. I remember her as a very brilliant student. R.I.P. Betsy...taken far too soon.

I have had the privilege of seeing Elizabeth work with young writers. Elizabeth's willingness to share her expertise and knowledge will be missed by many.

Elizabeth was kind, insightful, cultured and good company. She nourished the talent in others, and had eloquent views on a diverse range of subjects from whether the knife cutting the tomato had true balance to how to hold an accent in character on the stage. We remember her as a treasured friend, recall her smile and her way of floating down the hill after leaving our Clifton home. We send our love and thoughts to Margaret and Kevin. We will always be grateful that we knew Elizabeth and enjoyed her gift for friendship.

What sad news, I have not seen Elizabeth for a few years, but she was one of the shaping influences to my life in theatre; I still at times ask myself 'what would Elizabeth think?'

A great shock to me. Rest in peace, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and I started school together at the age of 5 at Star of the Sea School, Sumner and then on to Villa Maria College and to the University of Canterbury. In sometimes small and conservative environments Elizabeth (Betsy as we knew her) was a strong person who held onto her individuality and her passions with clarity and determination. Love and sympathy to all her family and friends.

I always enjoyed running into Elizabeth at various events around the country and she was a big part of making my brief time at the Court Theatre a very enjoyable one. Such an enthusiastic and kind person who will be sadly missed. Lots of love to friends and family x

I was so sorry to hear that Elizabeth has died. She will be missed - her incisive mind, passion for her work and for theatre and dry wit were wonderful things. I am remembering her as she was, doing the work she loved to do.

I am still coming to grips with Elizabeth's death. I feel privileged to have worked with her, whose generosity & kindness was second to none. My thoughts are with her family. Farewell lovely lady.

What a great loss - not only to her family and friends but also to NZ theatre. She will be missed!

Elizabeth - I thank you for your insight, your wit, your strong and enduring love for the theatre and at the heart of that, your passion for writers and writing. I shall miss your wise council and guiding hand. I wish your family love and strength over this sad time. Go well.

A major force in Christchurch theatre for so long. You'll be sorely missed Elizabeth. xxx

Elizabeth was one of the most encouraging people I've ever met. Even her criticisms were encouraging, because she spoke from such a wealth of knowledge, understanding and insight. She could see a potential you couldn't see, and she wouldn't let you settle for your work being anything but the best it could be.
She will be greatly missed.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her passion for children's writing. She was able to help them craft something quite incredible. Her larger than life personality was a welcome addition to the staffroom when she visited. She has touched the lives of many.

Because Elizabeth did not drive, I took her all over Christchurch to work for the School for Young Writers. You get to know a person quite well while travelling. We talked about the needs of our students, about ways to teach writing, about books we had or in my case should have have read, about food and about travel. The car was full of ideas, plans and anecdotes. It's going to seem empty now.

Farewell with sadness, Elizabeth - your intelligence, passion, dedication and 24 carat good heart were strongly valued and loved by many of us in the New Zealand theatre community.

I spent 5 years at Villa Maria College with Betsy. We both played in a recorder Quartet during this time and on to university. I now teach at Villa and we are keeping her in our prayers.

As a fairly recent member of The Court Theatre family I had only known Elizabeth about six months. We shared a mutual interest in swimming and I will never forget how her face would light up each day when I asked her how her swim had been and how many lengths she had done. She was always willing to help and share her extensive knowledge of theatre. Her passing will leave an enormous gap.

I have worked with Elizabeth on and off for many years and for a number of these she led, advised and judged the script writing contest for Crashbash, so many lucky students to have such a high level of feedback for their script work. Elizabeth approached all her projects with huge integrity and verve, I admired her passion and her skill. All our thoughts are with Elizabeth's family, she is hugely missed. Arohanui Elizabeth.
Mandy.

I had the privilege of getting to know and learn from Elizabeth for the past six months, working beside her as she guided young writers with supreme skill and enthusiasm, and a vast wealth of knowledge. She was extremely generous with her time and encouragement and rejoiced in the writing of her students. I had so much still to learn from her. Elizabeth has made a huge difference in the lives of many young writers. She will be greatly missed but also remembered with great affection every Saturday morning at the School for Young Writers. I am glad that when we parted for the holidays we hugged in goodbye.

Thoughts and memories of a special friend - a dedicated
selfless colleague and a major loss to our theatre landscape.
My condolences....

I felt always in Elizabeth's company that here was someone for whom there were two great loves: her family, and the theatre for which she felt the passionate dedication of a vocation. I shall miss her. My deepest sympathy to the family whom she loved so dearly.

Loved talking words with Elizabeth and my thoughts are with her family at this time. She was such an advocate for new writing and new work and someone who fed debate and creative reflection into all artistic processes. A great loss for Christchurch and the New Zealand performance community. xxx

Elizabeth will be much missed indeed: I particularly admired her energy, wisdom, and passion for all things dramatic. As well as being a fiercely intelligent woman, she had a huge heart. Thank you, Elizabeth, for all that you have done for me and my students over the years.
Chris Rayward

Taken to soon

Thoughts go out to the family's at this sad time

I am so sorry to hear about Elizabeth. A terrific woman. My heart goes out to her family, The Court theatre and the people of Christchurch.

How terribly sad. My thoughts are with her family.

A great scholar, writer, theatre maker, teacher and a wise woman. So sad to hear of Elizabeth's passing. She was incredibly helpful when I was working at the Court Theatre and in many ways ahead of her time. My thoughts are for her family and close friends. All the best....<3

Much love and utmost sympathy to Elizabeth's family. We have known and worked with Elizabeth since 1984 at Theatre Corporate, Auckland. Elizabeth was instrumental in bringing us to Christchurch and was a great source of support and advice to us throughout the development of our play. Elizabeth has touched and influenced the lives and careers of countless actors, playwrights and directors, the theatre community of Aotearoa has lost a guiding light. Elizabeth you had a huge heart and a generous soul. We will miss you xxxxx

Very sad to hear of Elizabeth's passing. It's been many years since I last saw her but I remember her well and her incredible passion for the gift of giving theatre.

We were very sad to hear of Elizabeth's passing. She was a great asset to the theatre of Aotearoa/New Zealand, and will be greatly missed. Hilary Halba & Martyn Roberts.

My condolences to your family. Elizabeth was a brilliant scholar and a great dramaturg. A thespian who will be sorely missed on the New Zealand theatre scene. My memories of her will be Elizabeth at her cottage surrounded by lavender and stoking her fire - as well as her bedroom where the wild things are...

Shona McCullagh and I send our love and thoughts to Elizabeth's family. Elizabeth was a passionate theatre maker and teacher, an inspiration and a great writer.

My deepest aroha to Elizabeth's family at this time. Elizabeth was one of my first drama teachers, she challenged what I knew and pushed me to find more layers to characters. Though I didn't understand at the time, felt uncomfortable and maybe a little silly, things finally clicked and now make sense. Thank you Elizabeth "don't breathe, be breathed" x

Very sorry to hear of Elizabeth's untimely death. She was such a strength in Christchurch theatre.

I am very sad and shocked at the news of Elizabeth's passing. My abiding and fond memory of her is her passion, her commitment, and her fiery, needle sharp intellect. She believed in the joy of the story. Absolutely. Aroha nui to her family and friends.

I am certain you have been promoted to Minister for the arts due to an emegency election in heaven. Thankyou and I will miss you.

I have written this message over and over and only need one word
Unique.
Sincere condences to her family at this time.

An inspiring ally of actors, writers and directors for years, Elizabeth has also been a loyal advocate for me for some time, in fact, it is thanks to her that I was invited to audition for the Court for the first time. I'll raise a glass to her. Sad news indeed.

dear Elizabeth - Open your wings, take flight... with love and appreciation.
James

Me te aroha tino nui atu. I have long & lasting memories of working with Elizabeth in Children's Theatre productions at the Court such as The Wild Things & The Red Balloon. Also of fun production meetings on the hill at Sumner. A wonderfully creative, artistic and generous woman. It was a privilege to know & work with Elizabeth. A very sad loss. Carol

A wonderful colleague and friend.

From everyone at Pacific Underground, in particular Erolia, Mishelle, Pos and Joy our sincerest condolences to you the family of Elizabeth and to The Court Theatre - Phillip, Ross, and your staff for the loss of Elizabeth.

We will forever be grateful for Elizabeth's help with our play ANGELS by Tanya Muagututi'a and Joy Vaele, including 2 seasons at the Aranui Theatre and at The Court Theatre Forge, during the 2009 Christchurch Arts Festival.

She was also supportive of our music work with our show ISLAND SUMMER by Pos Mavaega, giving us great feedback and support throughout.

Elizabeth's support inspired us to continue sharing our stories and history and feel confident to do so as Pasifika artists, story tellers, theatre makers and musicians.
May you rest in peace Elizabeth. Manuia le malaga. Love from Pacific Underground - Tanya Muagututi'a

Elizabeth was a friend for many years and I will miss her. She was so smart, so capable, and loved the theatre deeply. She used to ring me after the many earthquakes in Christchurch to say how her preserves and books had crashed to the floor yet again- but she was coping and not to worry. She reached out to people with her teaching and incisive opinions and can-do spirit. She was a fine dramaturge, and I trusted her views implicitly.

My last meeting with Elizabeth was in Christchurch - dinner after a rehearsed reading of a fine new play made finer by her astute and informed dramaturgy. We laughed, reminisced, laughed some more and the evening was one of joyous camaraderie, wit and the best of good humour. So glad to have know her, she was very special indeed. My spouse Cushla and our son Finn shared that dinner and join with me in sending our very best wishes to Elizabeth's family at this sad time. Namaste.

Elizabeth will be greatly missed, not least by the readers of theatreview.org.nz and its editor (me). Arohanui - John Smythe

It was a shock to hear of this passing when I was at Ache at the Forge on Saturday night.Elizabeth worked tirelessly to support those of us who taught English and Drama. Her in-depth knowledge, kindness and support will be missed.She was so approachable for those of us in Christchurch. RIP Elizabeth: a soul taken too soon.

Elizabeth guided me in the formative years of my theatre life. I will always appreciate the support and fierce intelligence that she gave freely to so many people.

Aroha to The O'Connor Family from the Rees Family in Auckland. So sad to hear the news, Elizabeth such a strong part of the theatrical family of Aotearoa. Our thoughts are with you all.

Elizabeth was lovely to deal with over Actors etc staying with us.RIP xxxx

Through her influence of the Christchurch Arts Network (CAN); The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA); Operate Trust; and The Court Theatre - Elizabeth and I have crossed paths and journeyed through many productions. She was always, always, honest and cared passionately about theatre. In recent months, Elizabeth had been assisting me with the writing of my new play. I will miss her brilliant mind and her genuine love for what I was trying to achieve. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Eccl. 12:7 RIP Elizabeth. Arohanui. Haere, haere, haere.

Elizabeth has been tireless in her support for and love of New Zealand plays and theatre. Although I lived in a different city, I have known her for many years and she was always generous In her comments and interest in others and their work. I saw her about a month ago and the first thing she did was give me a hug. Thank you Elizabeth for your knowledge and your passion. You influence will be sorely missed

Elizabeth has been a supportive friend and adviser for decades, and has become embedded in my memories of the Court Theatre since the early 1980's. I saw her at the Opening Night of Putorino Hill in Auckland where we talked at some length and she typically dismissed any queries about her own well-being and focused the discussion back to other matters. A generous soul and a tireless worker for all theatre people.