Circa Theatre to Host 'A Tribute to Richard Campion', Nov 4

Circa Theatre is honoured to join the Campion family in hosting a tribute to New Zealand theatre pioneer Richard Campion, who died in July of this year. Director Jane Campion will offer a series of free masterclasses at Circa on Monday, 4 November, followed by a late afternoon tribute at the Paramount Theatre at 4pm and refreshments at Circa after 6pm.

"My father, Richard Campion, was passionate about theatre, about performance, about creativity, about people having a go. He was a wondrously generous man who breathed warmth and belief into my fledgling hopes of making film and television. In his memory and honour, I am offering three free workshops at Circa on Monday, 4 November 2013," said Jane Campion.

The masterclasses will focus on acting writing and directing for film and television, and will take place between 10am and 3pm on 4 November. They are free to attend, but attendees must register in advance at https://www.facebook.com/TheCastingCompany.

The public tribute at 4pm at Paramount Theatre on Courtenay Place will be a celebration of Richard Campion's work and the life force of theatre.

Actor and founding Circa member Ray Henwood said: "Richard Campion directed many memorable plays at Circa, including our second production in 1976 Juno and the Paycock; the original creation, Waitangi, for the first International Festival of the Arts and a stunning two play season of King Lear and The Dresser, which played to capacity houses. Richard was the leading figure of New Zealand theatre during the latter part of the 20th Century and we are privileged to remember him as an important part of our history and the first man of New Zealand professional theatre as we know it today."

For more information, visit www.circa.co.nz.