It is with great sadness that Department of Theatre and Performance announces the death of Brian Roberts on 25 December 2016.
Brian was a former academic colleague who devoted more than 30 years to his work at Goldsmiths, mainly in the Drama Department, but also at times in Education. Over many years his own practice included varied projects as an actor, director and costume designer/maker, all to high professional standards; and his research interests included Theatre Education and Gay Theatre.
Brian was a key, respected and much-loved figure in the Drama Department: he set up and convened the successful MA in Theatre Education for many years; was an outstanding Senior Tutor for 10 years; and finally, Head of Department. He was a teacher of remarkable ability: rigorous, supportive, and inspirational. He had a huge impact on generations of students at Goldsmiths.
Professor Robert Gordon, a colleague of Brian’s in the department, writes:
“He was a warm, generous and kind person – too gentle perhaps to be a natural Head of Department, a role which he nevertheless undertook selflessly before he retired in 2005. He was a brilliant teacher, respected in both the Drama and Education Departments for his work in Theatre Education and Queer Theatre.
“As Senior Tutor for more than a decade, he was beloved by generations of students and he introduced a highly successful MA in Theatre Education, which formed the launch pad for our excellent MA in Applied Theatre.
“Brian deserves to be honoured by Goldsmiths for his altruistic contribution to its progress as an institution and his integrity as a person.”
Brian’s funeral took place on Wednesday, 11 January 2017 at Golders Green Crematorium. His family has requested no flowers, but any donations to be sent to the Marie Curie charity instead.
John Ginman and Osita Okagbue
Department of Theatre and Performance
