Champion for the arts

I should like to take a moment to remember and honour the memory of Dan Dungan, who in all respects was a fascinating, inspiring, quietly passionate, intellectual and considered man and champion for the arts.

I met Dan in 1994, when I was a brash 17-year-old who thought he had all the knowledge to bring Shakespearean theatre back to Nelson audiences. I vividly remember pitching my production of Much Ado to the then avant garde community-based Garrick Theatre (of which Dan was a part), and being almost immediately rejected.

Dan broke the news, while informing me he was breaking away from Garrick to back my vision.

It was Dan and his wife Jeanette who helped us form Will Power Productions and fronted start-up cash, and who introduced me to Eelco Boswijk and got him to also financially back the venture.

The show, staged at the Suter, was a huge success, as were many others that followed it, which we all produced and directed together.

Without Dan’s faith in my abilities, I know I would not be able to have faith in myself to achieve the career in theatre, film and arts I have enjoyed.

Thank-you Dan. I have tried to emulate your example of altruism, support and guidance for emerging talent throughout my career.

To his wife Jeanette and daughter Anna, know that a part of Dan lives on in the many hearts and minds he touched, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations.

Grae Burton Kaiwhakahaere, Lake House Arts Auckland, November 4