Treeby remembered
The Taranaki theatre community has lost a valued and much-loved member.
Derek Warren Treeby died on Tuesday, March 31, following a short illness. Treeby was widely known throughout Taranaki by theatre groups and the theatregoing public alike. He was held in high regard in all circles where his theatre skills and knowledge were considered legendary.
Treeby’s early days in theatre in New Plymouth saw him appearing onstage for New Plymouth Repertory Society and the Operatic Society. After a time, he moved from the stage to the director’s chair where he discovered his true vocation.
He quickly established a reputation for tackling challenging plays and directing thoughtprovoking productions that were ahead of their time. Along with tackling these challenging scripts, he was also equally happy directing comedies, pantomimes and musicals.
Over the years he directed productions not only in New Plymouth but also in Inglewood, Stratford, Waitara and Mokau (where the town turned up to watch).
In the 1970s, when dinner theatre was relatively unknown, Treeby was an early pioneer in New Plymouth when he directed a NP Repertory production of the musical The Boyfriend at the Devon Hotel.
Pantomimes were also a favourite and he directed many a successful Christmas season such as Mother Goose for Little Theatre at the then Opera House.
As a director, Derek had wonderful creative insight and imagination. He would read a script as many of us would read a book. In many ways he was hardwired for theatre. He understood scripts, characters, subtexts and plotlines where at times some of us were wondering what it was all about.
During his early days in theatre in New Plymouth, Treeby worked in the Manchester department at the Farmers Co-op on Devon St.
Following his time at Farmers Co-op, Treeby became a drama tutor at the Performing Arts Company where he provided invaluable guidance as a mentor to young adults starting out on their journey in theatre and in life, establishing many longlasting friendships.
Treeby was always supportive, and gained much enjoyment from watching others grow in the theatre world, attending any play or production possible.
Always to the point, he would provide direct valuable feedback and leave it up to you to find the truth in what he said. To this point he was a mentor to many. He freely gave of his time and energy to mentor those wanting to extend their knowledge and experience.
In 2007, Derek calculated that over the course of his involvement in theatre he had been involved in over 133 productions either onstage or as director.
Such was his enthusiasm, Treeby directed plays into his 80s, with his final production at Little Theatre being All My Sons in 2013.
His being awarded Life Memberships at both NP Little Theatre and the NP Repertory Society showed this commitment, contribution and value to the New Plymouth theatre community.
Many of us owe much to Treeby for his friendship, support and all that he taught us over the years. The theatre-going public are so much richer for having Derek Treeby in our lives.
By Andy Spindler, patron, New Plymouth Little Theatre