Henry Kemp-Blair

Henry Kemp-Blair (April 15, 1930 – April 30, 1986) was a South African-born playwright, director, clergyman and educator that was instrumental in developing the theater program at Chapman University.[1]

Henry Kemp-Blair
BornHenry John Kemp-Blair
(1930-04-15)April 15, 1930
South Africa
DiedApril 30, 1986(1986-04-30) (aged 56)
Orange, California, USA
OccupationEducator, clergyman, playwright
NationalitySouth African
American
Alma materClaremont College
Chapman College
Cal State Long Beach
USC
Period1960-1986
SpouseRamona

Biography

Background

Henry John Kemp-Blair was born April 15, 1930, in South Africa and immigrated to the United States in 1946. He studied theology at Claremont College. Kemp-Blair trained in theater arts at Chapman College, Cal State Long Beach and USC.[1][2] He became naturalized as a U.S. Citizen in 1975.[2]

Career

In 1960, Kemp-Blair joined the faculty of Chapman where he was instrumental in developing their theatre arts program.[1] Spending over twenty-five years on the faculty, Kemp-Blair wrote, produced and directed a number of plays there.[3] One of his most famous plays is "The Tea Concession," a drama set in South Africa in which the racial positions of black and white are reversed.[4] He staged a production of the play in March 1966 at Chapman.[5]

Death

He died of a heart attack on April 30, 1986. The night before his death, he had been rehearsing for "Dance Is," a dance show that was scheduled to open the day after his death.[3]

Legacy
  • The Henry Kemp-Blair Shakespeare Festival at Chapman University is named in his honor. The goal of the festival "is to provide high school students with an opportunity to experience and learn more about performing Shakespeare."[6]

References
  1. Wong, Herman (1987-02-13). "Developed Chapman's Theater Program : Students Will Honor Henry Kemp-blair". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  2. "Naturalization Index Cards of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles), 1915-1976 (M1525)". Ancestry.com. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  3. "Prof. Henry Kemp-Blair Dies; Taught at Chapman 25 Years". The Los Angeles Times. 1986-05-01. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  4. "'Chapparral' Actor Dies in LA Area". The Fresno Bee. Fresno, California. 1970-06-11. p. 6-D. Retrieved 2013-08-16. [Frank Silvera] planned to stage, with a biracial cast, "The Tea Concession," by Henry J. Kemp-Blair, which reversed the racial positions of black and white in drama about South Africa.
  5. The Ceer. Orange, California: Chapman College. 1966. pp. 73–75.
  6. "Henry Kemp-Blair Shakespeare Festival". Chapman University. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
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