R.I.P. Judith Maitland

Greetings folks. It is with much sadness that I inform you of the recent death of Judith Maitland, ARENA's beloved "Granny Weatherwax". Funeral details are as follows: 10:30am, Monday July 9th, Karrakatta Cemetery, Norfolk Chapel. Followed by a celebration of her life at the UWA Club, Nedlands from 1pm - 3pm. (This is a UWA/family run event, where Judith worked in the Classics Dept. All Welcome.) ARENA will be doing its own thing in addition to these events, probably at our A.G.M. In the meanhoo, I'd like to say that personally I loved working with Judith on ARENA Arts & Entertainment Inc.'s Discworld productions of WYRD SISTERS, LORDS AND LADIES and CARPE JUGULUM. Judith was very picky, er, selective, in who she worked for, and what roles she went for gung ho. It was an honour for ARENA to be one of the "chosen", as her performances were infused with her amazing talent, absolute professionalism, her dogged dedication, her spritely individuality and humorous quirkiness, and she lit up the stage every time she walked upon it - even in the blackouts! Anyone who is a Terry Pratchett fan and saw her performances, knew she was the quintessential "Granny Weatherwax". As a director I could not ask for a more talented, amiable, witty and intelligent actor, who understood everything about the character and made it completely her own. In the days when I was notorious for giving cast members copious notes after each rehearsal and each performance, I can remember that my notes to Judith were all the same - basically : "Keep doing what you're doing! It's effin' brilliant!" And the Tims Tams she always brought to rehearsals haven't clouded my judgement of her at all! ;)- Judith Maitland was a true lady of literature and the arts, and someone who all ARENIES will profoundly miss but always aspire to being like. Simon James Artistic Director ARENA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT.