Page 1933 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 June 1994
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DEATH OF MR R. WILSON, AO
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move:
That the Assembly expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr Ralph Wilson, AO, who made a significant contribution to Canberra's cultural development and to education over a 40-year period, and tenders its profound sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
Madam Speaker, members would be aware that Ralph Wilson died recently after a long illness. I believe that it is fitting that we take a few moments today to remember him and to acknowledge his passing and the impact that this talented individual had on our community.
Ralph will be remembered warmly for his contribution to Canberra's cultural development and to education over a 40-year period. However, it is for his work in the theatre that Ralph Wilson will be best remembered, with many directors in Canberra regarding Ralph as their mentor. Ralph Wilson was born in Newcastle in 1917 and in 1949 married Antonia Veen in Sydney. In 1954 they both moved to Canberra, which has been their home ever since. Ralph taught at various schools throughout Canberra, including Telopea Park High and Canberra High, where he was the principal for 13 years. He retired from teaching in 1982, after a distinguished career, and turned his attention and his considerable talents to the stage.
In his theatrical pursuits Ralph Wilson was renowned for his reinterpretation of the classics, his emphasis on the text, dramatic use of lighting effects and a minimal approach to costumes and sets. He was skilled in his interpretation of the works of Samuel Beckett, Bertold Brecht and other great playwrights, and did not fail to meet the challenge of their works. His preoccupation was with the underlying structures of the text and he paid formidable attention to detail. As a director he was unaffected by the size of the audience and the critics' reviews, but he was continuously regarded as a success by both.
Recognition for his theatrical passion came in 1988 when he had the Ralph Wilson Theatre in Gorman House named after him. That same year Ralph reluctantly accepted the Order of Australia for his contribution to theatre. Just recently, Rawil Productions, under the guidance of Ralph Wilson, completed four rehearsed readings of Patrick White plays. Significantly, all the works were directed by young and developing Canberra directors in the process of making reputations for themselves as serious practitioners of their craft.
The generosity with which Ralph lent his expertise and inspiration to new talent, and all those who worked with him, was typical of the humanistic approach to life that Ralph had. At the close of the last reading at Canberra's newest community theatre, the Street, and as a mark of respect and affection, colleagues and friends remembered in silence the immense contribution Ralph made to Canberra theatre. Whilst having an unbounded
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