See you in the wings, Peter

[Laxdal]

I received the sad news about Peter Mannering's passing away
via email.

I was one of the aspiring theatre artists whom Peter
influenced and inspired
in the early 80s, when I rented a room in his little home
during my second
year at U. Vic.

My fondest recollections of Peter are of coming home from
school to find him
on his sunny back deck, writing in his large notepad, piles
of paper
surrounding him -- what was to become a history of Canadian
theatres.  I do
not know if his book ever came to be published.  Does anyone
know of this
endeavour of his?

Peter was kindly, supportive and cheerful (and a perfect
Eaton's Santa).  His
basement (where my little fridge was) was full of props
costumes.  His walls
were covered with hundreds of framed photographs of friends
and peers -- and
the many shows he produced and directed.  He loved his
long-haired orange
cat.

I remember as well, watching the Oscars with him, and his
contagious joy when
Henry Fonda won best actor for On Golden Pond (which we had
seen the year
before in the world premiere of the stage play at the Belfry
Theatre).

I regret having lost touch with him.

Good bye, Peter.  You are part of my history.  Today, I
focus the spotlight
on you.

Vivienne Laxdal

vivlaxdal at aol.com