(Pic: Moira Waldron)Well-known and respected actress and speech and drama teacher dies in Durban.
Well-known and respected actress and speech and drama teacher dies in Durban after suffering several years of ill-health.
The following is an article written by Dawn Haynes for the Speech and Drama College (SA) - formerly the Guild of Speech and Drama teachers.
“We in Durban are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Moira Waldron. I first met Moira as a young teenager and was totally in awe of this remarkable, stunning woman who was to be my teacher! This was at the Durban Speech Academy which was run by the great Veronica Hassett way back in the early 60's. With Moira's help and guidance, I passed many Guild exams, entered festivals and eventually qualified as a Speech and Drama teacher myself.
To me, Moira was always the ultimate "lady". A striking person in looks and talent, I will always have huge admiration for this special teacher who became my colleague, mentor and a very dear friend. I vividly recall her on stage as the White Queen in Alice as well as her excellent portrayal of the eccentric Aunt in Charlie's Aunt. What a great actress!
I recall being encouraged as a new examiner and chatting over a few glasses of wine as I learnt the ropes of examining while sitting cross-legged on the floor of our B & B!! I also worked very closely with Moira in productions of the Durban Passion Play which she directed and also played the part of the Madonna. And now I am in her shadow as I get ready to direct my third Passion Play, having also played the part of the Madonna. Trish Grady and I have special memories of backstage in the Durban City Hall way back in 1982, when the two of us were under Moira's direction as members of the Durban Catholic Players Guild.
Always a very gracious lady, it was heart-rending to visit Moira in the home in Pietermaritzburg earlier this year. I went there with her dear friend and spiritual mentor, Fr Dominic Boardman, and we spent a whole morning with Ron and Moira, recalling the past. Moira's family had grown up close to Fr Boardman's family in East London and they had known each other for many years. Although she recognised both of us and seemed to enjoy the company, she was not able to join in the conversation and soon tired.
Her dear husband Ron, has been at her side daily for the past few years. His dedication and love have been remarkable. Her daughter, Dana, now lives in New Zealand with her husband and children. Her son, Adrian, has followed in Moira's footsteps and is a actor living in Johannesburg.
Our deepest sympathies go to the family as we feel with them in this sad time.”
The Memorial for Moira Waldron is at Nazareth House chapel, Ridge Road, on December 4 at 10h00.
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