Comments on: Rodney Archer, aesthete http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/ In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London Thu, 17 May 2012 08:34:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: George Thomson http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-47111 George Thomson Mon, 07 May 2012 21:46:55 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-47111 Wagner sends his best wishes from Berlin and would like to know if you still have the famous orthopaedic bed!! Hope you get this message and get the chance to reply. He would love to hear from you. Wagner sends his best wishes from Berlin and would like to know if you still have the famous orthopaedic bed!!
Hope you get this message and get the chance to reply. He would love to hear from you.

]]> By: Barbara Schofield http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-44190 Barbara Schofield Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:05:57 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-44190 Was thinking about Rodney the other day, and missing him, as I frequently do, and so was thrilled to find this article online when I looked him up. I too was fortunate to have Rodney as an acting teacher at the small international university in London where I took my degree. I was also fortunate to consider him a dear friend, though we haven't spoken since I visited him in the late 90's at his lovely home in Spitalfields. I was also pleased to see a message on this site from Anthony Murphy--I was so lucky to play Beatrice-Joanna in Rodney's production of The Changeling--wearing that memorable parachute!! Rodney is not only the 'gentle author' but as you noted, Anthony, a truly great theatre artist--and I would love to see any photographs you have of the production. Please feel free to contact me. Knowing Rodney was a major event in my life, as anyone who has ever been close to him will agree, I'm certain. I can't wait to read his memoirs, if only to spend time with him again. Since my days in London I've gone on to do a lot more theatre and am currently living and working in Los Angeles--and while I love my life here and now, it still pales in comparison with the memories of my life then--and--Rodney, if you're reading this--I repeat my earlier proposal--will you marry me? x Barbara Was thinking about Rodney the other day, and missing him, as I frequently do, and so was thrilled to find this article online when I looked him up. I too was fortunate to have Rodney as an acting teacher at the small international university in London where I took my degree. I was also fortunate to consider him a dear friend, though we haven’t spoken since I visited him in the late 90′s at his lovely home in Spitalfields. I was also pleased to see a message on this site from Anthony Murphy–I was so lucky to play Beatrice-Joanna in Rodney’s production of The Changeling–wearing that memorable parachute!! Rodney is not only the ‘gentle author’ but as you noted, Anthony, a truly great theatre artist–and I would love to see any photographs you have of the production. Please feel free to contact me. Knowing Rodney was a major event in my life, as anyone who has ever been close to him will agree, I’m certain. I can’t wait to read his memoirs, if only to spend time with him again. Since my days in London I’ve gone on to do a lot more theatre and am currently living and working in Los Angeles–and while I love my life here and now, it still pales in comparison with the memories of my life then–and–Rodney, if you’re reading this–I repeat my earlier proposal–will you marry me?
x
Barbara

]]> By: Lorna Wright http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-41440 Lorna Wright Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:11:28 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-41440 When I read the article, in today's Guardian, about the Gentle Author and her/his fantastic blog on the characters of Spitalfields I just knew that Rodney would be one of them. We have been friends for about 30 years now since Rodney taught me drama at the wonderful City Lit. He is a lovely, lovely man and I feel honoured and flattered that he is a friend. He was a brilliant teacher with great patience (sorely needed with some of us) and the most terrific sense of humour. He tells you the most outrageous things with a totally deadpan face. Rodney's house and garden which he has lovingly restored are a joy and, as the author says, full of marvellous bits and pieces most of which he has picked up in markets and junk shops. Rodney, you are one of my favourite people! When I read the article, in today’s Guardian, about the Gentle Author and her/his fantastic blog on the characters of Spitalfields I just knew that Rodney would be one of them. We have been friends for about 30 years now since Rodney taught me drama at the wonderful City Lit. He is a lovely, lovely man and I feel honoured and flattered that he is a friend. He was a brilliant teacher with great patience (sorely needed with some of us) and the most terrific sense of humour. He tells you the most outrageous things with a totally deadpan face.

Rodney’s house and garden which he has lovingly restored are a joy and, as the author says, full of marvellous bits and pieces most of which he has picked up in markets and junk shops.

Rodney, you are one of my favourite people!

]]> By: Randy Nundlall http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-18068 Randy Nundlall Sun, 29 May 2011 08:51:54 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-18068 Anybody who knows Rodney and has met him will know that there is nothing bad you can say about him. I feel I am privileged to have met him and honoured to be one of his so many students at Citylit. I auditioned at all the Drama School of London and after 7 years of constant rejections, I just stumbled into CityLit and almost in tears I expressed my wish to become an actor. I was surprised to see that Rodney did not laugh (Everybody had laughed upon my statement of becoming an actor, even my parents, Rodney is one of three people who has not laughed). He shook my hand and said I am at the right place, where the requirement is only a desire in your heart. That as many years ago, I told the story to my daughter who is determined to become and actor wished Rodney was still a teacher today. I am sure Rodney remembers me, because a few years ago, just before he retired from Citylit I called him and when I asked if he remembers me; "Vividly" was his answer. And, that was a good few years after I was his student, and thefinest moment was when I invited him to come see my performance of 'The Hypochondriac' (Moliere) he turned up and sat in the front row... Rodney, you are the greatest teacher in my world, I take my hat off to salute you. I simply look forward to read whatever yo have written so far, I remember you said you were going to write, but thought you were joking, because you did have a wonderful sense of humour, but I now realise that you never joked and you always mean what you say. All the best. Anybody who knows Rodney and has met him will know that there is nothing bad you can say about him. I feel I am privileged to have met him and honoured to be one of his so many students at Citylit. I auditioned at all the Drama School of London and after 7 years of constant rejections, I just stumbled into CityLit and almost in tears I expressed my wish to become an actor. I was surprised to see that Rodney did not laugh (Everybody had laughed upon my statement of becoming an actor, even my parents, Rodney is one of three people who has not laughed). He shook my hand and said I am at the right place, where the requirement is only a desire in your heart. That as many years ago, I told the story to my daughter who is determined to become and actor wished Rodney was still a teacher today. I am sure Rodney remembers me, because a few years ago, just before he retired from Citylit I called him and when I asked if he remembers me; “Vividly” was his answer. And, that was a good few years after I was his student, and thefinest moment was when I invited him to come see my performance of ‘The Hypochondriac’ (Moliere) he turned up and sat in the front row… Rodney, you are the greatest teacher in my world, I take my hat off to salute you. I simply look forward to read whatever yo have written so far, I remember you said you were going to write, but thought you were joking, because you did have a wonderful sense of humour, but I now realise that you never joked and you always mean what you say. All the best.

]]> By: John buckle http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-14259 John buckle Tue, 03 May 2011 09:19:50 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-14259 Rodney, I dont know if you remember me my name is john buckle. Im now divorced from Bernadette and I'm living in Bangkok with my wife sio Dow. I have wonderful memories of you and your thousand little kindness to me. I particularly remember going to saddlers Wells with you to see Marcel marceau it was a wonderful evening and i felt both priviledged to have been with you and to have seen Marcel. You are a very special person and I wish you much love and happiness. Rodney,
I dont know if you remember me my name is john buckle. Im now divorced from Bernadette and I’m living in Bangkok with my wife sio Dow. I have wonderful memories of you and your thousand little kindness to me. I particularly remember going to saddlers Wells with you to see Marcel marceau it was a wonderful evening and i felt both priviledged to have been with you and to have seen Marcel. You are a very special person and I wish you much love and happiness.

]]> By: Anthony Murphy http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-14117 Anthony Murphy Mon, 02 May 2011 03:29:40 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-14117 Jacqie JUST MADE A GLANCE AND YOUR NAME CAME UP AS A COMMENT ON RODNEY ARCHER'S CITATION. ARE YOU THE JACQIE I ACTED WITH IN 'TWELFTH NIGHT' AND DID YOU ALSO KNOW JACK.... PLEASE EMAIL ME @antonbook@hotmail.co.uk I am intrigued! Jacqie

JUST MADE A GLANCE AND YOUR NAME CAME UP AS A COMMENT ON RODNEY ARCHER’S CITATION.

ARE YOU THE JACQIE I ACTED WITH IN ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ AND DID YOU ALSO KNOW JACK…. PLEASE EMAIL ME @antonbook@hotmail.co.uk I am intrigued!

]]> By: Jacquie Ogilvie (nee Ray) http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-13122 Jacquie Ogilvie (nee Ray) Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:25:24 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-13122 I have just been listening to Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" which reminded of Rodney's wonderful production of "Midsummer Night's Dream" at the City Lit in the 70's which prompted me to look him up on the Web. I was delighted to find this article which I read with great interest and equally excited to see the comment from Tony Murphy who I acted with in many productions at the Lit during that time. What happy days they were!! I have just been listening to Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” which reminded of Rodney’s wonderful production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the City Lit in the 70′s which prompted me to look him up on the Web. I was delighted to find this article which I read with great interest and equally excited to see the comment from Tony Murphy who I acted with in many productions at the Lit during that time. What happy days they were!!

]]> By: Anthony Murphy http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-6180 Anthony Murphy Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:42:37 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-6180 I am really looking forward to Rodney's autobiography; I am sure it will be a great read. Rodney taught me drama and directed me in productions of Elizabethan and Jacobean plays at The City Literary Institute (The City Lit) during the late Seventies. He was an inspirational director with an extremely creative mind - who would have thought that you could set Thomas Middleton's 'The Changeling' inside an R.A.F. parachute? - Rodney did with absolutely amazing results. By the way, I still have photos of the production if people are interested. It was the most talked-about production that year (1976 if my memory is working well). His vision and interpretation of art and life is all-encompassing: paintings, photographs, sculptures, poems and plays... I always remember that he was the first person I met who ever made me 'look up'at buildings . It's well worth doing. Believe me and Rodney, it's well worth doing. I am really looking forward to Rodney’s autobiography; I am sure it will be a great read.
Rodney taught me drama and directed me in productions of Elizabethan and Jacobean plays at The City Literary Institute (The City Lit) during the late Seventies. He was an inspirational director with an extremely creative mind – who would have thought that you could set Thomas Middleton’s ‘The Changeling’ inside an R.A.F. parachute? – Rodney did with absolutely amazing results. By the way, I still have photos of the production if people are interested. It was the most talked-about production that year (1976 if my memory is working well).

His vision and interpretation of art and life is all-encompassing: paintings, photographs, sculptures, poems and plays… I always remember that he was the first person I met who ever made me ‘look up’at buildings . It’s well worth doing. Believe me and Rodney, it’s well worth doing.

]]> By: Trevor J K Potter http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-405 Trevor J K Potter Tue, 11 May 2010 17:49:15 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-405 Wonderful to discover that Rodney is doing so well. Has he seen Wilde`s The Duchess of Padua at Pentameters theatre in Hampstead? Performances continue until 15th.May. Rodney taught me Theatre studies in the 80`s, he was a wonderful teacher, so erudite. while i was at the City lit I tried to hide my previous connections with the Ballet, but I always suspected Rodney of knowing far more than he let on. Nowadays I am painting and making small playful scultures. Sometimes I write a poem, but I am scared of any sort of acting because I have arthritis in my hands and do not want people to notice. I am looking forward to reading Rodney`s Autobiography. My daughter Natasha sends her best wishes. She is now married and lives in Ireland with husband and 4 frightenly intellegent children.Please give Rodney my very Best Wishes, i would like to meet him again one day soon. Wonderful to discover that Rodney is doing so well. Has he seen Wilde`s The Duchess of Padua at Pentameters theatre in Hampstead? Performances continue until 15th.May. Rodney taught me Theatre studies in the 80`s, he was a wonderful teacher, so erudite. while i was at the City lit I tried to hide my previous connections with the Ballet, but I always suspected Rodney of knowing far more than he let on. Nowadays I am painting and making small playful scultures. Sometimes I write a poem, but I am scared of any sort of acting because I have arthritis in my hands and do not want people to notice. I am looking forward to reading Rodney`s Autobiography. My daughter Natasha sends her best wishes. She is now married and lives in Ireland with husband and 4 frightenly intellegent children.Please give Rodney my very Best Wishes, i would like to meet him again one day soon.

]]> By: desmond auguste http://spitalfieldslife.com/2010/03/06/rodney-archer-aesthete/#comment-404 desmond auguste Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:29:39 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com.s83288.gridserver.com/?p=5330#comment-404 what a delightful and insightful read ,from an interesting character. what a delightful and insightful read ,from an interesting character.

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