LANE, William Olafur - 1951-2021 William (Bill) Lane, creator of innovative Canadian theatre and radio, died on December 30, 2021.
He was particularly acclaimed for his work as artistic director of Toronto Free Theatre and as an executive producer of CBC's Vanishing Point and Saturday Stereo Theatre.
He also directed premieres at Passe Muraille, Factory, Young People's, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Theatre Calgary, as well as leading playwrights' workshops in every province.
More recently, he founded North Road Theatre in Sudbury and taught at Thorneloe University. He was a passionate advocate of experimental, grassroots activity, with uncompromising artistic and professional standards and a keen sense of irony and humour.
A native of Ottawa, Bill attended Carleton University and later received a Ph.D. from York University.
Bill died in the arms of his beloved partner, Katia de Peña, after a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He will also be missed by son, David; siblings, Timothy (Rosemary), Jenifer (Greg), and Dorothy; extended family, and friends made in creative communities all over the world.
He was predeceased by parents, Alec and Ingibjorg Lillian; and infant twin sisters.
We invite those who loved Bill to share in celebrating his life at CanStage (formerly Toronto Free Theatre), 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto, on Saturday, June 18th, at 2:30 p.m.
Donations to the Bill Lane Foundation supporting Canadian theatre.
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