GEOFFREY STANFORD DIES AFTER ILLNESS
Trinidad Guardian
October 27, 2001
Page 2
Artist / Theatrical designer Geoffrey Stanford died on Thursday after an 11-year battle against AIDS.
Stanford, 47, who, during his career worked on theatrical productions such as School's Out, The Maids, Mas in Yuh Mas, and for many seasons designed for the La Chapelle / Douglas Dance Company, was diagnosed with the disease in 1990, but fell critically ill last February.
The announcement of his death by National Drama Association said: "Geoffrey worked mostly independently, whilst his extensive and varied portfolio was recognised by many in the creative industries.
"We will remember him for his creativity, artistry and contribution to the theatrical arts."
In 1990, NDATT gave Stanford a Cacique Award for Best Set Design for Shadow Box.
In a Sunday Guardian interview last month, Stanford condemned what he said was a lack of public support systems for people with AIDS and HIV.
"I want to scream out, to hit out, to lash out, to cry out, to speak out against those who are refusing to do something. This is obscene, citizens are being denied the right to life, they are being allowed to die. Where is the support? There is none," Stanford said at his Woodbrook home.
An old boy of Trinity College, Stanford studied art at York University. While there, his feel for mas surfaced in the many stage productions in which he worked as art director, costume designer, actor and dancer. He worked with bandleaders like Stephen Lee Heung.
Stanford also did lighting designs for productions that included Sizwe Banzi, Pantomime, Jazzle Dazzle and the 1981 Trinidad Dance Festival.
Fellow artist and rapso performer, Wendell Manwarren, said yesterday he was saddened by Stanford's passing, although he was expecting it to happen eventually.
He reflected on the times he spent working alongside Stanford at Peter Minshall's mas camp in the early days of his own involvement with mas.
"I have a lasting memory of Geoffrey. The very first time I met him at Minshall's he was in charge of the performance part of the mas and this was a huge responsibility. He did everything well and his command and use of the English language was incredible.
"He could cut you down with two words and likewise build you up with one. He had very high standards and it was very easy to cross swords with him if you were not up to standard," Manwarren said.
Stanford's work reflected Indian, African, and European heritage, making him a true Trinidadian artist.
Stanford's funeral takes place at 10.30 am on October 30 at St. Crispin's Church, Alberto Street, Woodbrook.