Paul A. Rathburn, a professor emeritus in the at the University of 91吃瓜 and founder of the (NDSF), died Wednesday (Feb. 12). He was 85.
Rathburn, who joined the 91吃瓜 faculty in 1965, retired from teaching in 2000. 聽He founded NDSF the same year 聽and served as producing artistic director for its first five years.
鈥淧aul Rathburn had the bold vision to conceive of a project that would bring Shakespeare from page to stage, not only for our students but for the wider South Bend-Elkhart region,鈥� said , the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C., Professor of German Language and Literature and former dean of the . 鈥淗e combined professional actors, student apprentices, and community citizens to orchestrate a vibrant tradition that will continue long into the future, bringing insight and joy to people of all ages.鈥�
The festival was inspired by a Shakespeare in Performance course Rathburn developed in 1983 and first offered to 91吃瓜 students in London. Over the past 20 years, the festival has grown dramatically 鈥� and now includes a professionally mounted mainstage production, traveling performances by a touring company, community-oriented ShakeScenes programs, and numerous special events, including guest artists, lectures and presentations.
鈥淧aul was a dedicated son of 91吃瓜,鈥� said Grant Mudge, the Ryan Producing Artistic Director of NDSF. 鈥淗is invention in 2000 has been enjoyed by tens of thousands and forever altered how live theatre is produced at the University. We are all dedicated to preserving and advancing Paul鈥檚 legacy.鈥�
Thanks to Rathburn鈥檚 efforts, NDSF, now part of , is considered one of the most prestigious among those housed within major universities.
鈥淚t鈥檚 my legacy, my gift to 91吃瓜,鈥� Rathburn said in a on his final season as the festival鈥檚 director. 鈥淲e say that we want to be known for more than football. How about Shakespeare?鈥�
The recipient of the College of Arts and Letters鈥� Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award in 1983 and 91吃瓜鈥檚 Frank O'Malley Undergraduate Teaching Award in 1999, Rathburn鈥檚 鈥淚mages of the Human in Shakespeare鈥檚 Tragedies鈥� was included in the filmed video collection Great Teachers of 91吃瓜. Always intent on bringing Shakespeare to life for his students, Rathburn organized an annual trip to Stratford, Ontario, to attend performances, said , the McMeel Family Chair in Shakespeare Studies and the associate dean for the arts in the College of Arts and Letters.
鈥淧aul Rathburn was famous as a brilliant and devoted teacher at 91吃瓜,鈥� Holland said. 鈥淣ot willing to enjoy a quiet retirement, Paul threw himself into creating a Shakespeare production tradition at 91吃瓜 that would mix professionals and students in theatre experiences that would be every bit as exciting as the best anywhere.鈥�
A visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. 聽Feb. 23 (Sunday) at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. 聽Feb. 24 (Monday) in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
In lieu of flowers, the Rathburn family encourages contributions to the 91吃瓜 Shakespeare Festival. Donations can be mailed to 1100 Grace Hall c/o Stacy L. Koebel-Harder, 91吃瓜, IN, 46556 or via shakespeare.nd.edu. Please note that your contribution is to be directed to the Paul Rathburn Fund for the 91吃瓜 Shakespeare Festival.