Stephen Knight, 14/2/1966 – 17/8/2013
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Photograph by Paul Blakemore
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Most
fans of Firebird have a single moment they can remember which encapsulates the
company’s unique spirit and skill. For me, this moment is Steve Knight’s
dance solo in The Nine Lessons of Caliban, shown at Bristol Old Vic in 2012.
The company’s approach to the piece was simple and devastatingly
powerful. They read Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, paying particular
attention to the things people said to Caliban and the things he says about
himself, and exploring the connections these things had with their own lives.
How does it really feel to be named and treated as a monster? These
are questions which very few artists dare to ask and which even fewer have the
insight to answer. But Firebird found experiences in their own lives
which brought Shakespeare’s words thrillingly to life. In the middle of
the show, Steve created a dance of breath-taking beauty and precision. It
was a transcendent moment because Steve was in such command of it, and the
command so clearly gave him a thrill of joy, which spread unstoppably through
the hearts of his audience. It was an exquisite moment of theatre which
embodied the spirit of Firebird. Their ownership and joy in the craft is
the thing that is most inspiring. As Steve himself said “Being an actor
has made me strong, if someone ever tried to stop me from acting, I wouldn't
let them!” He will be sorely missed, but his inspiration will live long
in the memories of those who saw him play. Tom Morris, Artistic Director at Bristol Old Vic (BOV)
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| Photograph by Graham Burke |
· He was bright and intelligent and amazingly sensitive to people, to
language, to stories and the human condition. He had a brilliant wicked sense
of humour! He was brave and fearless and had an expressiveness of soul that
emanated from his eyes and his fingers and his body. Kathryn Hunter, Patron of Firebird and Olivier Award winner
· Steve
will be a great loss to the company, especially all his many
accomplishments. My thoughts go to his family. Jude McGreevy, trustee of Firebird
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I did not know Steve but I remember him most vividly
in the Firebird productions – he was a real leader and completely unafraid.
I realise that you will miss him and
the extremely positive impact that he brought to the company.
It must be such a shock – I wish you
and the group and his family well. He was a fine performer and will be greatly
missed. John Retallack, Associate Director, Bristol Old Vic
·
So sad to hear about Steve, he was a kind and lovely
man with a wonderful soul he was a huge part of Firebird and all that it stands
for, His performances have always been beautiful and he will be sorely missed.
My condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time but his
memory will live on with us and in all that Firebird does. J Costello-Roberts, BOV Senior Technician (Studios)
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I got to know Steve through my connection with
Firebird Theatre. Steve was an incredibly thoughtful performer and was magnetic
to watch on stage. I shall also remember Steve as a man with a delightful and
mischievous sense of humour as well as someone who showed great support,
patience and tenderness towards others. John
Nicholson, actor, writer, Peepolykus
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| Photograph by Graham Burke |
·
He was a rare talent indeed and such a sweet, sweet man. Tristan Sturrock, Theatre Damfino,
Kneehigh
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I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with Steve
over the years
and thinking of him and his sense of humour instantly
brings a smile to
my face. His dedication and natural ability as an immensely
strong actor
brought so much to everything he set out to do. I will miss him
greatly
and a large void will certainly be left. My love and thoughts go out to
everyone at such a difficult time. Jo
Cuthbert, trustee of Firebird Theatre
·
What can we say? This is such terribly sad news and our love
& thoughts
are with all of you and everyone who knew, loved and took
inspiration
from Steve as indeed we did (and will continue to do so).
It’s difficult to convey enough tenderness and respect by email, so we’ll
keep
this short for now.
The important thing is for you to all know that we’re thinking of you in
what
must be a really difficult time. If you can take some comfort in the
knowledge that in his life he experienced the most wonderful friendship
and support from his firebirds, then please do. Kate and Matthew, MAYK
·
Steve was such a gentle man, with a burning passion
for theatre. When I first met Steve at Blackhorse day centre in 1998, he knew
exactly what he wanted to do. There was no question. He wanted to perform –
professionally. I am so pleased that with Firebird Theatre he did get that
opportunity and that he did it so well!
Steve was a performer with humour
and wit, sensitivity and strength – he could make an audience laugh or cry. He
knew how to illustrate difficult feelings and emotions with beautiful movements
and carefully crafted sequences. He was not afraid to put himself out
there. He will be missed, by so many people. Laura Jerram, ex trustee for Firebird Theatre
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| Photograph by Graham Burke |
·
I will have such strong memories of Steve from first meeting
him, his naughty laugh, his passion for theatre, his amazing Faustus, his
movement skills especially with Caliban – a huge loss as a talent and as a
person. Kevin Brice, Firebird Trustee
· Steve will
live on strongly in the memory of anyone who saw him perform, for the haunting
quality of his voice and the beauty of his movement in his interpretations
through dance. Chris & Bill
Urwin, Firebird supporters and audience members
·
So very sad to hear about Stephen’s death. His dance
in Caliban remains one of the most moving pieces of theatre I’ve ever seen and
I’ve spoken to so many people about it. Please pass on my condolences to his
family. Jan Burke, supporter and audience
member
