Weapons and Words

BY KYNA HAMILL, PH.D. CANDIDATE, TUFTS UNIVERSITY
I have put off writing, thinking I had nothing to add to such a wonderful tribute to Tony. Not writing, however, seemed like I was not acknowledging that like many of you, Tony has in some small way effected my life. So here goes. As an international student, I worked on and off in the drama office during my first years in the program. Tony would come in, give me a warm greeting, and be on his way. Eventually, we began to speak a little more, I, of my work in the graduate program and he, of his classes and rehearsals. I soon learned of our mutual friends like Alex Hawkins (see below), a professor of mine at U of Alberta, who initially suggested I apply to Tufts. As we continued to get to know each other, I was impressed to learn that Tony had been pursuing his M.A. in the department. I began to look forward to our daily chats, and told him of my interest in stage combat. As was his way, he immediately suggested ways to help me showcase my work. (I have since spoken to other people about his generosity to utilize people’s talents to the best of their ability. Tony’s gift, as we have seen, was bringing people together, an unselfish talent I wish we could all encounter more.)

Fast forward to a year later, and would you believe that Tony and I were teaching a class together at Tufts called “Weapons and Words.” While I taught the fighting, Tony worked with the students on the scenes. He respected my work, and I, his. Considering it was a Friday morning class (the only time we could find a space), I think Tony quite enjoyed the class. We balanced each other out; I was neurotic about the weapons and my teaching, while he calmly observed, coming and going when he felt he was needed, remarking on the student’s work when he felt it was not up to par.

As a consequence of the class, I was able to publish a book of stage fight scenes, many of which were used in the course. This unique class, likely never to be taught again at Tufts, was a stepping stone for my career, gave me confidence as a teacher, and remains a semester that I will remember. I am happy to have had my own “Tony” experience. Like all who have written already, he has made me better for it.

I hope people continue to post memories of Tony. It is not often we have a venue to reflect on the lives of people that have contributed to our own experiences. I only hope that Tony's computer is working wherever he is so he can read them; it always did seem to be on the fritz!