Omar Shapli

It was only recently that I learned of the sad 2010 passing of Omar Shapli, with whom I had studied and worked, and am prompted by those memories to offer a very belated but heartfelt remembrance. Unlike so many in academia (it's hard to picture him as an "academic", however technically he may have fit the bill), he functioned in varied and often incongruent capacities: teacher, director, wit, raconteur, writer, mentor, theorist, bar buddy, left wing provocateur and coffee house...

I remember him as an announcer on WFMT in the 60s and his humorous contributions to the New Year's eve edition of the Midnight Special. What a distinctive voice. What a remarkable man.

I would like to light a candle to my teacher, Omar, in honor of his life, his contribution to the arts, his laughter, his smile. I know my improvisation skills and willingness to just relax into the work is because of him. The light he shone over us all, dimmed ever so slightly. Goodbye Omar. Sincere Condolences to his Family.

Omar was a great friend and one of my first champions as a young actress. We spent hours at The Orchidia, which was NYU's version of an actor's Algonquin table, with Omar always sharing the greatest tales about theatre, politics and life. He cast me in my first leading part at a very hard time in my life, for which I always be grateful. He was such a wonderful director and friend. I worked with him again on "The Chilean Game" (which he wrote in response to the assasination of Allende). We...

Peter Schumann would like to send condolences to the family. He doesn't use a computer. Is there a postal address that Peter can write to?

Linda Elbow
Bread & Puppet Theater

Milling and seething?
And looking for Omar?

Step inside the Orchidia at Second Avenue & Ninth Street anytime from the mid-70's to the mid-80's, slide into the booth just inside the door to the right, and there he'll be - in his "office" - his back to the window,
reading glasses dangling across a corduroy shirt, the New York Times spread haphazardly on the table, and a tall glass of Spaten always within reach. Looking up, he will greet you with a warm, surprised chuckle,...

I can hear Omar, rumbling about "Defenestration," unable to stop laughing- Omar the "Chilean Game" writer, the games framer/observer. I am so grateful I was able to hear him read his poetry not so far from Phebe's or the Orch that Mother's Day. By the way, the Spring Hill School's campus still exists (it simply has another name...) Love, Polly

Omar was so influencial in my life, first as a teacher at the School of the Arts, and than again as an actress in his company, Section Ten. He taught me to think on my feet, to relax in performance, to trust my instincts,and to be open to the moment and those lessons served me well in life as well as the theatre. When I think back to those years I spent with him, I am so grateful. I will always remember that great, booming laugh and that wicked sense of humor.