Gwenne Godwin (2024)
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Gwenne Godwin, veteran stage/tour/production manager and lighting/projection designer, has died.
Gwenne worked with numerous dance companies over the years, including the Bryant Ballet, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Chicago Moving Company, Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre Ensemble, Hiplet Ballerinas, Hyde Park School of Dance and the Joel Hall Dancers. “Gwenne was one of those people who cared deeply about each person's experience during a performance, from the littlest dancer to the seniors, the crew, the costume team, and the artistic team she always sought to make it the best show possible. She worked with me on budgets and finding ways to make things happen often by doing many extra things herself. But most of all she was a good friend and comrade. I will miss her deeply and always. RIP Ms. Gwenne.” - August Tye, Artistic Director, Hyde Park School of Dance Joel Hall Dancers said this about Gwenne’s passing: “A vital member of the Joel Hall Dancers & Center family, our long-time production manager, Gwenne Godwin, passed away. For over thirty years, Gwenne brought towering knowledge of our works and superb care for the quality of our productions to every Joel Hall Dancers concert. Joel Hall, and every choreographer, dancer, designer, composer, and artist who came to work with the company, received special care from her. We feel this loss quite deeply and send our love and support to everyone who knew and loved Gwenne. Her love for us, for Chicago’s Black dance companies, and for all of Chicago’s dance community will be forever felt.” Gwenne was also an avid urban gardener, acting as operations manager for Growing Solutions Farm, which teaches students aged 18-26, all aspects of farming, from planting and harvesting vegetables and herbs to cooking what they grow. In her program bio, Gwenne described her work and her goals as follows: “Gwenne is passionate about many things and is fortunate to work in fields that she loves. She is a lighting designer, production stage manager, master electrician, tax preparer and urban farmer. She has worked with numerous dance companies over the years and is always amazed at the dedication, passion, athleticism, and beauty they exhibit in their performances. It’s an honor to share my artistry with such talented individuals. Life is short, dance like no one is watching. Grow your own veg and share it.” |