World of entertainment mourns: Iconic Jack Hibberd (84) and Frankie Beverly (77) pass away
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The Australian theatre community is in mourning following the loss of one of its most influential and celebrated figures, playwright Jack Hibberd, who passed away at age 84.
Hibberd's work has left an indelible mark on Australia's cultural landscape, and his passing signifies the end of an era for the arts scene in Australia.
In other news, the music industry also lost a true legend with the passing of Frankie Beverly at the age of 77.
Beverly was the soulful voice and visionary leader of the band Maze, known for its timeless hits and deep connection with fans.
Jack Hibberd was not just a playwright but a polymath who balanced a medical career with his prolific writing.
Born in 1940 in the small Victorian town of Warracknabeal, Hibberd's journey to the pinnacle of Australian theatre was as unconventional as some of his plays.
Moving to Melbourne in 1959 to study medicine at the University of Melbourne, he also cultivated his literary talents, contributing as a film critic to the university newspaper and honing his poetry skills.
After completing his medical studies in 1964, Hibberd worked as a doctor, but his passion for the arts never waned.
He was a registrar at St Vincent's Hospital's Department of Social Medicine in Melbourne before working as a general practitioner and later specialising in clinical immunology.
However, it was his contributions to theatre that would define his legacy.
Hibberd was a key figure in establishing the Australian Performing Group, an experimental theatre ensemble that became a cornerstone of Melbourne's cultural scene.
His involvement with the group spanned a decade, including a two-year term as chairman.
Hibberd’s influence extended further when, in 1983 he established the Melbourne Writers Theatre and served on the Theatre and Literature Boards of the Australia Council.
His body of work is vast, with nearly 40 plays to his name, three novels and three volumes of poetry.
Yet, Hibberd is best remembered for the seminal Australian plays Dimboola and A Stretch of the Imagination.
Dimboola, which premiered at the iconic La Mama theatre in Melbourne in 1969, is a raucous and irreverent depiction of a wedding between Protestant Morrie McAdam and Catholic Reen Delaney.
The play invites audience members to participate as wedding guests, breaking down the fourth wall and challenging conventional theatre norms.
'Audiences come along and pretend to be at a social ritual, and it breaks down all the old cultural barriers to going to the theatre,' Hibberd once explained.
This philosophy helped make Dimboola a well-received classic, one that director John Duigan even adapted into a film in 1979.
Bill Garner, co-founder of the Australian Performing Group, spoke on ABC RN's The Stage Show.
'[He was] a writer who's actually working in the midst of a theatrical revolution — for which he provided the voice, and the actors provided the bodies,' he said.
Hibberd's work was characterised by its distinctly Australian voice, humour, and willingness to tackle social issues head-on.
His plays continue to be performed, studied, and cherished, ensuring that his voice will resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, the music world has bid farewell to a true icon with the passing of Frankie Beverly.
Frankie Beverly's journey in music began in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, where he was born in December 1946.
His passion for music was evident from a young age, and by the 1960s, he was already carving out a path in the industry.
In 1970, Beverly formed Maze, originally known as Raw Soul, a group that would go on to define an era with its smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics.
The band's move to San Francisco marked a turning point in their career, as they caught the attention of soul legend Marvin Gaye.
Gaye recognised their potential and played a pivotal role in their rebranding to Maze.
Under this new name, Maze released their debut album, Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, in 1977.
This album included the iconic track 'Before I Let Go.' This song and other hits like 'Happy Feelin’s,' 'Joy and Pain,' and 'We Are One,' solidified their place in music history.
Earlier this year, Beverly announced a farewell tour, a bittersweet moment for fans who had followed his career for over five decades.
Beverly's decision to pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay was a graceful step in ensuring that Maze's music would continue to resonate with fans old and new.
He once described live music as 'probably the most powerful art form.'
His music transcended generations, as evidenced by Beyoncé's cover of 'Before I Let Go' on her live album 'Homecoming.'
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the music world and beyond.
Singer John Legend wrote, 'Let’s celebrate the life and work of the great Frankie Beverly. What I love about being an artist is that our work leaves a legacy that outlives our time on this Earth. Frankie has given the world such joy.' on his social media page.
'His music will live on. It will always be part of our culture, an essential part of the soundtrack of our celebrations, cookouts, and family reunions. May he rest well.'
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also dedicated a message saying, 'Earlier this year, I had the honour of presenting him with the Phoenix Award—the City of Atlanta’s highest honour —in recognition of his timeless musical contributions and extraordinary impact on the entertainment industry,'
'Frankie’s sold-out concerts at Chastain Amphitheater created memories for countless Atlantans and visitors across the region.'
Patti LaBelle and Jalen Hurts are also among the many who have expressed their admiration for Beverly's contributions to music and culture.
Credit: YouTube
During this challenging period, our hearts and thoughts go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Jack Hibberd and Frankie Beverly. May they find peace.
How did Jack Hibberd and Frankie Beverly’s work touch your life? What do you believe is the most significant aspect of their legacy?
Let's come together to celebrate their life, whose work became a beacon of joy to many.
May they rest in peace.
Hibberd's work has left an indelible mark on Australia's cultural landscape, and his passing signifies the end of an era for the arts scene in Australia.
In other news, the music industry also lost a true legend with the passing of Frankie Beverly at the age of 77.
Beverly was the soulful voice and visionary leader of the band Maze, known for its timeless hits and deep connection with fans.
Jack Hibberd was not just a playwright but a polymath who balanced a medical career with his prolific writing.
Born in 1940 in the small Victorian town of Warracknabeal, Hibberd's journey to the pinnacle of Australian theatre was as unconventional as some of his plays.
Australian playwright Jack Hibberd, 84, has passed away. Credit: YouTube
Moving to Melbourne in 1959 to study medicine at the University of Melbourne, he also cultivated his literary talents, contributing as a film critic to the university newspaper and honing his poetry skills.
After completing his medical studies in 1964, Hibberd worked as a doctor, but his passion for the arts never waned.
He was a registrar at St Vincent's Hospital's Department of Social Medicine in Melbourne before working as a general practitioner and later specialising in clinical immunology.
However, it was his contributions to theatre that would define his legacy.
Hibberd was a key figure in establishing the Australian Performing Group, an experimental theatre ensemble that became a cornerstone of Melbourne's cultural scene.
His involvement with the group spanned a decade, including a two-year term as chairman.
Hibberd’s influence extended further when, in 1983 he established the Melbourne Writers Theatre and served on the Theatre and Literature Boards of the Australia Council.
His body of work is vast, with nearly 40 plays to his name, three novels and three volumes of poetry.
Yet, Hibberd is best remembered for the seminal Australian plays Dimboola and A Stretch of the Imagination.
Dimboola, which premiered at the iconic La Mama theatre in Melbourne in 1969, is a raucous and irreverent depiction of a wedding between Protestant Morrie McAdam and Catholic Reen Delaney.
The play invites audience members to participate as wedding guests, breaking down the fourth wall and challenging conventional theatre norms.
'Audiences come along and pretend to be at a social ritual, and it breaks down all the old cultural barriers to going to the theatre,' Hibberd once explained.
This philosophy helped make Dimboola a well-received classic, one that director John Duigan even adapted into a film in 1979.
Bill Garner, co-founder of the Australian Performing Group, spoke on ABC RN's The Stage Show.
'[He was] a writer who's actually working in the midst of a theatrical revolution — for which he provided the voice, and the actors provided the bodies,' he said.
Hibberd's work was characterised by its distinctly Australian voice, humour, and willingness to tackle social issues head-on.
His plays continue to be performed, studied, and cherished, ensuring that his voice will resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, the music world has bid farewell to a true icon with the passing of Frankie Beverly.
Frankie Beverly's journey in music began in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, where he was born in December 1946.
Frankie Beverly, lead singer of Maze, has died at 77. Credit: @frankiebeverlyandmaze / Instagram
His passion for music was evident from a young age, and by the 1960s, he was already carving out a path in the industry.
In 1970, Beverly formed Maze, originally known as Raw Soul, a group that would go on to define an era with its smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics.
The band's move to San Francisco marked a turning point in their career, as they caught the attention of soul legend Marvin Gaye.
Gaye recognised their potential and played a pivotal role in their rebranding to Maze.
Under this new name, Maze released their debut album, Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, in 1977.
This album included the iconic track 'Before I Let Go.' This song and other hits like 'Happy Feelin’s,' 'Joy and Pain,' and 'We Are One,' solidified their place in music history.
Earlier this year, Beverly announced a farewell tour, a bittersweet moment for fans who had followed his career for over five decades.
Beverly's decision to pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay was a graceful step in ensuring that Maze's music would continue to resonate with fans old and new.
He once described live music as 'probably the most powerful art form.'
His music transcended generations, as evidenced by Beyoncé's cover of 'Before I Let Go' on her live album 'Homecoming.'
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the music world and beyond.
Singer John Legend wrote, 'Let’s celebrate the life and work of the great Frankie Beverly. What I love about being an artist is that our work leaves a legacy that outlives our time on this Earth. Frankie has given the world such joy.' on his social media page.
'His music will live on. It will always be part of our culture, an essential part of the soundtrack of our celebrations, cookouts, and family reunions. May he rest well.'
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also dedicated a message saying, 'Earlier this year, I had the honour of presenting him with the Phoenix Award—the City of Atlanta’s highest honour —in recognition of his timeless musical contributions and extraordinary impact on the entertainment industry,'
'Frankie’s sold-out concerts at Chastain Amphitheater created memories for countless Atlantans and visitors across the region.'
Patti LaBelle and Jalen Hurts are also among the many who have expressed their admiration for Beverly's contributions to music and culture.
Credit: YouTube
How did Jack Hibberd and Frankie Beverly’s work touch your life? What do you believe is the most significant aspect of their legacy?
Let's come together to celebrate their life, whose work became a beacon of joy to many.
May they rest in peace.
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