churei — 20 years ago(August 19, 2005 07:30 PM)

As a good friend of Geraldine's, I helped her join the ranks of an Honorary Brooklynite, and she loved the borough. Un the 60's, she journeyed to Coney Island where she started the Everyman Street Theater Company, using ANYONE from the community who wanted to be part of it. She thus reached young people, and adults, of every age and ethnic background, as well as economic status. As the co-founder of the Brooklyn Arts Council, I worked hand in hand with this absolutely wonderful woman and artist. Eventually, The Everyman Co. went from Coney Island to the Fountain of Lincoln Center, becoming the VERY FIRST event to be staged outdoors at Lincoln Center, which, of course, led the way to the famed Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival every summer. What was beautiful to watch was Geraldine's growth as an artist as a result of this experience. she wanted to SING, and sing she did. Today, I wish I had a copy of the documentary on the event, shown for several years on Channel 13 in NYC. And I do wish I had the recording of her street songs. I saw her do it many times, once practically alone with me. She remained a close friend she and Stuart were two of the least assuming people with whom I have ever worked. They adored each other as well, and Stuart was enormously proud of all of her work, especially the street theater. Should there be a memorial, I would want to be up there telling wondrous stories about this great lady, superb actress, terrific friend. and lover of humanity.