Silver hair combed back, shirt tucked in, tie in place, Kevin Quarmby enters a room and demands attention. This actor/God is nearing the end of the best performance I have ever seen him in, as teacher of Theatre in London. I knew as soon as he spoke his first perfectly pronounced words on 30 August that he would keep me engaged for the entire fifteen-week long performance. Kevin Quarmby truly is a gentleman and a scholar.
Quarmby engaged with the audience in a unique way and brought his skills as an actor to life when speaking to students. He knew that sometimes humiliation was the best way to gain respect from these hard-and-out school kids, so he showed them his brilliant performance in the music video “In the year 2525” by Arrows of Love. Quarmby continued to enlighten these kids with shocking humor, such as the tale of the little white duck, and was always willing to put his dignity on the line for a good laugh. In the words of Lawrence Napper, Kevin Quarmby is “marvelous”!
As well as being a natural comedian, Quarmby is also a social activist. A truly respectable man who volunteers for his community and stands up for important social issues, Kevin Quarmby is like the uncle you wish you had. I feel privileged to have had class with such a kind-hearted, entertaining and enthusiastic teacher. His engagement with the class made it easy for everyone to participate and become part of the production without inhibition. Quarmby made every student feel comfortable and invited debate. “He is a man of many talents and words and a phenomenal actor. He is sexy” says Edith*, a fellow UC student. I believe I speak for the entire program when I say that Kevin Quarmby deserves a standing ovation for being totally awesome. Take a bow!
Alice Medland, UCSC
*Name has been changed to protect identity
Yeah DR Q! What a great idea Alice! As his student, I felt engaged and challenged every Monday :)
ReplyDeleteWell now, this is a very generous response to a very long (fifteen week) performance event. The best thing for me is how exciting it has been to watch all you students blossom. You have shown remarkable passion and willingness to face new challenges. Your class discussions have been an inspiration. I know that you will return to California with eyes wide open. I wish each and everyone of you success in the future. By the way, Alice, this is very well written. The subject matter might be a little 'close to home', but the skill with which you express it is commendable. Thanks, well done and every best wish for your future success and happiness. Dr Q
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It was a very unique idea. I liked how you threw humor in (which just had to be done), while still critically analyzing "the performance." If I were not taking this class already, this would make me want to. Well done!
ReplyDelete-Sandra Kneer
Genius! Dr. Q really is a gentleman and a scholar. I thought this was a really innovative approach for a blog post. You really encapsulated the man behind the best UC London course. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteAshley Hopwood, UCSC
Alice,
ReplyDeleteYour ability to articulate this man's spectacular performance both astounded and amused me. I particularly liked the fact that you quoted both an anonymous source and Lawrence Napper. I also like that you chose to write about Dr. Q as a performer, while most people chose to write about staged performances and the like. I agree with everything you said, and think that Dr. Quarmby is an excellent actor as well. Very engaging, well written, and a brilliant choice of subject material.
-Kate Riehle, UCLA