Friday, June 24, 2022
The Unique MJ MIller
There were numerous aspects to Mary Jane Miller, as I learned in the years following her retirement. At first I knew her merely as Department Chair-- a dauntless leader, firm in her convictions about how things should be done, and that good theatre and truth are connected at a profound level. I respected and shared her view that articulating a theatrical vision is to aspire to the highest order of being. My connection with her began because on my first day of work, I was in the neighbouring office when, teary and wide-eyed, we watched 9/11 in real time on her tiny black and white TV screen. Jack came and joined us. Also, I had an interest in theatre about science and MJ was interested in crossing all media boundaries.
MJ set an example, consciously—she was a teacher in her every move. Her profound sense of duty made her step up for several years after her migraines undermined her desire to Chair the Department of Dramatic Arts. She didn't want to retire until she felt our fledgling department was stable and had found its identity; she cared so very deeply. As a junior hireling, the fact that she eventually arrived at this feeling that we were ready, was to me like a medal ceremony! I was aware of the responsibility she was passing over. MJ was fascinated by a Theatre of Ideas that understood our art form as multidisciplinary and a vital foundaiton to a healthy society. Her favourite conversations, that I witnessed annually at her eggnog Christmas parties, were with Biologists like Mary Frances Richardson and Miriam Richards, or Chemistry colleagues of her beloved husband Jack.
MJ brought a historicist discipline to her research, particularly in Canadian and Indigenous intersections, that is now becoming increasingly important. Just two months ago a colleague from Queen's University asked me for her contact details, fascinated to discuss further some interviews from MJ'sMagnum Opus of 1987, Turn up the Contrast. In this book, MJ evaluated the CBC -- in its entirety to that date! A reviewer, Malcolm Page, commented that the "common sense, intelligence and experience" of the writing made the book " wholly accessible to non-specialists...( he added, intending a compliment that, "it does not read like the work of a professor for a university press"!!) I think this no-nonsense approach illustrated MJ's whole academic project: to make theatre and ideas accessible to and discussable by and important to, everyone." It matters", I remember her saying at department meetings, if it seemed easier to turn a blind eye.
I knew that MJ was a generous soul. It was evidenced in her extended support of students and others in the community over many years, her listening and critical ear, her hosting skills, and her willingness to share her Stratford Festival theatre tickets. Until she retired, however, I never guessed that she had a vigorous spiritual practice that spanned the borders of several faiths and religions. She had seemed such an unsentimental atheist! As I got to know the private MJ outside the University, however, I saw that she never stopped exploring and investigating her ideas of truth, and sharing her thoughts and discoveries with members of Jewish, Christian, Theatre, and multi-cultural Spiritual communities. She and I continued to exchange play-scripts and to discuss the dimensionality of Shakespeare up to the onset of COVID.
Latterly, MJ and I drifted in our communication, just a few cards and updates here and there. I didn't know she was ailing and I didn't get to say goodbye. I am distraught about this. I was imagining her at her beautiful cottage, of which I saw lovely photos, with her cats. The news of her death fixes her forever at that gorgeous place that was her spiritual home, what she called her "genius locii". At the time of her memorial, which I would dearly love to attend, I will be on a backwoods wilderness adventure in the north, looking at the Thom Thompson rocks and vegetation that delighted her. I will visit the Elora stained glass studio that she loved, and I'll go to the Stratford Festival to which she was a devoted subscriber. This will be my MJ Miller pilgrimage. May flights of angels sing thee.
