Paul Jenden Gay Wellington theatre and performance stalwart Paul Jenden has died after a long battle against cancer. Jenden, 57, was diagnosed with leukaemia five years ago and subsequently underwent bouts of chemotherapy. He used his experience of cancer the irreverent and personal C - A Musical which premiered in July and featured his life partner, Louis Solino, in the role of 'Carcinoma.' After producing his first play at eight years old Jenden went on to forge a theatrical career as a director, designer, dancer, choreographer and writer. In 1980 he left New Zealand to base himself in New York and toured in the U.S.A. and Canada as well as Europe and Asia. He returned to live in New Zealand in 1989 where he created a number of glbti-inspired theatre productions including Dancing The Gay Fandango in 1991 and Fairy Stories in 1996. His Papillon was performed by the Royal NZ Ballet. Jenden frequently collaborated with Solino, gay composer Gareth Farr and dramatist Roger Hall. Fellow performers and some members of the casts of his shows will perform in Jenden's memory at a tribute evening to be held in Wellington on Saturday 16 November at S
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 27th October 2013 - 2:57pm