"An abiding and immeasurably supportive presence": Roger Beck remembered for dedication to UTM's theatre and drama studies program

Roger Beck was not only professor emeritus of classics in the Department of Historical Studies and former acting principal of the Mississauga campus, but also a driving force in the establishment of U of T Mississauga’s collaborative theatre and drama studies program.  

Beck died of cancer on April 29.   

Beck played a major role in the creation of theatre and drama studies, a joint program with Sheridan College. Colleagues noted he often called the program “his proudest achievement.”   

“Without Roger’s vision three decades ago, this unique program, which in many ways is a key element of our departmental identity, wouldn’t exist,” said Holger Schott Syme, director of drama studies in UTM’s Department of English and Drama. “But Roger didn’t just establish the program; he was an abiding and immeasurably supportive presence in our students’ academic and creative lives from the beginning and almost until the end of his life.”  

Beck and his wife of 55 years, Janet, also endowed three awards to be presented annually to the program’s most promising students. “Both of them faithfully attended all of our shows, quite literally never missing a performance or an end-of-season gala for decades. And they both took an interest in our students’ theatrical careers long after their graduation,” said Schott Syme.  

In recognition of Beck’s extraordinary dedication to the theatre and drama studies program, the department named its annual co-curricular festival of student-written and produced plays in his and his wife’s honour: the Beck Fest occurs annually in early April. 

This year, Beck saw his own work presented at Theatre Erindale: his translation/adaptation of Euripides' Alcestis, performed by graduating theatre students. 

“(Roger) was such an integral part of our program’s culture that it is difficult to imagine our events and productions without him in the audience, and without his enthusiastic and deeply engaged commentary in the lobby after the show,” said Schott Syme. 

In addition to playwriting, Beck also authored several books featuring his areas of research including religion in the Roman Empire and the cult of Mithras; ancient astronomy and astrology; and the ancient novel, especially the works of Petronius and Apuleius. 

During his tenure at the Mississauga campus, Beck held several administrative roles including acting principal (1991-92), associate dean (1985-91), vice-principal academic (1986-91) and chair of Erindale College Council, the forerunner of UTM's Campus Council. He also served on U of T’s Governing Council including as chair of Academic Board. 

In addition to his wife, Beck is survived by his daughter, Winifred Genevieve.