Wellington.Scoop
William (Bill) Sheat, who died in Lower Hutt this week, completed more than seven decades as an innovative leader in the creative arts, not only in Wellington but also throughout New Zealand.
His exceptional record included chairing national and regional performing arts institutions as well as spearheading the preservation of two of Wellington’s most iconic theatres. He advocated passionately for a living wage for artists, and provided pro bono legal advice to countless artists and organisations. Without his commitment and contribution, New Zealand’s cultural assets would not be what they are today.
Bill Sheat’s creative work began as a student in Wellington in 1948, when he joined the Victoria University Drama Club for which he produced and directed university extravaganzas and revues from 1949 till 1967. He was president from 1950 to 1953.
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Peter Frater s 59-year career as a theatre technician and Wellington Opera House doorman came to an abrupt end thanks to an impersonal email from the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency.
Saving Wellington’s Opera House and Embassy Theatre is just a small part of the legacy created by Bill Sheat. The Lower Hutt lawyer and arts stalwart died on Wednesday, January 20, after a short illness aged 90. As well as saving two of Wellington’s most important buildings from the wrecking ball, Sheat wil be remembered for his massive contribution to the arts over a 60-year period.
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