In memoriam: Dr. Roger Long, retired Asian theatre professor

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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Posted: May 4, 2007

HONOLULU - Roger Long, former Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities and emeritus professor of Asian Theatre at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, died early Monday.

Dr. Long was on the Manoa faculty from 1976 until his retirement in 2004, teaching classes in Southeast Asian Theatre, Contemporary Asian Dramatic Literature, and Asian acting for the Western actor. In addition to serving 10 years as associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Long was also past chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, and of the Southeast Asian Studies Program.

He directed and produced many performances at Kennedy Theatre and Manoa Valley Theatre, including Angels in America: Part 1 and Balinese Kecak. He received his doctorate in philosophy from UH Manoa in 1979. Several years ago, Dr. Long established four endowments at the College of Arts and Humanities at UH Manoa in support of specific theatre, dance, and music programs.

"The passing of Dr. Long is a deep loss for the University of Hawaii and our community because of his tremendous impact on the performing arts as a teacher, director and patron," said Interim Chancellor Denise Konan.

Dr. Long also founded the college's "Study ALMOST Abroad" program, designed to bring students from mainland campuses to UHM for one semester to take courses not available at their home campuses. Originally developed for theatre students to experience the rich Asian theatre offerings at UHM, it rapidly expanded to many other areas in which UHM has outstanding classes.

There will be a celebration of Dr. Long's life at Kennedy Theatre, at a date and time to be announced.

For more information, visit: http://www.hawaii.edu/theatre/index.htm