The University of Ottawa community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jean Herbiet, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Theatre, which he had helped create. Mr. Herbiet died on March 31, 2008 at the age of 77.
Born in Belgium, Jean Herbiet came to Ottawa in the late 1950s. In 1971, he became Artistic Director for the National Arts Centre’s French Theatre program, where he earned a reputation as an author, an actor and a director.
He taught at the University for over 30 years. His work in the Department of Theatre allowed many students to benefit from the creativity and intelligence of his teaching. According to Tibor Egervari, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Theatre, who knew Mr. Herbiet for close to 30 years, “Jean Herbiet was one of those people who lead others into adventures that mark them for life.”
The new Jean Herbiet Bursary (renamed in his honour in January 2008), created by the University of Ottawa and Théâtre Action, was recently awarded to Maxime Brière, a student specializing in theatre.
The University community joins the Department of Theatre in extending their deepest sympathy to Jean Herbiet’s family and friends. The University will hold a memorial service in his honour this fall.
