Mike Lamitola

An Open Letter of Tribute

May 28, 2003

Dear Linda,
Thank you for calling me today. In the last few months, I have rarely not thought about Mike. I have prayed for his and your well being every night. I want to commend both you and Mike on your brave decision to allow Mike to live his life to the fullest knowing that death was so imminent. All of us here in the Washington area who loved Mike have collectively sent our love and affection to the two of you since the discovery of Mike’s illness. I want you to know that if you need anything, Mike’s extended family in the Washington area is available for support.

You mentioned The Seed on the phone. I will look for the tape and get you a copy. As I think of that sign-mime, I also think of Mike’s journey. I imagine this young kid who, according to Mike, didn’t even know he was deaf. I see him going to NTID and discovering the beauty and power of a theatre with sign language. Mike speaks of that evening at NTID as a transforming moment. It was the moment when the real Mike Lamitola was born -his new life journey, his journey in theatre began.

Mike’s performance of The Seed serves as an ideal metaphor for his life. What would those who knew him as a kid think of this talented, mature artist performing a nonverbal piece steeped in the traditions of Deaf culture? Mike shared The Seed with deaf and hearing audiences around the world. Wherever we went, whether it was Calcutta, Johannesburg, or Mexico City, Mike carried with him a joy for his work and a joy for life. His passion for his work was infectious. His performances, the pieces he directed, and his workshops planted seeds in young deaf people around the world. I know it was particularly gratifying for Mike to meet his young proteges years after he had first trained them. Members of the Sena y Verbo Theatre Company in Mexico City and The Action Players in Calcutta credit Mike for their growth and success.

I was proud to be a part of Mike’s journey. I was always gratified to hear Mike talk so warmly about his first directing effort at MSSD. Through the years, I saw his confidence grow in his directing and creative style. Mike has been and will always be an integral part of the MSSD and Quest family. Each summer, we looked forward to our reunion at YSP. All of us involved in that marvelous program knew that the program was just as much about our artistic and cultural challenge as it was for the students. Each year, we challenged ourselves to discover new things and we grew through the experience. I know for me, the roots of what I do today are firmly planted in the fertile and nurturing YSP adventure.

Working with Mike this past winter on The water falls. was particularly rewarding for me. With each of its productions, Quest attempts to break new ground in visual theatre. Mike faced the challenge of directing Willy Conley’s powerful play with great relish. His ideas for the show stretched the creativity and abilities of everyone involved. It was rewarding to see everyone on the team respond with such commitment and enthusiasm. This response emanated from everyone’s love and respect for Mike and for the joy of being part of such a rich, creative process. The water falls.’s enthusiastic audiences confirmed Mike’s bold vision for the show.

Once again, while he was here, Mike touched the lives of young people. He was a huge hit at Eleanor Roosevelt High School where he conducted a one-month residency and at the National Cathedral School where he gave improvisational theatre workshops as part of that school’s Arts Day.

In a note to me, Mike thanked me for the opportunity to direct The water falls. and spoke of his artistic rebirth. I was pleased to be able to be a part of that rebirth, but mostly I was happy to be with my friend doing what we love most, creating theatre that makes a difference…theatre that changes lives. Mike planted more seeds while he was here. He planted seeds in one of the coldest and snow driven winters this area has ever seen. In the years to come, I look forward to meeting people who will say, “I saw that production of The water falls. and…” or “I was a student at Roosevelt High School and…” I’ll know Mike is there in them.

Love,
Tim