We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anders Larsson (1959–2026), a long-standing contributor and beloved colleague in the OISTAT community. He was a devoted educator, theatre technician, lighting designer, mentor, and friend to many.
Based in Sweden, Anders joined Dramatiska institutet as Head of the Theatre Technique programme in 1989 and continued his work through its later development into Stockholm University of the Arts (SKH). From 1990 to 2004, he also served as lighting director at Dansens hus (the House of Dance) in Stockholm. He was a board member of Svenska Teatertekniska Föreningen (STTF, OISTAT Sweden Centre) and Chair of the Association of Swedish Lighting Designers (SLF) since its foundation in 1992. Through decades of teaching and professional practice, he inspired generations of students and colleagues with his passion and open-hearted commitment to sharing knowledge.
Within OISTAT, Anders was an active member and essential contributor to the Education Commission. He served as Vice Chair of the Commission for more than eight years and promoted international dialogues on theatre pedagogy, technical training, diversity, and the decolonization of teaching through OISTAT meetings and projects. He also played an important role in the Canon Project and the OISTAT Theatre Timeline Working Group, contributing to discussions on historical stage technology and the terminology of theatre machinery.
Anders was a professional of rare steadiness for OISTAT family. In moments that called for careful international collaboration, his presence brought focus and reassurance. He supported the Education Commission with clear guidance and genuine attentiveness, offering a trusted hand at the helm. He was the kind of colleague who made complex work feel possible, and the kind of friend whose warmth remained with people long after the meeting ended. OISTAT was fortunate to have him as a steadfast partner in our global community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Anders’ family, friends, colleagues, students, and all whose lives crossed paths with his. He will be remembered with deep gratitude for the lasting care he gave to OISTAT and to the field of theatre, and the smiling face we will dearly miss.
Personal farewell messages from OISTAT colleagues
Aby Cohen, OISTAT President:
“Since becoming an Individual Member of OISTAT in 2003, I have had the privilege of knowing Anders as a long-term, dedicated collaborator within our community. At conferences, he would invariably sit in the first row, one of those familiar and affectionate images that many of us will always associate with him. Anders was one of those rare individuals whose quiet presence carried remarkable depth. He was observant, generous, intellectually rigorous, and deeply committed to meaningful dialogue. His contributions were never about drawing attention to himself, but about enriching the collective understanding of those around him. He leaves behind not only memories of friendship and collaboration, but also a great example of how wisdom is expressed through genuine engagement with both the subject and the people around. He will be greatly missed by the OISTAT community and by all of us who were fortunate enough to share conversations, conferences, and moments with him. I was especially honoured to welcome him to my institution, the Academy of Live Technology, in April 2024, for the annual meeting of the Education and Technology Commission, together with the ALT Biennial Symposium. We also went to London for the ABTT 1-day Conference, then travelled by train to Leeds for a 4-day programme, including a day out at the YSP. During his visit and programme, some of my master’s students had the unique opportunity to benefit from his brilliant comments, thoughtful feedback, and generous encouragement; leaving, as always, a truly inspiring mark through his presence.”
Photo Credit: Aby Cohen
William Kenyon, OISTAT Executive Committee Secretary and former Education Commission Chair (2016-2025):
"I have had the good fortune to call Anders a dear friend and colleague since we first met over 15 years ago. Anders and I served alongside each other as delegates to the OISTAT Education Commission, and later as the leadership of the Commission until just this past October. I would characterize him as a man with boundless enthusiasm for theatre and education, and someone with a wonderful energy & humor. I had the good fortune to travel around the world with him for many OISTAT events, World Stage Design events, and Prague Quadrennials. In his ever-present denim vest of many pockets, he could always be seen documenting the people and events with his full-sized camera. Truly a treasure trove of visual history he must have collected.
One of my favorite travel memories was getting a thorough lesson from him in Swedish culinary & dining practices at the buffet dinner on the overnight ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm. I had apparently gotten some food in the wrong order, and we spent the evening talking about Swedish food, the correct order it should be eaten in, and the importance of excellent company at the meal! He approached everything with an air of delight that was infectious.
Anders leaves quite a legacy behind, when you count his work at University, coupled with everything he did for the Swedish lighting designers group, the Swedish OISTAT Centre, local & regional conferences like SCANDlight, the Canon Project, and all the work achieved by the OISTAT Education Commission. Our biggest efforts together, along with Chris Van Goethem, were the two week-long online conferences held during COVID, and he was a stalwart contributor, Zooming in at all hours from his cabin in the Swedish countryside.
I will miss his boundless humor, and the sense of mirth in his eyes. We are truly blessed to have known him."
