Lyndie Wright

Lyndie Wright (194?-) is a South African born puppeteer based in London. Also known in some French sources (e.g. http://data.bnf.fr/14867054/john_wright/) as Lyndie Parker-Wright.

Biography

Born Lyndie Parker in Pretoria, she became interested in puppetry when she saw the John Wright puppets, and later in 1957, when she was studying art she saw the company again. She then applied to join his company, but was initially turned down. However, she was appointed later and went on tour with them in Zimbabwe, then on to England to study at the Central School of Art, as did he.

Settling in London in 1959, they married and set up Little Angel Theatre in an old ruined temperance hall in Islington, London, which they bought with an inheritance from his aunt, and he devoted the last 30 years of his life to the theatre.

The company's work with marionettes became world-renowned and they have represented Britain at 25 international festivals.

The couple had 2 children, Sarah - who has remained involved in the theatre, and Joe, who became an award-winning stage and film director.

She has been involved with a number of Joe's films, including Pride and Prejudice (2005), Atonement (2007), The Soloist (2009), and Hanna (2011)

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

She worked on the 1957 tour of the John Wright Marionettes.

Awards, etc

Lyndie Wright was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2012 and also received the J.M. Barrie Award for a lifetime's achievement in work for young people.