Arlan Louis Wendland

  • Wednesday February 11, 2009
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May 4, 1930 �" February 5, 2009

Arlan Louis Wendland, retired dramatic arts teacher, died Thursday Feb. 5 at his home in San Francisco. He was 78. A native of Oakland, he received his B.A. from San Francisco State University in the 1950s and then began teaching Drama at Castro Valley High School. Arlan moved to London at the beginning of the sixties and quickly found himself dancing at the Spoleto Festival in Italy with Jerome Robbins, who mentored and championed him. He brought the sunshine and freedom of California to London drama students who were lucky enough to come under his influence. He is remembered by many working actors and dancers for his sweetness, humor and the creativity of his teaching and directing.

After 20 years in London, Arlan landed in the Duboce Triangle as a driving force in the community. As a person who witnessed countless friends and neighbors die of AIDS, he gave freely to many health organizations. In the last 10 years, Arlan continued to see new places such as Egypt, New Zealand and South America. He will be deeply missed by his friends and loved ones. Services will be held Feb 21. To request service information email [email protected].