Like-Minded Friends Leave a Legacy to the Arts

By Kimberley White

Sharry Flett in The Doctor's Dilemma

OUR STORY BEGINS with three resilient women, connected by friendship, but especially their love for the arts and a philanthropic spirit. Indeed, for Broadway performer and New York socialite Dorothy Strelsin, New York Times feature writer Enid Nemy, and Toronto-based freelance reporter and copywriter Corinne Nemy, their friendship was forged by their love of theatre and the arts.

Born and raised in New York City, Dorothy Dennis (Strelsin) had an impressive career in the performing arts including Broadway productions and was named one of the ‘beautiful young talents’ in the first of Leonard Sillman’s New Faces revues. She was known for her love of laughter and kicking up her heels. Dorothy later married wealthy industrialist Alfred Strelsin. In the 1960s, the Strelsins established themselves as New York City arts philanthropists. Dorothy was one of the early supporters of The Public Theater, and The American Theater Wing. After her husband’s death, Dorothy sold all her jewelry to establish the Dorothy Strelsin Foundation in 1990, offering financial support to theatre and arts organizations across North America.

The Canadian connection comes with sisters Corinne and Enid Nemy, who both grew up and attended university in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both sisters’ love of writing incited careers in journalism, spanning decades, with glorious accolades and world-wide travel.

“At the top of The Doctor's Dilemma, Shaw gives us a woman — Jennifer — demanding to enter a male space (Dr. Ridgeon's consulting room), to fight for her husband’s life. A space where (in my version) Dr. Ridgeon's Nobel Prize is being celebrated. The play ends with Dr. Ridgeon entering a female-dominated space— the art gallery— and leaving speechless. It happens to be Jennifer’s birthday: again, celebration. Jennifer is a woman on the ascent, who has written a book and there will be more. I love the way the structure of the play is bookended by male and female success. It is fitting and delightful that this production was sponsored in the name of successful, powerhouse women like Dorothy, Enid and Corinne.”

—Diana Donnelly, director The Doctor’s Dilemma In 2022, the Dorothy Strelsin Foundation is generously sponsoring The Doctor’s Dilemma.

Enid began her career with The Canadian Press and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Her 40-year career as a feature writer, reporter and columnist for The New York Times also included the New Yorkers Etc., the Broadway column for seven years, and writing and editing the Metropolitan Diary.

As highlighted in American Theatre Wing, Enid’s feature subjects included feminism, drugs, senior citizens, sexual harassment and education. She also wrote obituaries for such prominent figures as Lady Bird Johnson, Carol Channing, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan and Chanel. She reported from Southeast Asia and accompanied President and Mrs. Reagan abroad, including the 1982 Summit meeting in Europe and their 1984 trip to China. Enid’s awards include honours from the New York Newspaper Women’s Club, the New York Newspaper Guild, Women in Communications, and the prestigious Matrix Award for achievements in Newspaper and Wire Service. Enid is a Board of Trustee–Emerita for The American Theater Wing’s Tony Awards. While living in New York City, Enid interviewed and wrote about numerous theatrical personalities.

Corinne Nemy, like her sister, embarked on a writing career that spanned many years in various roles. She worked as a freelance writer for the CBC International and various publications in Toronto. As a copy writer for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Corinne eventually settled into a career in Public Relations, which led her to the prestigious Montreal advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson. It was during this time that Corinne worked on PR for Expo 1967. Corinne’s vast career finally brought her back to Toronto where she worked in Public Affairs for the Ontario Region of Employment and Immigration. In retirement, she volunteered her expertise and services to the Royal Ontario Museum, various Literacy programs, and as a reader for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

As part of her estate, Dorothy entrusted her treasured foundation to Enid and upon Dorothy’s death in 2001, Enid became president of the Dorothy Strelsin Foundation, appointing Corinne as the Canadian Trustee. The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation primarily funds off-Broadway theatre companies, drama and playwright organizations, and The American Theater Wing, while also supporting important organizations such as Meals-on-Wheels, Lighthouse International, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, and Central Park. The Shaw Festival is honoured to have been the recipient of many years of generous support, thanks to Corinne’s involvement in the foundation, including a recent multi-year gift.

Great writing, art and live theatre fill our souls. The Shaw is grateful for the incredible legacy gift from The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation and the three accomplished women who made this possible. Thank you to all who support our inspiring work at The Shaw through your encouragement and your gifts—now and into the future—as part of The Doherty-Rand Legacy Circle. Finally, a resounding THANK YOU to Dorothy, Enid and Corinne for your philanthropic spirit and love of the arts!

Enid Nemy

Corinne Nemy

Dorothy Strelsin

CONTACT KIMBERLEY WHITE TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGACY GIFT:

289-783-1924 or 1-800-657-1106 ext 2397 kwhite@shawfest.com