Dr. James W. Hawes

Dr. Hawes, Chair of Radford University Department of Theatre from 1975 to 1994, is a legend among the students he taught. Dr. Hawes was a dedicated professor of theatre history and an expert on Henrik Ibsen, 19th-century Norwegian playwright. Dr. Hawes is remembered not only as a brilliant teacher, but also as a gifted actor, designer and director who founded the popular First Nighter’s Club and the Visiting Artists’ program which hosted numerous world class professionals to design, teach and perform alongside RU students. The Hawes Studio Theatre, RU Theatre’s black box venue, is named for Dr. Hawes and his beloved wife, Mrs. Lilli Henriksen Hawes.