Robin Goldfin

Origin

New York, NY

Years active

1983–2024

Genres

playwriting, performance, dance, poetry, essay, writing

Biography

Robin Goldfin was a multifaceted American artist, acclaimed as a playwright, performer, teacher, poet, and essayist. Born on October 7, 1967, in New York, NY, Goldfin passed away on September 2, 2024. He was a dedicated educator, teaching at New York University (NYU) for over three decades, including at its campus in Florence, Italy. His academic career at NYU's Liberal Studies Program, where he was a Clinical Professor of Writing, was marked by a passion for his craft and a commitment to his students, whom he approached with the same vision and passion he learned from his dance teachers.

Goldfin's creative output spanned various artistic disciplines. As a playwright, he produced works such as "Suddenly, a Knock at the Door," based on stories by Etgar Keret, and "The Ethics of Rav Hymie Goldfarb," which premiered at the Midtown International Theatre Festival. His writings have also been published in Tikkun Magazine, Zeek, and The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide, and featured in anthologies like "Queer Stories for Boys" and "One on One: The Best Men's Monologues for the 21st Century." Beyond his literary endeavors, Goldfin was also a dancer, having performed with the concert jazz dance company She-Bops and Scats and taught Simonson Jazz Dance Technique. He held artist residencies in various locations, including the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and the Mishkan Omanim in Herzylia, Israel.

Goldfin's life and work were characterized by a unique blend of intellectual depth, artistic expression, and a profound sense of humor and warmth. He was known for his generosity, humility, and a rebellious spirit matched by his passion for life. His connection to Israel was particularly strong, and he was deeply involved in his Jewish faith. He is remembered by colleagues, students, and friends as a kind, caring, and empathic individual whose life touched many.