Kelman helped performers find their own way "with honesty and integrity," said his wife, Anet Ris-Kelman.
"His personal mission was to challenge artists to go places they'd never gone before with their work," said Alex Wright, who worked with Kelman as Pipeline's managing director. "He wasn't just someone who opened the doors and provided resources. He was fiery. He always spoke his mind and his heart without fear."
Kelman returned briefly to Los Angeles in August 2005 with a new work that reflected his deep connection to Eastern spiritual philosophy, a modern exploration of Taoism called "Tao Soup," which ran at the Electric Lodge in Venice.
In a review for The Times, David C. Nichols wrote: "Kelman devotees and novices alike should regard 'Tao Soup' as a matchless opportunity for creative spiritual nourishment."
In addition to his wife, Kelman is survived by a sister, Pepi Kelman; and godson and archivist, Jay Green. An open house memorial gathering will be held April 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Electric Lodge, liveartselectriclodge.org.
lynne.heffley@latimes.com
