Obituaries: Darius Boman

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Camden New Journal - OBITUARY
Published: 17 July 2008

Darius Boman-Behram

Darius found expression through music and dance

WHEN Darius Boman-Behram was born, doctors held little hope for him – he had medical conditions including holes in his heart, problems with lungs and Down’s Syndrome.
The son of renowned Austrian émigré dancer Hilde Holger and Dr AK Boman-Behram, his parents were told their son would live for a matter of weeks. He passed away two weeks ago, aged 60.
Darius’s father nursed him through his early years with the help of Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was often confined to an oxygen tent but as he went through adolescence his strength grew, and his mother was determined that he would lead as normal life as possible. She included him in her dance classes and after watching how much he enjoyed it and how other people reacted to him, began to bring other people with Downs and learning disabilities in. In 1967 she created a dance company – Inclusive Dance – giving people the chance to express themselves through music and movement. Alongside professional Carl Campbell they performed at Sadler’s Wells, a show that was well received and led to another the following year.
Darius’s love of music and dance continued as he got older. As his parents reached their 80s and could no longer care full time for him, he moved to council accommodation in Swiss Cottage and at a day centre joined a band, playing the bongos with gusto. He loved rock and pop music, performing in his group, The Fat Roach Band.
He also had a soft spot for West End shows.
He found work at the Shoot Up Hill day centre and earned money filling envelopes. He would spend his pay on Mars Bars and rock magazines, and an occasional pint of beer after a stroll through Primrose Hill. His friends remember how Darius always kept a sense of humour and was ready to enjoy life.
When invited to meet the Austrian ambassador after his mother’s death last year to accept an honour on her behalf, he made the most of the embassy’s wine list and drank vintages, much to the amusement of the ambassador.
DAN CARRIER

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