Theatrical Visionary Claire van Kampen Passes Away at 71

A Legendary Figure in Theatre: Claire van Kampen (1953-2025)

Claire van Kampen, a renowned theatre director and composer, passed away at the age of 71 after being diagnosed with cancer. Her husband, actor Sir Mark Rylance, confirmed her death on Saturday.

A Prolific Career

Van Kampen’s remarkable career spanned over four decades, during which she worked in various roles at Shakespeare’s Globe for approximately 20 years. She began her theatre career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986 and joined the Royal National Theatre the following year. In 1996, she served as artistic associate at Shakespeare’s Globe under Sir Mark Rylance’s artistic direction.

Creative Collaborations

Van Kampen was not only a talented composer but also a skilled playwright. Her most notable work is the play Farinelli and the King, which starred her husband and earned several Olivier Award nominations, including best new play. She also created original scores for Broadway productions such as True West, Boeing-Boeing, and La Bete.

Personal Life

Van Kampen was married to Sir Mark Rylance in 1989, the same year she composed music for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet, which he starred in. Tragically, their youngest daughter, Nataasha, a filmmaker, passed away at 28 due to a brain haemorrhage in 2012.

Legacy

Van Kampen’s family described her as “one of the funniest and most inspiring women we have ever known.” Her husband, Sir Mark Rylance, credited her with changing his life and introducing him to the world of classical and modern music. The couple’s creative partnership was a testament to their enduring love and passion for theatre.

A Life Well-Lived

Van Kampen’s passing marks the end of an era in the theatre community. Her contributions as a composer, director, and playwright will be deeply missed. As her family said, “Ring the bell, sound the trumpets reverie, something is done, something is beginning. One of the great wise ones has passed.