Claire van Kampen, a distinguished figure in the world of theatre and music, has died at the age of 71 in Kassel, Germany, surrounded by her family. A trailblazer, van Kampen was renowned for her contributions to theatre as a composer, director, and playwright. Her career was marked by significant achievements, including being the first female musical director at both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Van Kampen's journey in music began at the Royal College of Music in London, where she studied music theory and piano. In 1986, she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, marking the start of a prolific career in theatre. Her work included composing music for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet in 1989 and serving as a Tudor music advisor for the BBC series Wolf Hall.
Her talent extended beyond composing and directing; she was also a celebrated playwright. Van Kampen wrote the play "Farinelli And The King," which starred her husband, Sir Mark Rylance. The play received critical acclaim, earning nominations for several Olivier and Tony Awards. Her contributions to Broadway included original scores for productions such as "True West," "Boeing-Boeing," and "La Bete," as well as adaptations of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and "Richard III."
Van Kampen's personal life was intertwined with her professional achievements. She married actor Sir Mark Rylance in 1989 and had two daughters with her previous husband, architect Christopher van Kampen. Tragically, her daughter Nataasha, a filmmaker, passed away at the age of 28 in 2012 due to a brain hemorrhage.
"one of the funniest and (most) inspiring women we have ever known"
- Sir Mark Rylance and Juliet van Kampen
Her legacy in the arts extended to her roles as a Globe associate and senior research fellow for early modern music at the Globe. Additionally, she served as a creative associate at London's Old Vic Theatre. Her enduring impact on both classical and contemporary theatre will be remembered by many who were inspired by her work.
"We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love"
- Sir Mark Rylance and Juliet van Kampen
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