Key takeaways:

• Claire van Kampen, a renowned theatre director and composer, has passed away at the age of 71.
• She was married to actor Sir Mark Rylance and was surrounded by family at her death in Kassel, Germany.
• Van Kampen made significant contributions to theatre, including serving as the first female musical director at both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
• Her legacy includes acclaimed works such as Farinelli and the King, which earned multiple Olivier and Tony nominations.
• Her family describes her as "one of the funniest and most inspiring women we have ever known," honoring her influence on their lives.

Claire van Kampen, the acclaimed theatre director and composer, has died at the age of 71 after bravely battling cancer. Her husband, the esteemed actor Sir Mark Rylance, confirmed her passing, which occurred in the central German town of Kassel surrounded by her family on Saturday morning, a day that also marked Rylance's 65th birthday. In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed their gratitude for the music, laughter, and love van Kampen had brought into their lives, describing her as "one of the funniest and most inspiring women we have ever known" (The Guardian, BBC).

Van Kampen made history by becoming the first female musical director at both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. After training at the Royal College of Music, she began her theatre career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986, quickly establishing a brilliant path in the performing arts. She served as an artistic associate at Shakespeare’s Globe from 1996 to 2006, during which she collaborated with Rylance, as he held the position of artistic director.

Throughout her illustrious career, van Kampen composed music for various esteemed productions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet in 1989 and original scores for Broadway shows including True West, Boeing-Boeing, and La Bete. Her play, Farinelli and the King, starring her husband, garnered numerous nominations for both Olivier and Tony awards, solidifying her status as a significant creative force in theatre.

In reflecting on their creative partnership, Rylance remarked in an earlier interview, “Claire completely changed my life.” He noted that their love story blossomed around their shared passion for music and storytelling. This enduring bond enriched their professional collaborations, leading to numerous imaginative projects throughout their time together (BBC).

Van Kampen is survived by her husband, daughters Juliet and Nataasha, and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations in the performing arts. She previously navigated personal tragedy with the loss of her daughter Nataasha, a filmmaker, who died in 2012.

Her impact on the arts community and the lives she touched will not be forgotten, as she leaves behind a remarkable legacy of creativity and passion in the world of theatre.