Emily Swallow Instagram – I am frequently asked about my favorite projects, and folks at conventions are often surprised that one of the adventures I consider to be the most formative was a play about ice fishing and Greek gods. That play, Nice Fish, was directed in tandem by Mark Rylance and his wife, Claire Van Kampen. We lost Claire to cancer last weekend, but for this week’s #thisisthewaywednesday, I want to share with you all that we’ve gained in having her walk this earth.
I was intimidated to work with Mark, an actor I’d long watched from afar and considered a genius (which he is). But the rehearsal environment fostered by he and Claire was one of equality and boundless imagination. Claire is no less a genius than Mark—a gifted musician and writer, she brought our cast and creative team together in complete trust and support. There was no hierarchy of imagination In the process and we never doubted that she wanted us to thrive. I was the only gal in a male-heavy cast, and Claire was there to be my advocate and to encourage me to open up in those moments when I wanted to fortify and be invulnerable.
Throughout her career, Claire mentored younger artists and fostered these same creative environments where stories could come alive with authenticity and depth. I was absolutely delighted to introduce @chadkimball76 to her and Mark in 2017 on a trip to the UK; she treated him like family from the start.
Is there someone who looks up to you who needs an encouraging word as they walk the path? Why don’t you reach out to them?
#thisistheway #clairevankampen #nicefish #guthrietheater #mentor #goddessfreya | Posted on 23/Jan/2025 07:17:13
