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In Memory of John Clark AM
Vale John Clark AM (1930–2026)
A giant of theatre, and one of our own, has departed.
The Old Nick Company mourns the passing of John Clark AM, a Life Member whose connection to this company began at the University of Tasmania and remained strong across a lifetime of extraordinary achievement.
As a student, John immersed himself in theatre with Old Nick, laying the foundations for a career that would go on to shape the industry on a global scale. In 2008, he returned home to direct a sell-out production of Hamlet for our 60th anniversary, a moment that remains a point of pride in our history. On that same occasion, he declared, with passion and conviction, the role Old Nick could play in sustaining theatre in Tasmania, a sentiment that still resonates today.
While his work at NIDA helped train generations of performers and creatives who would go on to define stage and screen, John never lost sight of his beginnings. He remained deeply connected to Hobart, to Old Nick, and to the importance of creating bold, ambitious theatre here at home.
The boy from Hobart who changed the world.
We express our deep sadness at his passing, and our enduring gratitude for a Life Member who carried Old Nick with him onto the world stage, and brought that world back to us.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones and all who were fortunate to learn from, work with, and be inspired by him.