Remembering John Clark (1932–2026): A Visionary Leader and Cherished Friend of ITI

John Clark, former director of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia, and good friend and collaborator of ITI, passed away on 2 April 2026.

During his 35 year tenure as director of NIDA, he transformed a modest drama school into one of the world’s leading conservatories for actors of the stage and film. John trained the likes of Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, ITI's Co-Founder the late Kuo Pao Kun, and former faculty members Technical Theatre for Acting and Performance teacher Kenny Wong and Voice and Speech teacher Robin Payne.

John was one of the first theatre veterans to back and support the idea for the Theatre Training and Research Programme (TTRP) when it was first conceived in 1998. He worked with Co-Founders Kuo Pao Kun and T. Sasitharan to realise the vision of a conservatory for contemporary actor training founded on the knowledge and expertise of traditional Asian theatre forms – something unheard of at that time. He served on the International Panel of Consultants from 2000 to 2008, and his drive and energy provided timely inspiration for ITI’s forerunner TTRP. He freely gave of his time to review the early curriculum and then taught the Greek Theatre module to the first two cohorts of TTRP students. 

John had always been a visionary. Appointed NIDA’s third director in 1969, he expanded and modernised the curriculum. Acting training was extended to three years; new courses in design, technical production and directing were introduced; and a Playwrights’ Studio fostered new Australian writing.

His commitment to ensemble practice brought together actors, directors, designers and writers in a collaborative training environment that mirrored professional conditions.

John readily embraced Pao Kun as an alumnus of NIDA and championed his career as an artist. Pao Kun was at NIDA from 1963 to 1964. He undertook an intensive two-year drama programme, graduating with a Diploma in Production before returning to Singapore to co-found the Singapore Performing Arts School.

When Pao Kun was detained in Singapore under the Internal Security Act, from March 1976 to October 1980, John worked tirelessly, writing to Singaporean and international authorities, campaigning for his unconditional release.

ITI acknowledges a debt of gratitude to John Clark. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, vale John, rest well dear friend. 

— T. Sasitharan
ITI Co-Founder & Director
3 April 2026