On the Mark

The Guardian hails the rise and rise of Mark Baldwin, Fijian-born NZ-raised artistic director of London’s renowned Rambert Dance Company. After just three years in the job, Baldwin has significantly increased the Company’s profile. Under his direction it has won six national awards and dramatically larger audiences, and is currently in the midst of a £9.5 million fundraising campaign for a new and improved base in London’s South Bank. “Competition is very tough now,” says Baldwin when asked about his bold directorial moves and innovative productions. “We have to give audiences a much clearer reason to come and see Rambert.” Baldwin will soon take two months leave from Rambert to create a new work for the Royal NZ Ballet, of which he was a one-time member. The full length piece will be scripted by Whale Rider author Witi Ihimaera.