News & Notices
In Memoriam: N. Clark Bowlen
N. Clark Bowlen, 71, died January 8 following a courageous struggle with a debilitating illness.
N. Clark Bowlen
Mr. Bowlen, a stage set and lighting designer and producer, was a senior member of USITT. He was an emeritus professor of communication at Manchester Community College, and founding member of Shakespeare Hartford and Veterans' Memorial Theatre Company. Mr. Bowlen served on the board of Company One Theater and The Repertory Theater Company of New Britain, and was vice president of Veterans' Memorial Theatre Company.
An innovative theater professional, he stretched the boundaries of classical works, including Shakespeare, while preserving original language and artistic continuity. He was an early adapter of computer design and screen projections. His sets were minimal, open spaces allowing dramatic lighting and articulated characters to engage audiences. Mr. Bowlen received the prestigious Ming Cho Lee Design Award for his Glass Menagerie set.
Additionally, he supported new works by local playwrights and led the original development of M.C.C.'s internationally acclaimed Came So Far for Beauty: The Music of Leonard Cohen.
He was an avid kayaker and founding member of Conyak, leading weeklong wilderness trips through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine. He loved downhill skiing and was a devoted conservationist.
He is survived by his wife and artistic partner, Kathleen Keena; his brother Bruce, wife Rachel and son Christopher; and his sister Beverly, husband Sam Williams, and daughters Laura and Paige and many other family and friends.
Donations in his memory may be made to Veterans' Memorial Theatre Company, c/o Myron Craig, Treasurer, 241 South Water Street, Unit 3, East Windsor, CT 06088.
