He was probably best known for his 1974 flagship production
of Flowers, a mime and music show
based on Jean Genet's novel Our Lady of the Flowers, in which he played the
lead role of 'Divine'. Due to its homosexuality and perceived decadence,
reviews were sometimes hostile, but it was widely considered a theatrical and
sensory sensation, and it toured globally for many years.
He was a mentor to David Bowie and Kate Bush. Kemp was
openly gay. He had an affair with David Bowie, and their friendship was highly
important in Bowie's artistic development. He left England in 1979 for Spain
and then Italy. By 2002 he had homes in Rome and Todi.
Kemp died in Livorno, Italy on 25 August 2018, aged 80.
David Haughton, his closest friend and collaborator for 45 years, said Kemp had
remained busy and active right till the end, saying "he suddenly said he
felt ill, and a minute and a half later he was gone."
Thanks Thomas
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