Dear Rachel,

Established choreographer, director and theater visionary Mark Dendy is presenting,

Whistleblower, his 7th post-mental break production on September 11 at Dixon Place.
His extraordinary life experiences are driven by his passion and single cardinal rule: Do
not be afraid to fail. We would like to arrange an interview with you and Mark Dendy to
delve deeper into his story of personal and professional growth.
In 2009, after a 36-year career in dance and theater, 54-year-old Bessie and Obie winner
Mark Dendy suffered a psychotic break brought on by a midlife crisis, several
commercial flops and the unearthing of childhood trauma. He self medicated this break
with drugs and alcohol and lost years of recovery in the process, but eventually found
solace in 12 weeks of rehabilitation.
During this time he questioned everything about his life and at his time of release, he
chose to start fresh in his career and explore a new path, making work that was steeped in
social justice. He pursued his second passion, to become involved in a number of political
causes, social justice work with the homeless, addicts and at-risk gay youth and
environmental advocacy.
This work began to inform his identity as an artist and he once-again claimed his artistic
autonomy in a partnership with longtime collaborator Stephen Donovan. He slowly began
to garner support from new and unexpected sources. He picked up where he left off
continuing the development of his unique brand of dance theater incorporating concert
dance, spoken word, cabaret, drag and cross gender exploration. He added all the tricks of
the trade of show business, musical theater and opera in which he had previously worked
with to pick up the mantle of didactic theatre.
I hope youll find interest in this coming-of-age story, and look forward to speaking with
you about this opportunity.
all best,
Glenna