Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars

Synopsis

Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars is an in-depth documentation of Robert Wilson’s ambitious attempt to stage an epic, twelve-hour, multinational opera for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Filmmaker Howard Brookner follows the avant-garde theatre director as he confronts a hectic work schedule, funding difficulties and relentless international travel in attempt to complete his preparations. The film examines Wilson’s unique theatrical style during The Civil Wars: A Tree Is Best Measured When It Is Down, which involves the continual creation of evocative stage sets, owing to a unique juxtaposition of movement, sound, text and image. Known for his precise, painterly images Wilson’s work derives more from visual art than the orthodox literary traditions of theatre. As a result, Wilson often challenges actors to perform in a boldly minimalist style, as well as collaborating with non-actors, such as young autistic poet Christopher Knowles in Einstein on the Beach.

Main Cast

Ingrid Andree

Age : N/A | Popularity : 24%

Gavin Bryars

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Philip Glass

Age : 87 | Popularity : 25%

Heiner Müller

Age : N/A | Popularity : 2%

Robert Wilson

Age : 83 | Popularity : 16%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Howard Brookner
Production	Producer	Howard Brookner Markus Trebitsch Orin Wechsberg Robert Wilson
Crew	Cinematography	Ira Brenner Robert Chappell Tom DiCillo
Editing	Editor	Michelle Bahlke
Camera	Camera Operator	René Perraudin
Department	Role	Name

Join the discussion