ROBERT WILSON & the CIVIL warS

by Howard Brookner

Date: 1985    Running Time:  90:00 
Producers: Howard Brookner, Orin Trebitsch, Marcus Trebitsch     
Camera: Tom Di Cillo, 
Bob Chappell     
Editor: Michelle Bahlke

When Robert Wilson, one of the most revered and controversial talents in contemporary theater, was asked to stage a piece to reflect the spirit of the 1984 Olympics, he decided on a truly global concept, an epic spectacle based on the Civil War that would be created simultaneously in six countries before going on to Los Angeles to form a complete nine-hour performance. Howard Brookner's unique documentary traces the development of CIVIL WARS alongside Wilson's career, from his origins in Texas to his first job in New York working with brain-damaged children.

It also examines all of his early theater works in fascinating detail (including Deafman Glance, A Letter For Queen Victoria and Einstein on the Beach). Through discussions with collaborators, such as Philip Glass, Robert Wilson & the CIVIL WARS offers insight into Wilson's creative method, generating clues and answers to his mysterious and influential works of art.

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