Robert Wilson, a trailblazing director of experimental theatre and opera, has passed away at 83. Known for his innovative collaborations with Philip Glass, Wilson’s most celebrated work is the radical opera “Einstein on the Beach” (1976), which revolutionized music and theatre.
Born in Texas in 1941, Wilson studied business administration before moving to New York in 1963. He encountered influential artists like Merce Cunningham and George Balanchine, shaping his artistic vision. After studying art at the Pratt Institute, Wilson worked with terminally ill patients on new forms of dance, highlighting his unconventional approach.
In the mid-1960s, Wilson founded the Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds, a collective of artists who produced some of the most challenging theatre of the 1970s and ’80s. Their works included silent operas, complex gesamkunstwerke, and pieces featuring renowned collaborators like Ana Mendieta.
Wilson’s partnership with Philip Glass led to the premiere of “Einstein on the Beach” in France. The opera has since become a masterpiece of 20th-century music and theatre. Wilson also collaborated with composers, writers, and artists on numerous projects worldwide, including exhibitions at the Thalia Theater and the Louvre.
A celebrated visual artist, Wilson showcased innovative environments, furniture design, and portraits. His immersive installations, like “The Black Writer” (1990), featured collaborations with William S. Burroughs and Tom Waits. Wilson’s Watermill Center laboratory for the arts has become a hub for contemporary performers and young artists.
In his own words, “To me, my work has never been work… It is a way of living, like breathing or walking.” Wilson’s legacy as an unstoppable artist will be remembered through his groundbreaking collaborations and innovative creations.
Source: https://www.frieze.com/article/robert-wilson-director-of-experimental-theatre-has-died-aged-83