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Robert Wilson

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Robert Wilson BIO

Born in Waco, Texas, Wilson is among the world's foremost theater and visual artists. His works for the stage unconventionally integrate a wide variety of artistic media, including dance, movement, lighting, sculpture, music, and text. His images are aesthetically striking and emotionally charged, and his productions have earned the acclaim of audiences and critics worldwide. After being educated at the University of Texas and Brooklyn's Pratt Institute, Wilson founded the New York-based performance collective "The Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds" in the mid?1960s, and developed his first signature works, including Deafman Glance (1970) and A Letter for Queen Victoria (1974-75). With Philip Glass he wrote the seminal opera Einstein on the Beach (1976). Wilson's artistic collaborators include many writers and musicians, such as Heiner Müller, Tom Waits, Susan Sontag, Laurie Anderson, William Burroughs, Lou Reed, and Jessye Norman. He has also left his imprint on masterworks such as Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, Brecht/Weill's Threepenny Opera, Debussy's Pelléas et Melisande, Goethe's Faust, Homer's Odyssey, Jean de la Fontaine's Fables, Puccini's Madama Butterfly, and Verdi's La Traviata. Wilson's drawings, paintings, and sculptures have been presented around the world in hundreds of solo and group showings, and his works are held in private collections and museums throughout the world. Wilson has been honored with numerous awards for excellence, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, two Premio Ubu awards, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale, and an Olivier Award. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the German Academy of the Arts, and holds eight Honorary Doctorate degrees. France pronounced him Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (2003) and Officer of the Legion of Honor (2014); and Germany awarded him the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit (2014). Wilson is the founder and Artistic Director of The Watermill Center, a laboratory for the arts in Water Mill, New York.

Robert Wilson Photos

Robert Wilson Awards and Nominations


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1987 - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects

Robert WilsonThe Civil Wars - Act 5, The Trees


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1975 - Scenic Design

Robert Wilson, A Letter For Queen Victoria


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Robert WilsonDeafman Glance

Robert Wilson Videos

Robert Wilson News


Video: Watch Lorin Latarro's Sensational Choreography in THE WHO'S TOMMY


Oh, how Tommy moves! In this video, check out an electrifying look at Lorin Latarro's choreography in the newly reimagined Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY.

Director Rhana Devenport Will End Tenure at AGSA


Art Gallery of South Australia Director Rhana Devenport ONZM has announced she will leave the Gallery on 7 July after six years. She will be returning to Sydney and looks forward to embarking on a series of new international and national projects.

Meet the Cast of SUFFS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


Following a sold-out, extended run at The Public Theater, Shaina Taub’s new musical Suffs is marching to Broadway! Meet the cast of Suffs here!

Full Cast Set For THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Donmar Warehouse


Discover the full cast of Chekhov’s THE CHERRY ORCHARD, in a new version adapted and directed by Benedict Andrews, announced by Donmar Warehouse.

Samantha Shay's Short Film ROMANCE to Screen At The Moovy Dance Film Festival


Discover Samantha Shay's short film ROMANCE at the Moovy Dance Film Festival, screening on March 17, 2024, in Cologne, Germany. Learn how to purchase tickets.

The Cell Theatre Unveils 2024-2025 Season Featuring Over 20 Resident Artists


Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season featuring over 20 resident artists, as well as the official Off-Broadway premiere of Matthew LaBanca's Communion.

THE SEVEN YEAR DISAPPEAR Starring Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch Extends


The New Group will present an additional week for The Seven Year Disappear by Jordan Seavey, featuring Emmy and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate 26 Years With ODE TO JOY Gala in March


South Florida Symphony Orchestra will celebrate 26 years of excellence in the arts at its “Ode to Joy” Gala on Sunday, March 3, at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Teatro Grattacielo to Present YOUNG Artists Opera: L'ELISIR D'AMORE


Teatro Grattacielo presents YOUNG Artists Opera: L’ELISIR D’AMORE in partnership with Camerata Bardi International Academy and Cultural Center of Crete. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Samantha Shay's Short Film ROMANCE to Screen at Dance on Camera & Film at Lincoln Center


Don't miss the North American premiere of Samantha Shay's short film 'Romance' at the Dance on Camera Festival. Based on Miranda July's short story, this film explores the intersection of July's work and Pina Bausch's. Featuring Naomi Brito, Julie Shanahan, and Julie Anne Stanzak.

Cast and Creative Team Set for ESCAPED ALONE World Premiere at Yale Repertory Theatre


Yale Repertory Theatre will continue its 2023–24 Season with Escaped Alone by Caryl Churchill, directed by Liz Diamond.

Meet the Cast of THE NOTEBOOK, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!


The Notebook, the new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film, begins previews on Broadway toinght, February 10, at Broadway’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, ahead of a Thursday, March 14, 2024 opening night. Meet the cast of The Notebook here!

Photos: First Look at ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE


ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE a one-man show presented by Alan Cumming, is now playing in various venues across the UK. Check out all new photos here!

Works By Iconic Artists & Performers Of The 1970s On View at MOCA Jacksonville


MOCA Jacksonville has announced A Walk on the Wild Side: ‘70s New York in the Norman E. Fisher Collection at MOCA Jacksonville, an exhibition exploring the dynamic culture of New York in the 1970s that spurred a decade of collaboration and innovation between artists working in a variety of genres.

New 2SLGBTQIA+ Anthology THIS IS BEYOND Now In Print


Playwrights Canada Press releases a new anthology celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ voices in the theatre community. Explore the diverse and powerful stories of this groundbreaking collection.

Photos: First Look at On The Verge Theatre's TEA AT FIVE at Alta Arts


On the Verge Theatre in association with the Alta Arts is currently presenting “Tea at Five” by Matthew Lombardo on-stage December 7 - 23, 2023 at the Alta Arts. Check out photos from the production here!

Tickets on Sale Now for THE SEVEN YEAR DISAPPEAR Starring Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch


Tickets are on sale now for the world premiere production of The Seven Year Disappear by Jordan Seavey. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Dances with Robots Releases A Conversation with Catie Cuan


Join Sydney Skybetter as he sits down with Dr. Catie Cuan, a pioneer in the field of choreorobotics, in this episode of the Dances with Robots podcast. Discover her personal and professional journey and delve into the question of why dance with a robot. Available now on listening platforms.

TURANDOT is Now Playing at the Paris Opera


Turandot is now playing at the Paris Opera. Performances run through 29 November.

Tom Waits Joins Iggy Pop For Two-Hour Radio Special


Tom Waits joins Iggy Pop for a two-hour radio special where they spin and discuss their favorite records. The show will be broadcast globally on Sunday, December 3 at 4 PM UK time. Waits' entire metamorphic and groundbreaking mid-period Island Records studio catalog is out now.

Robert Wilson FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Robert Wilson been nominated for?

Robert Wilson has been nominated for several awards, including Noteworthy/Unusual Effects at The Hewes Awards for The Civil Wars - Act 5, The Trees, Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for A Letter For Queen Victoria, and Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for Deafman Glance.

What awards has Robert Wilson won?

Robert Wilson has won the Noteworthy/Unusual Effects award for The Civil Wars - Act 5, The Trees at The Hewes Awards, the Scenic Design award for A Letter For Queen Victoria at The Hewes Awards, and the Outstanding Director award for Deafman Glance at the Drama Desk Awards.

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