ROBERT WILSON / BERNICE JOHNSON REAGON

Robert Wilson has created an astonishing visual feast in this inspired dramatic collaboration with Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder and artistic director of a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock and curator of the museum of American history at the Smithsonian Institute.

A production that asks fundamental questions about sin, goodness and the temptations of the flesh, starting from the figure of Saint Anthony in Gustave Flaubert's novel of 1874. Saint Anthony's struggles for perfect asceticism and reclusion but can also be seen as a symbol of the artist living in visions and images and getting lost in the imaginary world of his inspiration.

"Wilson drenches the stage in brilliant colour and beguiling movement. It is breathtaking to watch these singers possess the stage. Each is amazing."
Los Angeles Times

 

“As I began to work with the music, my first songs were musical impressions, building songs based on my readings and our discussions. Then I went back to the language of the text and began to build music based on the language. I was amazed at the way the Flaubert script challenged narrow interpretations of God, the creator, where one finds the highest expression, the role of the body in assisting spiritual experiences; the role of the body in hindering spiritual experiences…”
Bernice Johnson Reagon

You can buy the CD and program book sending us an email request. Find out more...

 

PRODUCTION DATES
Duisburg, Germany, Gebläsehalle, Ruhrtriennale, World première 20, 24, 25, 26, 29 June & 1, 2, 3, 6 July 2003
Siracuse, Italy, Greek Theatre, Ortigia Festival, 18 - 20 July 2003
Peralada, Spain, Festival di Peralada,
6 August 2003
Santander, Spain, Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, Festival de Santander,
10 August 2003
London, Great Britain, Sadler's Wells, 11 - 15 September 2003
New York, U.S. BAM, 19 - 24 October 2004
Bari, Italy Teatro Piccinni 2, 3, 4 May 2005
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Het Muziektheater 13, 14, 16 May 2005
Bilbao, Spain, Teatro Arriaga 20 - 21 May 2005
Madrid, Spain, Teatro Espanol 26 - 29 May 2005
Paris, France, Opera Garnier, 24, 25, 27 & 28 November and 3-5 & 12-16 December 2005
Warsaw, Poland, Teatr Wielki, 25 – 26 November 2006
Melbourne, Australia, Arts Centre - State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre
11 – 14 October 2007
Milano, Italy, Teatro degli Arcimboldi
11-16 December 2007