Robert Wilson, a director known for his work in avant-garde theater, travels to the Hamptons annually to collaborate with a diverse group of artists from across the world at The Watermill Center, a performance laboratory he established in 1992. In addition to the dozens of art installations and performance art events that Wilson curated throughout this summer, Wilson staged his production of Ubu. The Watermill Center’s Annual Gala featured a presentation of Ubu in an amphitheater, and although it was the event’s centerpiece, it came perilously close to being canceled owing to a torrential downpour.
The cloudburst did not deter Robert Wilson and the rest of the ensemble cast of Ubu from continuing the performance. A reduced version of the show was performed, with Wilson himself providing the narration. The performers from the United States and other countries took the stage wearing costumes made entirely of newspaper. Ubu featured an international cast that included Yunseo Choi (Republic of Korea), Bonnie Comley (United States), Evelyn Dugan (United States), Cecilia Xuetong Feng (China), Marianna Kavallierator (Greece), Casilda Madrazo (Mexico), Katimari Niskala (Finland), Sorin Prodea (Romania), Anthony Roques (France), Agathe Vidal (France).
The critique of war and tyranny may be seen in Robert Wilson’s “Ubu” restaging, which was inspired by Alfred Jarry’s “Ubu Roi,” which was first performed in 1896. “Ubu” is a surreal reflection of paradoxical inequities throughout history and in today’s society, and it was first displayed at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The weird performance was almost overshadowed by the surreal circumstances, which consisted of a set and costumes made of newspapers performed in an amphitheater that seated 500 people. At The Watermill Center, Wilson blended the stage with the natural surroundings by projecting stunning red and blue lighting onto the gigantic trees in the 10-acre forest.
This event was a celebration of The Robert Wilson Watermill Center’s reputation as a world-renowned multidisciplinary laboratory for the arts and humanities, as well as the center’s involvement with performance for more than three decades. Refreshments were sponsored by Aperol Campari America and Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Additional assistance was provided by PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank and Prada. Wolffer Estate Vineyard was also a sponsor.
Robert Wilson has had a career encompassing dance, art, opera, and theater that has lasted for sixty years. His resume is filled with jobs that need him to wear many hats, including director, choreographer, actor, painter, sculptor, video artist, and sound designer, to name just a few. After being born in Texas, he relocated to New York City to pursue his education and went on to perform on Broadway and at Lincoln Center before moving to Europe. A nomination for the Pulitzer Prize, two Premio Ubu medals, the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, and an Olivier Award are just some of the distinctions and awards he has received for his outstanding work. In addition to the eight Honorary Doctorate degrees he possesses, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters as well as the German Academy of the Arts. In France, he was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2003, and in Germany, he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor. In addition, Germany presented him with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit.
The production credits for the UBU production are as follows: The play “UBU” by Alfred Jarry was initially created at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma, Spain. The production team for this play includes Robert Wilson as the director and also responsible for the set and lighting design. Charles Chemin serves as the co-director, while Marcello Lumaca is the associate lighting designer. Stephanie Engeln and Flavio Pezzotti are the associate set designers. Flavia Ruggeri is in charge of costumes, and Joan Baixas & La Claca are responsible for puppet design, based on original designs by Joan Miró. Andreas Andreou serves as the assistant director, with Lyuba Todorova as the stage manager. Chloé Bellemere, Simon Cristian Petru, Johan O.R. Sterner, and Sienna Vila Holloway are the set, light, and prop assistants. Afra Al Dhaheri, Ava Locks, Silver Roostik, and Dovydas Strimaitis are the production assistants.
Please visit WatermillCenter.org for further details regarding both Robert Wilson and The Watermill Center.