Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars

The documentary follows avant-garde theater director Robert Wilson as he navigates the complexities of staging his monumental piece, The Civil Wars: A Tree Is Best Measured When It Is Down. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it captures Wilson’s innovative approach to theater, emphasizing a unique blend of movement, sound, text, and image.

Filmmaker Howard Brookner documents the challenges Wilson faces, including a hectic work schedule, funding difficulties, and the demands of international travel. The film showcases Wilson’s distinctive theatrical style, which draws more from visual art than traditional literary forms. This perspective highlights his method of creating striking stage sets and a minimalist performance approach.

With appearances from notable figures such as Ingrid Andree, Philip Glass, and Heiner Müller, this documentary offers insight into both Wilson’s creative process and the collaborative nature of his work. Collectors of documentary films or those interested in avant-garde theater will find this an intriguing exploration of artistic ambition and innovation.