Lament for theatre director Robert Wilson in passing
Renowned Theater Director Robert Wilson Passes Away at 83
Robert Wilson, a celebrated figure in the world of theater and opera, has passed away at the age of 83 in his home in Water Mill, New York. The news was confirmed by Chris Green, president of the Robert Wilson Arts Foundation, to the German Press Agency.
Wilson's death occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The cause of his death has not been released at this time.
Throughout his illustrious career, Wilson collaborated with some of the most prominent artists across multiple fields. His partnership with composer Philip Glass on the revolutionary opera Einstein on the Beach (1976) is among his most celebrated works.
Wilson also worked with playwright Martin McDonagh and writer/poet William S. Burroughs, actor/dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, musician Tom Waits, and performance artist Ana Mendieta, among others. These collaborations spanned avant-garde opera, theater, dance, visual arts, and music, reflecting a polyhedric creative approach.
In addition to his work in the arts, Wilson founded the Water Mill Center in 1992 as an interdisciplinary laboratory for arts and humanities. This space fosters collaboration with hundreds of emerging and established artists annually across disciplines.
Actor Christian Friedel, who worked with Wilson on the Berliner Ensemble's production of Peter Pan, expressed his condolences for Wilson's death on Instagram, stating that Wilson was a genius and an artist who inspired many. He also expressed gratitude for having had the chance to know Wilson both in work and as a person.
Sabin Tambrea, who was part of the Peter Pan production, also shared his sadness over Wilson's death on Instagram. Wilson's work was also seen at the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz and the Freie Volksbühne in Berlin.
Wilson's influence extended beyond traditional theater, with collaborations in design and other visual arts fields, including partnerships with Italian lighting brand Slamp and fashion and cultural figures such as Lady Gaga and Hermès.
Wilson once stated that Europe understood him and his art better than his home country, the United States. His work was extensively performed on European stages, including in Hamburg and Berlin.
Wilson's death leaves a significant void in the world of theater and opera. His innovative and boundary-pushing collaborations will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Wilson's collaborations spanned various fields, not just theater, including avant-garde opera, visual arts, and music.In his career, Wilson's innovative and boundary-pushing collaborations will continue to inspire future generations of artists in entertainment industries.
