Robert Wilson performs John Cage’s Lecture on Nothing
US theatre auteur Robert Wilson is one of the more influential and groundbreaking forces of theatre in the world today.
Since the late 1960s, his productions have decisively shaped theatre and opera, creating such pivotal works as Einstein on the Beach with Philip Glass and The Black Rider with Tom Waits.
In an Australian exclusive, Wilson takes to the stage solo, paying homage to the great, iconoclastic composer John Cage. Cage’s 1961 work Lecture on Nothing has been called one of the central moments in experimental literature, a wry and sometimes hilarious dismantling of language, performance, expectation and the self. In Wilson’s hands, the famous dissertation becomes transcendent.
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it was a very challenging mystifying extraordinary experience to see this performance
Definitely an experience to get to see Robert Wilson on stage, let alone performing a piece by John Cage. Well worth it.
Amazing!
A brilliant absurdist piece of theatre that was at times meditative and humorous, as well as being very thought-provoking.
Avante Zen theatrical performance on nothingness. Challenging but ultimately went nowhere. On purpose.
Nothing much to say!
I didn't really enjoy it, I expected more interesting performance from the world class director, whose plays impressed me in the past during Melbourne International Festival.
My guest and I had enjoyed drinks and dinner with friends prior, so were slightly tipsy and relished this unique production. Thought-provoking, frustrating and hilarious, I imgaine some audience members (there weren't many; it was a pretty empty theatre) may have not had as enjoyable experience, were they not in the right frame of mind.
The playhouse is a great venue, easy to get to and a world class space.
The set was interesting and compelling but I didn't understand how it tied in with the talk. Likewise the gentleman with the spy glass.
The play started with a very long jarring sound playing. It was grating at the time but after the talk began in hindsight it felt like it was a pallet cleanser.
The performance itself was fantastic. Fascinating material and a wonderful actor who made it come to life.