Opera: Prologue and Act V of Robert Wilson Work
Stage pictures, it will be protested by Mr. Wilson's disciples, do not need to convey ordinary, linear meaning to be striking and even emotionally provocative. Granted. For perhaps two minutes, one may savor the sight of a procession of white-robed blacks moving almost imperceptibly across a stage, then ennui sets in. Again and again, however, the long-term effect is of a tableau vivant extended beyond tolerance or point. That the characters and props in the tableaux move, if only glacially, does add a dimension to a theatrical ancient device, but on the whole even Mr. Wilson's scenic coups prove less original and spectacular than one had been led to expect.
None of the above should be construed as failure to appreciate Mr. Wilson's eye for stage pictures or his organizational gifts. His genius, in fact, may lie in his ability to bring gifted people into his orbit, which is any director's necessary first step toward fame and fortune.
THE CAST - THE CIVIL WARS: A TREE IS BEST MEASURED WHEN IT IS DOWN, Act V - the Rome Section, opera by Philip Glass and Robert Wilson; music by Philip Glass; text by Maita di Niscemi and Mr. Wilson; conducted by Bruce Ferden; designed and directed by Mr. Wilson; choreography by Ulysses Dove; scenic design by Tom Kamm and Mr. Wilson; costume design by Christophe de Menil; lighting design by Beverly Emmons and Mr. Wilson; audio score by Hans Peter Kuhn; sound design by Tom Sorce. With the Brooklyn Philharmonic Concert Chorale of New York, Constantine A. Kitsopoulos, choral master-assistant conductor.
At the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Snow Owl/Alcmene...Claudia Cummings; Earth Mother/Mrs. Lincoln...Ruby Hinds; Garibaldi...Paul Spencer Adkins; Abraham Lincoln...Harlan Foss; Hercules...Bruce Kramer; Robert E. Lee...Paul Collins; Young Mrs. Lincoln...Jennifer Rohn; Eagle...Vernon Landix Scott; Rain Priestess...Cristina Perera; Sun...Daedra Kaehler; Serpent...Nancy Sakamoto; Corn Maidens...Stacey Denham, Christine Clark; Kachina Clown...Mark Ruhala, Joel Kirby, Steve Bromer.