Public Programs And Events

Erwin Piscator was one of the most original, and influential, directors and producers of theater in the twentieth century, not just in the German-speaking lands where his career began, but also in the United States, where he took refuge in mid-century New York.

An unapologetic Communist, Piscator was an exemplary man in dark times—his passion for fierce art forms that challenged the status quo was never dimmed by his episodic struggles against political persecution. In Europe in the 20s and 30s, he collaborated with playwrights like Brecht, composers like Hanns Eisler, and visual artists like John Heartfield and Wieland Herzfelde. During his time in New York, Piscator founded the Dramatic Workshop at The New School in 1940, and trained myriad actors, including Marlon Brando, Judith Malina, Tony Curtis, Tony Randall, Elaine Stritch, Ben Gazzara, and Harry Belafonte. His friend Brecht once said that “Piscator is the greatest theatre man of all time. He will leave a legacy which we should use.”

To honor the 50th anniversary of Erwin Piscator's death, The New School, in partnership with Elysium, will present two talks between two continents exploring the theater impresario's enduring legacy.    

 

With special guests Dr. Erika Fischer-Lichte, Professor of Theater at the Insitut für TTheaterwissenschaft, Freie Universität, Berlin, and Michael Lahr, Executive Director of the Lahr von Leïtis Academy & Archive, and Vice Chairman of the Erwin Piscator Award Society.

For more information, please contact Ginger Dellenbaugh: dellenbaugh@newschool.edu

 

Sponsored by Eugene Lang College and the College of Performing Arts at The New School.