Robert Wilson: 1. HAVE YOU BEEN HERE BEFORE 2. NO THIS IS THE FIRST TIME

Presidential Lecturer

In an exceptional performance, director and artist Robert Wilson invites us into his astonishing aesthetic universe. Combining striking images from throughout his prolific career, Wilson will provide an intimate self-portrait of his creative process. Mr. Wilson will reference his landmark original works for the stage such as Deafman Glance, A Letter for Queen Victoria, Einstein on the Beach (created with composer Philip Glass), the CIVIL warS, and The Black Rider, as well as his acclaimed work for the operatic and theatrical repertoire including his luminous stagings of Madame Butterfly, Wagner’s Ring Cycle, The Magic Flute, Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and Heiner Mueller’s Quartett.

Since the late 1960s, Robert Wilson's productions have decisively shaped the look of theater and opera. Through his signature use of light, his investigations into the structure of a simple movement, the classical rigor of his scenic and furniture design, Wilson has continuously articulated the force and originality of his vision. Wilson's close ties and collaborations with leading artists, writers, and musicians continue to fascinate audiences worldwide.