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Avant-Garde Theater Pioneer Robert Wilson Dies at 83

The Watermill Center confirmed his passing, with upcoming memorials scheduled at venues that shaped his career

American dancers Lucinda Childs (left) and Sheryl Sutton perform in 'Knee Play 1' from 'Einstein on the Beach' (by Robert Wilson and Philip Glass) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House, Brooklyn, New York, New York, December 8, 1984.
Robert Wilson. Photo by Bronwen Sharp, courtesy of Watermill Center.
Robert Wilson pictured on a sofa with furniture around
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Overview

  • He died peacefully today at his home in Water Mill, New York, at the age of 83 after a brief but acute illness, according to an official statement
  • Wilson redefined performance by fusing theater, opera, visual art, lighting, movement, sculpture, music and text into unified productions
  • His collaborative works include co-creating the landmark opera Einstein on the Beach with Philip Glass and projects with Lucinda Childs, Tom Waits and Lady Gaga
  • He founded The Watermill Center in 1992 as an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts, which hosts hundreds of artists annually and continues his experimental ethos
  • The Watermill Center said it will announce dates and locations for memorial services soon to honor his enduring influence