THE OPEN THEATRE in JEAN-CLAUDE VAN ITALLIE’s The Serpent.
New York City is truly a place that fosters the development of all kinds of artists in various fields and different ages. All these are made possible by the countless institutions that aim to offer the needs of every individual whether old or young. Also, New York is very well known for its contribution in acting industry due to the overwhelming talent that is being showcased in the stages of the best theaters in the land. With these contributions in mind, people who love acting and the arts would wish to take a trip to this city and enjoy its wondrous offering of artistic talents and productions.
Since a lot of artists in New York City are in constant search for techniques, philosophies, and strategies that would set them apart from the others or simply help them become better, a lot of experimentation occurs from time to time. One of the most influential experimental theater groups in the 1960s was the Open Theatre that was founded by a group of young and talented actors who at that time were merely students in acting.
Through the encouragement of their mentor, Nola Chilton, these students were able to create a very clear and concise understanding of the theater. It was a major intention of the group to further explore the ideologies of their mentor which was characterized by an investigation of the political and social issues but still maintained its artistic qualities. After some time, the group attracted the attention of individuals working in the professional scene such as Directors Joseph Chaikin and Peter Feldman.
The contributions of the Open Theatre further developed the triumph of avant garde theatre and plays. There are also several key points described in the Open Theatre such as the transformations, sound, and movement that defined its techniques more concretely. In the 1960s, the Open Theatre produced several radical productions such as America Hurrah, Viet Rock, and The Serpent. All these productions are continuously being shown through remakes in Broadway to share its wonders to the audiences of today.
As the next decade emerged, the Open Theatre continued to flourish and to become noticed in the entertainment scene. At the same time, there were also several criticisms coming from the Justice Department of the United States due to the violations that were noticed in the productions of a movie. This controversy was brought about by the ambitious simulation of an orgy scene in Zabriskie Point. Its director, Michelangelo Antonioni insisted together with the rest of its producers insisted that there were no violations made in this distinctively counterculture film because there had been no actual sex involved and it never crossed the state line.
As the hype regarding this controversy escalated, the Open Theatre had to look for ways to create a comeback. However, this led to the group being broken up. Its members never stopped despite the break up, but instead, they were able to form new affiliations as it produced the Talking Band, Medicine Show Theatre, and Spiderwoman Theatre.
For more than three decades, the Talking Band has received countless awards as an experimental theater company. Just like the Open Theatre, the Talking Band is also based in New York City. The key figures behind this theater company were three individuals who were molded and trained under the supervision of the main mentor of the Open Theatre. These production heads include Paul Zimet as its artistic director, Ellen Maddow who pioneered the compositions and scripts, and its director, Tina Shepard. These individuals ensured that the Talking Band will be known for its ability to combine artistic music, appropriate language, and well choreographed movement into every production. This theater aims to create unique experiences for its audiences through unconventional means based on a great range of subjects and themes. Since its first productions, the Talking Band has been able to create more than forty original plays performed in various venues around the world.
It may sound simple; yet, the Medicine Shows have helped bring theater and its artistic creations to people around the world and across many social classes. Literally, the Medicine Show Theatre sold various products, as well as so-called miracle medications in the United States while having entertainment acts that ranged from musical, flea circus, to magic. These miracle formulations were said to be a cure for any disease and prolong life.
Another branch of the Open Theatre was the Spider Woman Theatre were some of the original members of the defunct productions created. In 1976, Muriel Miguel gathered a group of women who started this organization that aims to enrich and foster femininity. Its members were made up of women of different ages and races but they managed to work towards a similar goal – to question and oppose stereotypes.
The philosophies built by the students of Nola Chilton never went to waste. As one of the earlier members of the productions, Director Joseph Chaikin recreated the idealisms of the productions through the Open Theatre. With this and all the achievements that were later on awarded to Open Theatre, Chaikin continued on in becoming a well recognized director of his time. It ensured that every script that is brought to life makes the audience feel the emotions rather than to simply think of the causes and outcomes of events.
Up until today, the Open Theatre ensures that various idealisms and beliefs provide diversity to meet the expectations and interests of the audience of the theater. Although many actors, directors, and productions prefer to utilize a mixture of several techniques in every play that they produce, the contributions of the Open Theatre is still as evident in the different presentations seen in Broadway and in many stages around the globe. It is also part of the future of theater that this would pave the way for the future developments in artistic representation especially dramatics and theater productions. Similar to the beginnings of the Open Theatre and as its beliefs came from the experimentation and investigation of young and talented actors, the future of theater plays still lies in the past and the contributions of this philosophy.