I Was Sitting on My Patio This Guy Appeared I Thought I Was Hallucinating

N.p. / London: N.p. / Robert Wilson, 1977 / 1978. Archive of two scripts for Robert Wilson's iconic play, including an annotated script dated “12/76-2/77” and a copy of the 1978 publication of the script, published on the occasion of the June 5-11 performances at the Royal Court Theatre in London. 1978 publication bears a contemporary gift inscription on the title page, dated "London June 6, 1978," the date of the second Royal Court performance.

Interestingly, the 1977 script is a one act play (as opposed to the final two act production) but retains all the production credits on the title page for Wilson, co-performer Lucinda Childs, and music by Alan Lloyd, as well as the title used in the final film. The annotations highlight stage actions, props, and off-stage clues. Script also bears copied annotations and illustrations of stage directions and prop usage, indicating the script’s likely use by Wilson in preparation for the premiere, or by Wilson or Childs during the production itself.

The play premiered at Eastern Michigan University on April 5, 1977, barely a year after Wilson's revolutionary opera "Einstein on the Beach," before traveling to the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York in May, 1977. In 1978, productions were mounted in ten European cities, ending in June at The Royal Court Theatre. A re-staged version, starring Christopher Nell and Julie Shanahan, and directed by Wilson and Childs, premiered 44 years later, on September 20, 2021, at Espace Cardin in Paris.

A fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind a seminal piece of experimental theater.

"12/76-2/77" script:

Self wrappers with front wrapper integral with title page, with credits for playwright Robert Wilson, performers Lucinda Childs and Robert Wilson, and music by Alan Lloyd. First page dated "12/76-2/77" on upper left with credits for playwright Robert Wilson on upper right. 39 leaves, with last page of text with a copied annotation number of 38. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, side stapled with six staples, three on recto and three on verso, with light toning to the extremities.

1978 script:

11.75 x 8.75 inches, side stapled in card wrappers. Very Good plus, with light toning and creasing at spine fold, wrappers with light rubbing overall, some edgewear, and creasing at spine fold.

[Book #155042]