What's Happening?
A new book titled 'Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!' by Mary Griswold, Cordis Heard, Jim Rinnert, and Mike Saad, delves into the history of Chicago's Organic Theater Company. The book chronicles the company's wild and influential period, which began
with visionary Stuart Gordon and his ensemble. Founded in 1970, the Organic Theater Company was known for its venturesome, innovative, and energetic productions, significantly shaping Chicago's theater scene. The book details key productions such as 'Warp! Episode I: My Battlefield, My Body,' 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,' and 'Sexual Perversity in Chicago.' It also highlights the creation of 'Bleacher Bums,' one of Chicago theater's greatest hits, which emerged during a financially challenging time for the company. The narrative covers the company's origins, including Gordon's controversial nude production of 'Peter Pan' in Madison, Wisconsin, and his subsequent move to Chicago, where he found a fertile ground for theatrical experimentation.
Why It's Important?
This book is important because it aims to preserve and reintroduce the legacy of the Organic Theater Company, which, despite its significant impact, is largely unknown to many contemporary young Chicago theater artists. The company fostered talents like Joe Mantegna, Dennis Franz, and Jackie Taylor, and its innovative approach influenced what David Mamet called 'the most influential epoch in American Theatre.' By documenting its history, the book provides valuable insights into the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs of a pivotal institution in American regional theater. It serves as a historical record and potentially an inspiration for new generations of theater practitioners, demonstrating how a small, experimental company can leave a lasting mark on the cultural landscape. The detailed accounts of its productions and the collaborative spirit of its ensemble offer a rich understanding of a transformative period in Chicago's artistic development.
What's Next?
The publication of 'Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!' is expected to reignite interest in the Organic Theater Company and its contributions to American theater. Theater enthusiasts, historians, and students may use the book as a resource to study the company's methods and impact. It could inspire revivals of some of the company's seminal works or influence contemporary theater groups to adopt similar experimental and ensemble-driven approaches. The book's detailed accounts and photographs may also lead to academic discussions and further research into the era of Chicago theater it describes. For the authors, the book represents a significant effort to ensure that the legacy of Stuart Gordon and the Organic Theater Company is not forgotten, potentially leading to broader recognition of their historical importance in the arts.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of the Organic Theater Company, as told in this book, reflects broader themes in American theater history, including the rise of regional theater movements and the impact of counter-cultural movements on artistic expression. The company's willingness to push boundaries, from nude performances to experimental science fiction epics, highlights the role of theater as a space for social commentary and artistic innovation. The book also implicitly explores the challenges faced by independent theater companies, such as financial struggles and the constant need for creative reinvention. The eventual departure of Stuart Gordon to Hollywood underscores the complex career paths of theater artists and the allure of different creative industries. Ultimately, the book serves as a testament to the enduring power of collaborative artistry and the lasting influence of a theater company that dared to be different, shaping not just Chicago's scene but contributing to the national theatrical dialogue.
