What's Happening?
A new book titled “Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!” published by the University of Chicago Press, details the history and influence of the Organic Theater Company. The book, written by Mary Griswold, Cordis Heard, Jim Rinnert, and Mike Saad, chronicles
the company's journey from its controversial beginnings with Stuart Gordon and Carolyn Purdy in Madison, Wisconsin, to its significant role in shaping Chicago's theater scene. The Organic Theater Company, founded by Gordon, was known for its innovative, energetic, and improvisational productions, which former Tribune critic Richard Christiansen described as a powerful force in fostering talent. The book highlights key productions such as “Warp! Episode I: My Battlefield, My Body,” “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,” and the seminal play “Bleacher Bums,” which emerged during a financially challenging period for the company. It also touches upon collaborations with notable figures like David Mamet and the ensemble that included actors such as Joe Mantegna and Dennis Franz.
Why It's Important?
The book serves as a crucial historical record, aiming to reintroduce the Organic Theater Company to contemporary theater artists and enthusiasts. Despite its profound impact, the company's legacy is largely unknown to younger generations in Chicago's theater community. The Organic Theater Company was instrumental in establishing Chicago as a vibrant theatrical hub, fostering an environment of experimentation and growth that influenced what David Mamet called “the most influential epoch in American Theatre.” By documenting the company's creative processes, challenges, and successes, the book underscores the importance of its contributions to American theater. It highlights how a group of visionary artists, often operating on the brink of financial disaster, managed to produce groundbreaking work that captivated audiences and launched the careers of many prominent actors and playwrights, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of the United States.
What's Next?
The publication of “Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!” is expected to spark renewed interest in the history of Chicago theater and the Organic Theater Company. It may lead to discussions within academic and artistic circles about the company's methodologies and its enduring influence on contemporary performance. Theater historians and practitioners might use the book as a resource for understanding the evolution of American theater, particularly the development of ensemble-based and experimental approaches. The detailed accounts and photographs within the book could inspire new theatrical productions or revivals that draw from the Organic Theater's spirit of innovation. Furthermore, the book could prompt local theater organizations and educational institutions to incorporate the company's history into their curricula and programming, ensuring that its legacy is preserved and celebrated for future generations of artists.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its historical narrative, the book implicitly explores themes of artistic resilience, collaborative creativity, and the challenges of sustaining experimental theater. The Organic Theater Company's journey, marked by both triumphs and financial struggles, reflects the broader landscape of independent arts organizations in the U.S. The book also touches upon the cultural and political climate of the late 1960s and 1970s, showing how societal shifts influenced artistic expression, such as the controversial nude production of “Peter Pan” following the 1968 Democratic Convention. This context highlights the role of theater as a mirror and a catalyst for social commentary. The book's effort to revive the memory of a largely forgotten but highly influential company underscores the importance of preserving artistic heritage and recognizing the foundational contributions of groups that may not have achieved mainstream commercial success but profoundly shaped cultural movements.
