Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars poster

Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars

9.0(2)19871h 33m1

Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars is an in-depth documentation of Robert Wilson’s ambitious attempt to stage an epic, twelve-hour, multinational opera for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Filmmaker Howard Brookner follows the avant-garde theatre director as he confronts a hectic work schedule, funding difficulties and relentless international travel in attempt to complete his preparations. The film examines Wilson’s unique theatrical style during The Civil Wars: A Tree Is Best Measured When It Is Down, which involves the continual creation of evocative stage sets, owing to a unique juxtaposition of movement, sound, text and image. Known for his precise, painterly images Wilson’s work derives more from visual art than the orthodox literary traditions of theatre. As a result, Wilson often challenges actors to perform in a boldly minimalist style, as well as collaborating with non-actors, such as young autistic poet Christopher Knowles in Einstein on the Beach.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
German

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

United States of America

Where to watch

All options

Availability for United States. Provided by JustWatch through the TMDB API.

Gallery

Still from Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars

Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • Theatrical (limited)4K restoration 17 Apr 2026
  • CanadaCA

    • TheatricalToronto Film Festival14 Sept 1987

Frequently asked questions

Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars was released on 14 September 1987.

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