Wooster Group

The Wooster Group was formed in the mid-1970s by members of the Performance Group, a New York-based theatrical troupe devoted to experimental work. The Performance Group was founded by Richard Schechner in 1967 and counted among its members Spalding Gray and Elizabeth LeCompte. After Schechner left in 1975, LeCompte became director of the company, which was renamed for its space's location, 33 Wooster Street. The Wooster Group became known for avant garde "deconstructions" of such familiar texts as OUR TOWN, THE THREE SISTERS, and Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE, although use of excerpts from the latter play in a work called L.S.D. provoked legal action from Miller and forced the show to close. Prominent actors in the Wooster Group include Spalding Gray, Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi, and Kate Valk. Other notable Wooster productions include NORTH ATLANTIC, ROUTE 1 & 9, and Vawter's one-person show ROY COHN/JACK SMITH.

From the guide to the Wooster Group ephemera, 1976-1999, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

The Wooster Group was formed in the mid-1970s by members of the Performance Group, a New York-based theatrical troupe devoted to experimental work.

The Performance Group was founded by Richard Schechner in 1967 and counted among its members Spalding Gray and Elizabeth LeCompte. After Schechner left in 1975, LeCompte became director of the company, which was renamed for its space's location, 33 Wooster Street. The Wooster Group became known for avant garde "deconstructions" of such familiar texts as OUR TOWN, THE THREE SISTERS, and Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE, although use of excerpts from the latter play in a work called L.S.D. provoked legal action from Miller and forced the show to close. Prominent actors in the Wooster Group include Spalding Gray, Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi, and Kate Valk. Other notable Wooster productions include NORTH ATLANTIC, ROUTE 1 & 9, and Vawter's one-person show ROY COHN/JACK SMITH.

From the description of Wooster Group ephemera, 1976-1999. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122607161