Restored from the original B&W 1⁄2” open reel EIAJ master tapes. Total running time: 35 minutes.


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The first public performance (and only recording of the work) videotaped May 17, 1975

$20.00

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In 1975 I was fortunate to be able to record the very first performance of a new work “Turning the Earth: a ceremony for spring planting in five ritual acts,” which is a creation of Julian Beck, Judith Malina and The Living Theatre Collective. Judith told me in 2002 that it is the only recording of this work.

This truly incredible performance began with a procession down a Northside Pittsburgh street closed for "Summerfest". The 20 members of the troupe were screaming, whirling, gesturing – and people who witnessed this who were unaware of what they were seeing thought that the inmates of an insane asylum had been let out into the streets.

The startling procession led the audience to the performance area which was a vacant lot in front of 500 West North Avenue – a house occupied by the collective. The play is part of the Living Theatre ‘Legacy of Cain series, and is The House of Property: Garden Play Number 1. It deals with issues around ownership of land (the Earth) and its reclamation by the people.

Recording the Living Theatre was for me a life-changing experience. I was 22 years old and I spent the next afternoon with Judith, Julian and the collective playing the tapes back a number of times and talking to them. They were instrumental in my political and philosophical and sexual and artistic development. I told Julian Beck I was so fascinated that I felt like joining them and documenting their work and his response was, "Why don't you?" I really seriously considered it, and when I look at this tape I remember the passion of those times and I wish that I had.

– Craig B. Highberger