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
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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