The scripts for the short theatrical pieces of Staging Old Masters were drawn from hours of observation, theatrical improvisation, and historical research. The language below—standing apart from the performance scripts—is collaged from the actors’ first observations of (and improvisations around) the paintings; it reflects the development of their techniques of seeing. You can click on a painting to be taken to our web catalogue, and see the work in its gallery context.

Corrado Giaquinto, Italian, 1703-1766, St. Helena and the Emperor Constantine Presented to the Holy Trinity by the Virgin Mary, 1741-42, oil on canvas, 137 1/8 x 56 13/16 in. (348.3 x 144.3 cm), Saint Louis Museum Purchase

Lamonte J., Samantha T., Dawn S., 2/24/2009

When stars go up * I should have listened. * The end of an era.  Constantine is cleaning up the house, so the Lord can open in some new souls.  That’s the depiction of all the new babies.  An’ all the old souls an’ all the new souls can come again and start anew. * Holdin’ his head up to God an’ he’s gettin’ all the power * Some bird-a-freedom? Read More