Research Catalog

Title

Poppa piece [sound recording] : conversations. May 8 and June, 1991.

Author

Robbins, Jerome.

Publication

1991.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Freedman, Gerald.
• Weidman, John, 1946-

Description

3 sound discs (ca. 160 min.) : digital; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

• Disc 1, from original tape 1 (ca. 63 min.) [Begins abruptly; contains pauses and interruptions.] Jerome Robbins, Gerald Freedman and John Weidman discuss the work, Poppa piece. Robbins discusses the main character Jay Whitby's sense of worthlessness, and Jay's (called Jake as a boy) need to prove himself through his work. Weidman, Freedman and Robbins discuss the development of the main character in the first act and in the trial scene. Robbins continues discussing the piece and explaining the main character. The group discusses the trial scene in detail [ca. 37 min. into the recording.] Freedman leaves [ca. 43 min. into the recording.] Robbins and Weidman discuss the need for more development of the Jake character before getting to the trial scene; Robbins says more on Jake's need to prove himself to his father; Robbins and Weidman discuss the trial scene, including how Jake's testimony will be interpreted by his family, and how the father will be portrayed.
• Disc 2, from original tape 2, side A (ca. 48 min.) [Begins abruptly; contains pauses and interruptions.] Robbins and Weidman discuss the work, Poppa piece. Weidman discusses Jewish assimilation as expressed in the pageant scene and the "I accept you" number. (Robbins verbally dates recording May 8th.) Robbins discusses the Poppa character; Jake's need to prove himself through his work; more discussion on the Jake role; Robbins and Weidman discuss the trial scene, including Jake's expression of rage; the play's first act and how the second act should be constructed; the song "Oy oy, that's my boy"; more on Jake's rage at the end of the trial scene; Poppa's dream scene.
• Disc 3, from original tape 2, side B (ca. 49 min.) Robbins and Weidman continue to discuss Poppa piece, including Jake's motivation, his need for success; the use of the workshop to try out ideas; plans for the next phase of the workshop; more on the Dream scene. Weidman discusses the importance of resolving the adult Jay character and the lack of character development in the work thus far.

Donor/Sponsor

Oral History Archive.

Series Statement

Jerome Robbins Collection

Subjects

• Jews > Drama
• Jews > Identity
• Experimental theater > New York (State) > New York
• Audiotapes > Robbins, J

Note

• Conversations between Jerome Robbins, John Weidman and Gerald Freedman recorded in 1991 on May 8 and on unspecified days in June.
• Handwritten on original cassette container one: Poppa piece conversations. June 1991. Weidman, Freedman, Robbins. Handwritten on orignal cassette container two: Poppa piece conversations. Date: Summer, 1991. John Weidman, Jerome Robbins. [Verbal date of May 8 in recording.]

Access (note)

• Permission required.

Funding (note)

• Preservation made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biography (note)

• Poppa piece is an experimental theater work created by Jerome Robbins addressing his relationship with his father, his work, and his Jewishness. The work contains dance, music and dialogue. It features two actors (a boy and a young man) who portray the central character; other characters include his father, his grandfather, and his mother. There is also a large cast of dancers. Poppa piece was rehearsed in workshops during 1991 at the Lincoln Center Theater but was never produced.

Call Number

*MGZTL 4-3287 JRC

OCLC

NYPT04-R162

Author

Robbins, Jerome.

Title

Poppa piece [sound recording] : conversations. May 8 and June, 1991.

Imprint

1991.

Series

Jerome Robbins Collection

Access

Permission required.

Funding

Preservation made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biography

Poppa piece is an experimental theater work created by Jerome Robbins addressing his relationship with his father, his work, and his Jewishness. The work contains dance, music and dialogue. It features two actors (a boy and a young man) who portray the central character; other characters include his father, his grandfather, and his mother. There is also a large cast of dancers. Poppa piece was rehearsed in workshops during 1991 at the Lincoln Center Theater but was never produced.

Local Note

Archive original: *MGZT0 7-3287 JRC

Preservation master: *MGZTP 10-3287 JRC

Dubbing master: *MGZTD 4-3287 JRC

Local Subject

Audiotapes -- Robbins, J.

Added Author

Freedman, Gerald.

Weidman, John, 1946-

Research Call Number

*MGZTL 4-3287 JRC