Born in Waco, Texas, in 1941, director and visual artist Robert Wilson is one of the major artists on the international scene. In the theater as in the opera, this creator combines music, colors, dance, text and throws his performers into surreal visions. In the 1970s, he shook the gaze of the French public with two shows that became cult: The Gaze of the Deaf et Einstein on the Beach. Invited to the Théâtre de la Ville-Sarah Bernhardt, as part of the Autumn Festival, with her creation Person. Since I've Been Meit was in Paris that he learned of the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
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What state of mind have you been in since Trump's election?
What my country is experiencing is a tragedy. But, beyond the worry, I am and remain a positive person. The darker the times get, the more light we need. Let us not forget the great leaders of the past: because they were driven by hope, Gandhi or Martin Luther King faced darkness. I grew up in the heart of a far-right community and among religious fanatics. I can tell you that in the 1950s and 1960s it was impossible to walk down the street with an African American without being persecuted. With a single speech, “I have a dream”, Marthan Luther King changed the history of the 20the century. People were able to march peacefully. Even though they were chained, beaten, enslaved, black people created literature and music full of hope. Hundreds of songs make up their Negro spiritual repertoire and not one is negative. We are not at a time where anger should prevail. We must look for positive solutions and find the leader who will bring back the light. It is a challenge, today more than ever.
Even if she failed against Trump, can Kamala Harris be that leader?
I think so. She said something beautiful and true: being sad allows you to grow. In a few months, Kamala Harris has turned the situation around and accomplished work that is all the more remarkable given that she is a woman in a country teeming with misogynistic prejudices. She planted a seed that will continue to grow.
Is the United States ready to hand over power to a woman?
It remains difficult. Not so long ago, in the United States, black people were still servants. Barack Obama's accession to the White House was an incredible event. Years from now, when we look back, we will understand how narrow-minded we were. As of now, we have not yet reached that moment where a woman can be elected president. But this moment is coming, and we must do everything to make it happen. A monster is there that threatens us. Kamala Harris drew her sword and faced this monster. I don't think she'll be sheathing it again anytime soon.
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