Research Catalog

Roy Cohn/Jack Smith (raw video footage)

Title
Roy Cohn/Jack Smith (raw video footage) [videorecording] / Conceived and performed by Ron Vawter ; co-created by Gregory Mehrten, Clay Shirky, Ron Vawter and Marianne Weems ; "Roy Cohn" written by Gary Indiana ; "Jack Smith" written by Jack Smith.
Publication
London, 1993?

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Moving imageRestricted use NCOV 2475Performing Arts Research Collections - TOFT

Details

Additional Authors
  • Indiana, Gary.
  • Smith, Jack, 1932-1989.
  • Vawter, Ron
  • Mehrten, Greg
  • Shirky, Clay
  • Weems, Marianne
Description
3 videocassettes (VHS) (249 min.) : sd., col. SP; 1/2 in.
Summary
Backstage video, originally made for film director Jonathan Demme, documenting a performance of Ron Vawter's performance piece Roy Cohn/Jack Smith. At the time this tape was made, Demme was preparing to produce a film version of the piece. Vawter addresses comments to Demme throughout the video. The video begins with behind-the-scenes footage of Vawter and various others engaged in preparation for the show, then depicts the play in its entirety. After the performance there is a question and answer session with the audience.
Alternative Title
Jonathan Demme presents a Good Machine production Roy Cohn/Jack Smith
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Drama.
  • Documentaries and factual works.
  • Video.
Note
  • No credits on tape.
  • Video quality is erratic.
  • A videorecording of the New York production of this play, taped by the Wooster Group at the Performing Garage on June 3, 1992, is available on NCOV 1129. An earlier version of the play, taped in Columbus, Ohio, in February of 1992, is available on NCOV 2629.
Access (note)
  • Restricted to qualified researchers.
Event (note)
  • Videotaped at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, England, probably in July of 1993.
Biography (note)
  • Roy Cohn (1927-1986) was a New York-based attorney who achieved national fame while still in his 20s as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy. In later years Cohn was active in conservative causes. Jack Smith (1932-1989) remains best known for his controversial film Flaming Creatures, which was seized at its premiere in 1963 and declared obscene by the New York Criminal Court. In addition to his filmmaking Smith wrote and performed solo performance art pieces. Both Cohn and Smith died from AIDS-related causes.
Call Number
NCOV 2475
OCLC
NYPG05-F10707
Title
Roy Cohn/Jack Smith (raw video footage) [videorecording] / Conceived and performed by Ron Vawter ; co-created by Gregory Mehrten, Clay Shirky, Ron Vawter and Marianne Weems ; "Roy Cohn" written by Gary Indiana ; "Jack Smith" written by Jack Smith.
Imprint
London, 1993?
Access
Restricted to qualified researchers.
Performer
Featuring Ron Vawter.
Event
Videotaped at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, England, probably in July of 1993.
Biography
Roy Cohn (1927-1986) was a New York-based attorney who achieved national fame while still in his 20s as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy. In later years Cohn was active in conservative causes. Jack Smith (1932-1989) remains best known for his controversial film Flaming Creatures, which was seized at its premiere in 1963 and declared obscene by the New York Criminal Court. In addition to his filmmaking Smith wrote and performed solo performance art pieces. Both Cohn and Smith died from AIDS-related causes.
Local Note
Gift of Gregory F. Mehrten.
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Added Author
Indiana, Gary. Roy Cohn.
Smith, Jack, 1932-1989. Jack Smith.
Vawter, Ron, conceptor.
Vawter, Ron, actor.
Mehrten, Greg, conceptor.
Mehrten, Greg, director.
Shirky, Clay, conceptor.
Weems, Marianne, conceptor.
Mehrten, Greg, donor.
Research Call Number
NCOV 2475
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