Wagner’s Theater Innovations

Many Wagnerians are drawn to Wagner primarily because of his contributions to theatre, rather than music. Many modern theatrical practices were introduced by Wagner. This program traces the development of Western theater up to the early 19th Century, and shows how Wagner – both in theory and in practice – was a critical figure in presaging modern theatrical production.

About the presenter: Peter Phillips is an attorney specializing in mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution.  He serves as Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Law and Director of the ADR Skills program at New York Law School.  He is a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.  Classmates during his training included Imelda Stanton, Ciaran Hinds, Alan Rickman, Kenneth Brannagh and Kevin R. McNally.  He subsequently appeared in many productions on and off Broadway, in regional theaters, and on film and television, including Henry V with Meryl Streep; Equus with Anthony Perkins; Stone Pillow with Lucille Ball; Macbeth with Nicol Williamson; Caucasian Chalk Circle with Robert Prosky and Christine Esterbrook; a recurring role in All My Children with Susan Lucci; Hamlet with John Glover; Cherry Orchard with Irene Worth and Raul Julia; Eccentricities of a Nightingale with Jill Eickenberry; Playing for Time with Vanessa Redgrave; and Winter’s Tale with Brian Murray.  He directed productions of La Boheme at Brooklyn Opera; Sweeney Todd at the University of Michigan; Company in London; Wisteria Trees at the York Theatre; and several other stage productions off-Broadway and in college theaters. He is a magna cum laude graduate of New York Law School and is a member of both Actor’s Studio and Ensemble Studio Theatre. 

The event will be followed by a social hour with refreshments.