Absolute Wilson is an interesting documentary about a theatre director, but does not convey the power of Wilson’s work.

I saw Wilson’s Einstein On the Beach in 1992. Part meditation, part spectacle, pure experience; and one of the most phenomenal nights I have ever spent in a theatre.

Director Katharina Otto-Bernstein is also an admirer, which influences her choices. The film avoids criticism, and contribution by significant Wilson collaborators is noticeably absent.

Very successful is her exploration of how Wilson developed his unique theatrical language. Possibly his most powerful works have never been seen in public. Wilson used theatre games in schools & hospitals to enable communication with patients & children ‘unable’ to communicate. I would love to have seen The Black Rider, but even better would have been a piece performed in a hospital in the late ’60s. The cast were patients who could only make small movements with their hand or mouth. They were connected by photosensitive string. They created a visual language showing they could communicate.

Absolute Wilson gave me a greater understanding of an artist I admire. I would have liked more debate & wish the film could have captured the experience of being in theatre. Fortunately, this can be achieved by seeing his new work at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in October.