Hermann Nitsch
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Hermann Nitsch (b. August 29, 1938) is an Austrian artist who works in experimental and multimedia modes. He is associated with the Vienna Actionists, and like them conceives of his art outside traditional categories of genre.
In the 1950s, Nitsch conceived of the Orgien Mysterien Theater (which roughly translates as Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries), staging nearly 100 performances between the years of 1962 and 1998. These ritualistic performance actions, often included staged crucifixions and animal slaughter, incorporating other ritualistic actions as well as music and dance.
By 1995, Nitsch had been sufficiently embraced by the establishment that the Vienna State Opera invited him to direct and design the sets and costumes for Jules Massenet's opera "Herodiade."
In 1998, Nitsch staged his 100th performance (named the 6-Day Play after its length) which took place at his castle in Austria, Schloss Prinzendorf. In 2004, he held an abbreviated (2-day) version of the work. He continues to publish articles and release CDs.[1] [May 2007]
