{"value"=>"<p>Elizabeth Swados (1951-2016) was born in Buffalo, New York on February 5, 1951. She was raised by her father, Robert, who was an attorney, and her mother, Sylvia Maisel, an actress and poet. Maisel struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout her life, and committed suicide in 1974. Swados also had a brother, Lincoln, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and died in 1989.</p> <p>Swados attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she studied music and creative writing. While a student, she composed the score for Andrei Serban's adaptation of <span class=\"title\">Medea</span>, which was performed at Manhattan's La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, and earned Swados her first Obie award in 1973. She graduated from Bennington later that year with a Bachelor of Arts degree.</p> <p>After college, Swados relocated to New York City, where she pursued work in theater. In 1977, she composed music for Broadway revivals of both <span class=\"title\">The Cherry Orchard</span> and <span class=\"title\">Agamemnon</span>, and wrote and directed the Off-Broadway revue, <span class=\"title\">Nightclub Cantata</span>, which garnered her two Drama Desk Award nominations.</p> <p>Swados' breakthrough hit came with <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span>, a musical revue that she wrote, composed, and directed. The production, which premiered at the Public Theater in February 1978, addressed the lives of teenagers who had run away from home. Swados developed the revue's stories through a series of workshops she held with teenage runaways living in New York City, and cast some of these teenagers in the production. <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span> was met with so much acclaim that it was moved to Broadway in May of 1978, receiving an Obie Award for best direction, as well as five Tony nominations and four Drama Desk Award nominations.</p> <p>In 1979, Swados composed and directed the musical <span class=\"title\">Dispatches</span>, based on the book by <span class=\"title\">Rolling Stone</span> reporter Michael Herr about the Vietnam War and the music it inspired. That same year, she also composed the music for <span class=\"title\">Alice in Concert</span>, a musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's <span class=\"title\">Alice in Wonderland</span> and <span class=\"title\">Through the Looking Glass</span>. <span class=\"title\">Alice in Concert</span> premiered at the Public Theater in 1980 starring Meryl Streep, and was produced and directed by Joseph Papp. A television adaptation, <span class=\"title\">Alice at the Palace</span>, was broadcast on the PBS network.</p> <p>For her next major project, Swados collaborated with cartoonist Garry Trudeau, composing the music for two theatrical social satires, <span class=\"title\">Doonesbury</span> and <span class=\"title\">Rap Master Ronnie</span>. The former premiered on Broadway in 1983 and was based on Trudeau's comic strip, while the latter debuted in 1984, billed as a \"partisan revue\" of the Reagan administration.</p> <p>In 1985, Swados was awarded the Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play for her musical, <span class=\"title\">The Beautiful Lady</span>. She continued to forge a successful theater career, composing, writing, and directing such productions as <span class=\"title\">The Hating Pot</span>, a musical performance piece about racism and anti-Semitism that was filmed in 1995, <span class=\"title\">Groundhog</span> (1992), <span class=\"title\">Prince and the Pauper</span> (1994), <span class=\"title\">Missionaries</span> (1996), <span class=\"title\">The 49 Years</span> (1997), <span class=\"title\">The Caucasian Chalk Circle</span> (1998), <span class=\"title\">Jabu</span> (2005), <span class=\"title\">Kaspar Hauser: A Foundling's Opera</span> (2009), <span class=\"title\">Narcissus</span> (2010), <span class=\"title\">Triangle: From the Fire</span> (2011), <span class=\"title\">Revolting Rhymes</span> (2011), <span class=\"title\">La MaMa Cantata</span> (2011), and <span class=\"title\">Piano Bar</span> (2013). Swados also wrote a number of Jewish-themed works including, <span class=\"title\">The Haggadah: A Passover Cantata</span> (1980), <span class=\"title\">Esther, A Vaudeville Megillah</span> (1988), <span class=\"title\">Song of Songs</span> (1989), <span class=\"title\">Jonah</span> (1990), <span class=\"title\">Job: A Circus</span> (1990), <span class=\"title\">Jerusalem</span> (1992), <span class=\"title\">Bible Women</span> (2001), <span class=\"title\">Jewish Girlz</span> (2003), and <span class=\"title\">Atonement</span> (2008).</p> <p>In addition to her own theater work, Swados devoted much of her time to education and collaboration with youth and adolescents. She led numerous theater workshops for young people, and taught in the drama departments at both New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and The New School's Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts. In partnership with her students, Swados was commissioned by the New York University Wellness Exchange to create <span class=\"title\">Reality Show</span>, a musical performance piece that addressed issues faced by new students living away from home for the first time. The piece was performed at such venues as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Skirball Center at New York University, and on New York University's Abu Dhabi campus.</p> <p>Swados was also a prolific writer and published four books of fiction, a book of poetry, two memoirs, three works of nonfiction, and seven books for children. Her writing also appeared in an array of magazines and literary journals. Her adult fiction includes <span class=\"title\">Leah and Lazar</span> (1982), <span class=\"title\">Flamboyánt</span> (1988), <span class=\"title\">The Myth Man</span> (1984), and <span class=\"title\">Walking the Dog</span> (2016); and her children's books are, <span class=\"title\">The Girl With the Incredible Feeling</span> (1976), <span class=\"title\">Lullaby</span> (1980), <span class=\"title\">Skydance</span> (1981), <span class=\"title\">Inside Out</span> (1990), <span class=\"title\">Dreamtective</span> (1999), <span class=\"title\">Hey you! C'mere: A Poetry Slam</span> (2002), and <span class=\"title\">The Animal Rescue Store</span> (2005). In 2009, she released her book of poetry, <span class=\"title\">The One and Only Human Galaxy</span>.</p> <p>In 1991, Swados published <span class=\"title\">The Four of Us: A Family Memoir</span>, about her experiences growing up among family members struggling with mental illness. Her second memoir, <span class=\"title\">My Depression: A Picture Book</span> (2005), addressed Swados' own struggle with depression and featured her illustrations. She adapted the memoir into an animated television film, <span class=\"title\">My Depression (The Up and Down and Up of It)</span>, which starred Sigourney Weaver as Swados. The film aired on HBO in July of 2015.</p> <p>Swados died in New York City on January 5, 2016 due to complications from surgery for esophageal cancer. She is survived by her wife, Roz Lichter.</p>"}
{"value"=>"<p>The Elizabeth Swados papers, Additions extensively document the career of playwright, director, composer, writer, and artist Elizabeth Swados. Dating from 1950 to 2015, the collection documents both the artistic and business aspects of Swados's career through scripts, scores, contracts, photographs, publicity materials, posters, artwork, personal diaries, notebooks, and audio and moving image recordings.</p> <p>The collection has documentation of Swados's theater works; oratorios; music for films and television; books; and various other types of work and collaborations. Works documented in the collection include <span class=\"title\">Agamemnon</span>, <span class=\"title\">Alice in Concert</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Beautiful Lady</span>, <span class=\"title\">Bible Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Conscience and Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust</span>, <span class=\"title\">Dispatches</span>, <span class=\"title\">Doonesbury</span>, <span class=\"title\">Elektra</span>, <span class=\"title\">Esther: A Vaudeville Megillah</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Haggadah</span>, <span class=\"title\">Hansel and Gretel</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Hating Pot</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jabu</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jerusalem: An Oratorio</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jewish Girlz</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jonah</span>, <span class=\"title\">Kaspar Hauser: A Foundling's Opera</span>, <span class=\"title\">Medea</span>, <span class=\"title\">Missionaries</span>, <span class=\"title\">Nightclub Cantata</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Nomad</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Prince and the Pauper</span>, <span class=\"title\">Rap Master Ronnie</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Red Sneaks</span>, <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Trojan Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Weather</span>, and others.</p> <p>The Additions are in two series, Personal and Professional Files, and Audio and Moving Image Recordings.</p> <p>Series I: Personal and Professional Files comprises alphabetical files regarding productions, works, writings, projects, and other subjects; scripts and scores; publicity and press files; awards; notebooks and journals; photographs; and business records.</p> <p>Series II: Audio and Moving Image Recordings covers a larger number of works than Series I. It traces the development of theater works from demos and workshop recordings to rehearsals and performances. It also holds Swados's live performances of selections of her work; interviews with Swados; Swados's field recordings of indigenous music in various countries; her mix tapes of commercially-released music; and unidentified recordings. Works by Ellen Stewart are present as well.</p>"}
{"value"=>"<p class='list-head'>The Elizabeth Swados papers, additions are arranged in two series:</p>\n<ul class='arrangement series-descriptions'>\n<li><div class='series-title'><a href='/the/184552#c1733724'>Series I: Professional and Personal Files</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1950-2014</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>This series holds papers and photographs documenting primarily Swados's professional life, though some content regards her personal life as well.</p> <p>The Alphabetical Files evidence Swados's productions, works, writings, and other projects; as well as general subjects and individuals, dating from the beginning of her career to 2001. Some of these files are also listed by format or file type. These materials include drafts of scripts, scores, and other writings; programs, clippings, posters, flyers, and other promotional materials; correspondence; notes; budgets; contracts; research materials, designs; and drawings.</p> <p>The full span of Swados's career is covered more extensively with Scores and Scripts from theatrical productions, writings, and compositions. Every stage of her composition process is documented through sheet music, hand-written notes, and printed and published scores. Alphabetical Files, which cover many of the same productions as Scripts and Scores, contain a wider range of materials, though they cover a shorter date span. Scripts and Scores occasionally contain photographs, notes, research materials, correspondence, and publicity materials. See also Series III for audio or video content documenting projects found in these files.</p> <p>Publicity and Press Files consist of reviews, clippings, posters, flyers and other publicity materials. They may include photographs, programs and other production materials.</p> <p>Awards, Honors, Tributes, and Other Events contain programs, correspondence, certificates and other materials relating to awards, tributes, and honorary degrees for which Swados was nominated or received. These include multiple Drama Desk Award nominations (for <span class=\"title\">Nightclub Cantata</span> and <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span>), a Grammy Award nomination (for the <span class=\"title\">Doonesbury</span> cast album), and Tony Award nominations (in multiple categories for <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span>), and a Jewish Cultural Achievement Award.</p> <p>Notebooks, Journals, and Diaries, which are largely undated, provide insight into every aspect of Swados's life and career. Some contain notes on the writing or rehearsing of productions; some contain drafts of poems, lyrics, cartoons, and drawings; and others contain personal diaries and autobiographical writings, concerning her personal life, friends, family, sexuality, and sexual encounters. Box 89 includes cards and invitations.</p> <p>Also included are photographs of productions; performances; professional headshots; a few photos of Swados's childhood and family; photographs with friends and pets; photographs while traveling, while giving lectures, and at other public appearances. Productions include <span class=\"title\">Bible Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Doonesbury</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Hating Pot</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jerusalem</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Red Sneaks</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Runaways</span>.</p> <p>Contracts, Agreements, Royalties, and Other Business Files paint a comprehensive picture of the business side of an artist's career. There are multiple drafts and final signed copies of contracts and agreements for Swados' theatrical productions and other professional works, as well as royalty statements for plays and songs. Swados's wife, Rosalind Lichter, was also her lawyer, and they maintained detailed business records.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/the/184552#c1733731'>Series II: Audio and Moving Image Recordings</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1971-2015</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>This series documents most of Swados's theatrical, film, and television work and collaborations, from demos and workshop recordings to rehearsals and performances and finished recordings. They also contain Swados's live performances of selections of her work; interviews with Swados; Swados's field recordings of indigenous music in various countries; Swados's mix tapes of commercially-released music; and unidentified recordings. Works by Ellen Stewart are present as well.</p> <p>The series is in 11 major divisions: Projects, Commencement Addresses, Compilations, Demos, Field Recordings, Holiday Music, Interviews, Mix Tapes, Performances, Work Recordings, and Unidentified.</p> <p>The Project recordings of Swados's major works consist of work and composition recordings; demos; rehearsals; and performances. Most are audio recordings, but some video is present as well. Many of the works start with Swados composing with her own vocals and solo guitar, though as the 1980s progressed she employed more digital keyboards, recording production, and score realization software to compose and create demos. Compositions were also created and shaped during rehearsals with cast members and other musicians.</p> <p>The Projects include stage and vocal works; music for plays; film and television soundtracks; and music for dance. Stage and vocal works created primarily by Swados (as composer, writer, and director) with audio and/or video documentation include <span class=\"title\">The 49 Years</span>, <span class=\"title\">Alice in Concert</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Beautiful Lady</span>, <span class=\"title\">Bible Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Conscience and Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust</span>, <span class=\"title\">Dispatches</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Emperor's New Clothes</span>, <span class=\"title\"> Esther: A Vaudeville Megillah</span>, <span class=\"title\">Giving Thanks</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Golem</span>, <span class=\"title\">Groundhog</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Haggadah: A Passover Cantata</span>, <span class=\"title\">Hansel and Gretel</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Hating Pot</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Incredible Feeling Show</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jabu</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jerusalem</span>, <span class=\"title\">Job: A Circus</span>, <span class=\"title\">Jonah</span>, <span class=\"title\">Kasper Hauser: A Foundling's Opera</span>, <span class=\"title\">Lullabye and Goodnight</span>, <span class=\"title\">Millennium Lounge</span>, <span class=\"title\">Missionaries</span>, <span class=\"title\">The New Americans</span>, <span class=\"title\">Nightclub Cantata</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Pied Piper</span>, <span class=\"title\">Piano Bar</span>, <span class=\"title\">Political Subversities</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Prince and the Pauper</span>, <span class=\"title\">Samuels</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Secret Window</span>, <span class=\"title\">Song of Songs</span>, <span class=\"title\">Songs of Innocence and Experience</span>, <span class=\"title\">Swing</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Trojan Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Under Fire</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Violence Project</span>, <span class=\"title\">Weather</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Women of Hope and Valor</span>.</p> <p>Other Swados projects here are <span class=\"title\">Songs of Innocence and Experience</span> (an adaptation of poetry by William Blake shot for television); the television program <span class=\"title\">Wilfrid's Special Christmas</span>; the Swados-directed film <span class=\"title\">What Do Children Think of When They Think of the Bomb?</span>; and television and film projects with music by Swados, such as <span class=\"title\">Animal Alphabet</span>, the documentary <span class=\"title\">Gauguin the Savage</span>, <span class=\"title\">Barn Burning</span>, <span class=\"title\">Family Sins</span>, <span class=\"title\">Four Friends</span>, <span class=\"title\">The House of Ramón Iglesia</span>, <span class=\"title\">King of America</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Occult History of the Third Reich</span>, <span class=\"title\">OHMS</span>, <span class=\"title\">Rapaccini's Daughter</span>, <span class=\"title\">A Year in the Life</span>, <span class=\"title\">Rate It X</span>, <span class=\"title\">Saying Kaddish</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Too Far to Go</span>. Also present is footage and trailers for a never-completed documentary by Swados titled <span class=\"title\">Haircut</span>, about the relationships between women and their hair.</p> <p>Documented projects on which Swados collaborated with others include stage works created with Andrei Serban (<span class=\"title\">Agamemnon</span>, <span class=\"title\">Medea</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Trojan Women</span>, <span class=\"title\">Electra</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span>), Peter Brook (<span class=\"title\">The Conference of the Birds</span>), and Garry Trudeau (<span class=\"title\">Doonesbury</span> and <span class=\"title\">Rap Master Ronnie</span>); animated films by Faith Hubley and John Canemaker; dance works such as <span class=\"title\">The Mermaid Wakes</span> and <span class=\"title\">Popular Science</span>; and plays with music by Swados, including productions of <span class=\"title\">The Beloved Dearly</span>, <span class=\"title\">The Good Woman of Szechuan</span>, and <span class=\"title\">The Odets Project</span>.</p> <p>There are also several works present in audio or video which were never completed or performed, but were workshopped and rehearsed. These include the musicals <span class=\"title\">Disturbed by the Wind</span> (about the Wright Brothers), <span class=\"title\">Houdini</span>, and <span class=\"title\">The Three Gods</span>; an operatic adaptation of <span class=\"title\">The Picture of Dorian Gray</span>; and a Chilean song cycle.</p> <p>The Projects recordings also holds video of three theater works by Swados's mentor and the founder of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Ellen Stewart: <span class=\"title\">Dionysus Filius Dei</span>, <span class=\"title\">Mythos Oedipus</span>, and <span class=\"title\">The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter</span>. Swados wrote some of the music and vocal arrangements for <span class=\"title\">Mythos Oedipus</span>.</p> <p>Other audio/video content includes live performances of Swados singing material from various projects (these date mostly from the late-1970s); Swados's field recordings of indigenous music in Africa, Bali, Brazil, Bulgaria, and the United States; audio demos and work recordings not linked to a known project; interviews with Swados; the 1977 documentary film <span class=\"title\">Elizabeth Swados: The Girl With the Incredible Feeling</span>; commencement addresses delivered by Swados at Bennington College; and mix tape compilations of commercially-released music created by Swados for her own use or for friends.</p> <p>Work tapes made for unidentified productions are arranged under Work Recordings. Recordings of indeterminate origin are arranged under Unidentified.</p></div></li></ul>\n", "type"=>"arrangement"}