Laura Foreman and John Watts papers

1965-1984

Laura Foreman (1937-2001) was a dancer, choreographer, founder of the Laura Foreman Dance Company and director of dance at the New School.

John Watts (1929-1982) was an American composer and pioneer of electronic music; founder of the Composers Cooperative Society; and director of the New School from 1962 to 1982. Watts also accepted a residency at the Yaddo Colony a fact that he would often publish in biographical press releases.

Foreman and Watts blended their respective companies to form The Composers' and Choreographers' Theatre at the New School, a renowned venue for music and dance.

One of their most remarkable works entitled Wallwork was a conceptual piece developed in 1981. A monotone brown poster advertising non existent performances had been posted around New York City. The image for the poster was taken from a Bartush and Shimazaki performance held in the Foreman Theatre in 1977. The Wallwork poster led the public to believe that there would be actual performances for two nights. The poster listed a telephone number and in bold red letters the words "Sold Out." The public began to call the telephone number asking about the show.

Their collaborative works continued until Watts' death in 1982. Foreman broadened her skills as a writer and fine artist. She died in New York City in 2001.