Scope and arrangement
The Builders Association records, dating from 1983 to 2014, comprehensively chronicle the creative and administrative production of works by the multimedia theater company. Though this is a collection of company records, its composition is influenced by the position of the collection donor, Marianne Weems, as the company's artistic director, and by her background in dramaturgy. The collection holds production files from all Builders Association projects from its inception in 1994 to 2014; administrative and financial files; and production materials of shows in which Marianne Weems was involved outside of the Builders Association (including productions she worked on with Ron Vawter at The Wooster Group). Additionally, the collection contains several hundred recordings of performances and rehearsals, and audio and video components used in the creation of the company's productions.
The Builders Association records are arranged in two series:
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1990-201422.8 linear feet (54 boxes, 1 container)
Series I extensively chronicles all Builders Association productions from 1994 to 2014 with production files, technical files, tour files, plots and designs, audio and video recordings, and administrative and financial materials. This series reveals the creative and administrative work required in maintaining a large theater company.
Series I is arranged into two subseries: Productions, and Administrative and Financial Files.
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1983-19954.37 linear feet (11 boxes)
This series, dating from 1983 to 1995, consists mainly of production files and audio and video recordings for projects in which Marianne Weems was involved outside of her work with the Builders Association. It is arranged alphabetically by project title, with files for various productions ordered at the end.
The projects in this series, many of which Weems directed, were conceived at such companies and performance venues as The Kitchen, Manhattan Theater Club, The Merry Pit Bull Theater, and The Wooster Group. Notable works represented include Hedda Gabler, an interpretation of the Henrik Ibsen play of the same name; Rebel without an Effect: Several Different Moments in the Life of Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, about the member of the Manson Family; and Roy Cohn/Jack Smith, a nonfictional performance piece about two men who died from AIDS. Some short films conceived or directed by Weems are held here as well, along with a few projects by other Builders Association members.
As with the Builders Association production materials, files in this series extensively document dramaturgical research and script development, and also comprise press materials, programs, photographs, and designs. This series contains correspondence, notes, class lists, and syllabi, and other files relating to courses, lectures, and workshops in which Marianne Weems participated or conducted. Audio and video recordings are included as well, largely consisting of performances and rehearsals. There are many recordings for Hedda Gabler and Roy Cohn/Jack Smith in particular. Both of these productions feature audio and video design components, as well as materials gathered for research.