THEODORE was, perhaps, the first of what we call performance artists today. The likes of such comic geniuses like Andy Kaufman ( to mention one) are followers in that great tradition. I won't even go into the nonsensical "performance" art that is foisted as brilliant material on the public by the likes of the current exhibition (an aside---"exhibitionism" is a better word) at MoMa. Check on that for yourselves.
THEODORE had a very tragic life and, albeit, a long and fruitful one. Briefly; a Holocaust survivor from a renowned publishing family in Europe, a janitor in Calif. who ended up in a bitter divorce, and, finally a brilliant performance artist and a featured actor in many films.
THEODORE was a name he used when, in the 1950s (late 1940s) he had a great cult following for his one man shows at Circle in The Square (then in Greenwich Village). Later he became known as Brother Theodore---which is covered in an interview I did with him. He, later, appeared in film and was a regular on the Merv Griffin TV program and then David Letterman (NBC days).
In the mid 1990s I had the delight of spending time at his apartment in NYC and recording an interview with him that fills in many of the blank spots from above. A brief synopsis of tht chat is his history in Germany, his time in Calif., his getting into his performance art and all the stops along the way. I would say he is a true intellectual. His humble apartment in NYC is ---was---lined with books of all genres.
Having, once again, recalled this brilliant man who I had first seen in those halcyon days--to me--in the 1950s and never thought I would ever meet personally I was delighted to be able to chat with him at length. If you would care to have a copy of that interview I would be happy to send it to you. Given the cost of mailing, recording, and time I have to say that it would cost $25.00.
Should you want it please e mail me at poobah891@yahoo.com where we can discuss the details. For an extra $10.00 I will include a recording of his Carnegie Hall appearance which is a truly memorable event on a long ago out of print recording.
Meanwhile---for your pleasure and introduction to this great performance artist:
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