Stage Left is a documentary film in celebration of a unique theater community. The film begins with the founding of The San Francisco Actor’s Workshop in 1952 and extends through 2010. Inspired by a Western history of risk taking and exploration, a climate of political and social activism, a particular multicultural mix, and a geography that is seismically unstable, San Francisco theater artists have focused on pushing the boundaries of the form. Their interest in redefining performance—where it takes place, how it is staged, and what it encompasses—has had a lasting influence on theater in the United States and around the world. Stage Left brings together the directors, actors, composers and playwrights, the artists and the eccentrics that have made the Bay Area theater scene an experimental, multidisciplinary and political hotbed: Herbert Blau (Actor’s Workshop), R.G. Davis (The Mime Troupe), Peter Coyote (actor), Bill Irwin (Pickle Family Circus), Robin Williams (actor), Oskar Eustis (Eureka Theater), Tony Taccone (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), Scrumbly Koldewyn (the Cockettes) and many more.
News & screenings
News & Screenings
Stage Left wins Best California Film at the California Film Awards!
Stage Left screens free at A.C.T. on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a 15-minute conversation with Stage Left director Austin Forbord and A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff. Following the screening of the film, all audience members are invited to greet Forbord during a lively mixer in Fred’s Columbia Room, located in A.C.T.’s lower lobby. Click here to reserve your free tickets.
Read about Stage Left in the San Francisco Chronicle. “When making a documentary about the history of theater in the Bay Area, you have to expect a little drama. Maybe even a lot. Three years ago, documentary filmmaker Austin Forbord set out to create a comprehensive look at the rich theatrical history of post-World War II San Francisco, from the experimentation and headline-grabbing antics of the ’60s to the glittery free-for-all of the ’70s and up to present day.” Article by Chad Jones.
Read about Stage Left in Variety. “Stage Left is a valuable record of regional innovation… an entertaining documentary mixing intriguing archival materials with explanatory insights from observers on both sides of the footlights… Tantalizing clips and stills from Soon 3, George Coates, Snake Theater… The docu reps a colorful introduction, with some footage that leaves one begging for more: Highlights include a glimpse at Ball’s wildly physical 1976 “Taming of the Shrew,” and Gary Sinese and John Malkovich in the original Magic production of Shepard’s “True West.” Assembly is pro.” Review by Dennis Harvey.
Mill Valley Film Festival, Bay Area Premiere, Mill Valley, CA. Screening on October 10, 7:00pm at Cinearts, Mill Valley and October 12, 9:15pm at the San Rafael Film Center. Q & A with filmmaker Austin Forbord.
Riverside International Film Festival, 7 p.m. on April 10, 2011 at the UltraStar Cinemas, 1201 University Ave., Riverside, CA. Q & A with filmmaker Austin Forbord.
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, 7:45 p.m. on June 25, 2011 and October 19, 2011 at The Franklin Institute Science Museum, Imax Theatre, Philadelphia, PA. Q & A with filmmaker Austin Forbord.
White Sands International Film Festival, Las Cruces, New Mexico, August 25 – 28, 2011. Screening at 6:30pm on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Cineport 10, Allen Theatres. Q & A with filmmaker Austin Forbord. Awarded Best Documentary Runner-Up.
DocMiami International Film Festival, Doral, Florida, September 22 – 25, 2011. Screening at 3:55pm on Saturday, September 24 at the Doral Resort.
Northern California Film Festival, California’s Central Valley. Screening December 11 & 19, 2011. Awarded Best Documentary – 2nd Place.
Independent Filmmakers Showcase, Santa Monica, California, March 16 – 24, 2012. Screening at 7:15pm on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at IFS Screening Room A at Bellevarado Studios, 2107 Bellevue Avenue Los Angeles, CA.
