The Brooklyn Rail

Richard Foreman was one of my most powerful artistic influences—his creative process a profound inspiration, confirmation, and continued revelation.

My interest in all-encompassing complex structural models found its apotheosis in the Ontological-Hysteric Theater. It was here that I found a home, a teacher, a kindred spirit, a mentor, and early supporter. Attending rehearsals at Richard’s 491 Broadway theater loft in the mid 1970s, and visiting him at his Wooster Street home to chat about his work, current readings, and pre-Socratic philosophy was like tapping into a primal power source. He was a friend, champion, and personal hero. A rare artistic figure of uncompromising integrity, Richard showed by example that devising your own system was essential to any true artistic endeavor—and that discipline, research, study, and dedication was at the very soul of creativity.

R. Foreman was an Ipsissimus, a magus of the highest grade. Like his beloved Empedocles he was a shaman and master alchemist who understood, tapped into, and protected the sacred from the world’s distractions and oftentimes apathetic, uncaring cruelty. His insights into human consciousness, his pure artistic vision, profound philosophical Magick, and his indomitable spirit remain a beacon of truth and beauty for us all.