The Open Theater
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The Open Theater was an experimental theatre group active from 1963 to 1973.
It was founded in New York City by director Joseph Chaikin, formerly of The Living Theatre, and Peter Feldman. Chaikin's intent was to combine The Living Theatre's collaborative process and exploration of political and social issues with a more rigorous focus on acting technique, which he felt was critical to the success of avant-garde theatre. The company developed work through an improvisational process based on the principles of Nola Chilton and Viola Spolin.
After the company's dissolution, several of its members formed The Talking Band. Chaikin went on to an acclaimed directing career until his death in 2003.
Although The Open Theater's works were intended to be performed only by the group and were generally not written down, Terminal (1970) was redeveloped by Chaikin and playwright Susan Yankowitz for a new production in 1996.