The BOBcasts: Celebrations of Life for Robert Patrick Playwright

A series of hybrid online & in-person  COL's produced in conjunction with others to bring more of the work and background of RPP to life. 

Following the passing of Robert Patrick on April 23, 2023, it took time to find the most meaningful way to honor his extraordinary legacy. While several of his favorite Los Angeles cabaret venues, Planet Queer and Was Ist Das?, held beautiful tribute events in his memory, these gatherings inevitably left out many of Robert's friends and fans around the world who were unable to be there in person. Hosting another local event didn't quite feel right. ​

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Then came a spark of inspiration. Upon realizing that Robert's 86th birthday would take place on a Wednesday, a meaningful detail, as LaMaMa ETC founder Ellen Stewart once asked Robert to "put a show up by Wednesday," which became a lifelong catchphrase, I envisioned a hybrid live in-person and pre-recorded broadcast tribute. Together with CultureHub, the global art and technology collective that produced acclaimed 2017 Hi-Fi/Wi-Fi/Sci-Fi composed of Robert's prescient short plays, plans took shape for a Celebration of Life at LaMaMa ETC in New York City. The event would bridge time zones, formats, and communities in a way that Robert would have loved.

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The result was a splendid 10-hour event that combined in-person tributes, pre-recorded material, and live-zoom room interviews with friends, collaborators, and admirers from across the globe. It was heartfelt, deeply informative, and a testament to the enduring impace of Robert's work. If anything, the event proved that ten hours wasn't enough to capture the breadth of his talent, humor, and vision.

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The BOBcast Celebrations of Life (COLs) will continue as an evolving tribute series. When new material or occasions feel timely, more episodes will be created. The second installment - a BOBcast Holiday Special - featured themed content and contributions from those unable to attend the original event. It was released on Wednesday, December 27, in honor of both Robert's birthday number and his legendary "up by Wednesday" motto.