Charles Ruas audio recordings and papers, 1970s-1980s

Collection context

Creator:
Ruas, Charles
Extent:
8.25 linear feet (Eight boxes: One half-manuscript box (box 1); four tall record storage cartons (boxes 2-5); two tall manuscript boxes (boxes 6-7); one record storage carton (box 8).)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Recordings of interviews/radio broadcasts with notable persons (some are interviews by Charles Ruas), while others appear to be discussions about people or recordings of performances. 95 large reel-to-reel tape boxes; 34 small reel-to-reel tape boxes; 16 audiocassette tapes. Also includes 8 folders of papers relating to Ruas's 1984 book "Conversations with American Writers."

Biographical / historical:

Born in Tianjin, China, Charles Ruas is a graduate of Princeton University (BA 1960, MA 1963, PhD 1970) and was a Fulbright Scholar at the Sorbonne (1963-64). He is a specialist in French, English, and Comparative Literature, which he has taught at universities in the United States, France, and China.

Ruas was for a time in the late 1970s Director of the Drama and Literature Department of WBAI, where he initiated separate coverage of all the arts. Within this programming Susan Howe produced her own series and specials on poetry. Other programming initiated by Ruas at WBAI included the Audio-Experimental Theatre, for which multi-media performers, including poets, playwrights, video artists, and dancers were invited to create a work for radio broadcast. Performers included Meredith Monk, Vito Acconci, John Cage, Philip Glass, Joan Jonas, Yvonne Rainer, Ed Bowes, Robert Wilson, Richard Foreman, and Helen Adam.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located onsite.

Series I is open for research. Series II is closed pending digitization.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Charles Ruas audio recordings and papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu