Working: A New Kind of “Live Documentary” Honors the Temporary

Slate Culture

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Sam Green, a documentary filmmaker who has pioneered a new kind of performance called “live documentary,” which involves presenting ideas and images on-stage, accompanied by live music. In the interview, Sam explains why he started designing his films this way and why the temporary nature of these performances makes them so special. He also talks about researching and structuring his performances, learning to script and memorize his lines, and the joys of feeding off the audience’s energy.

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss whether more people should try to remix artistic mediums.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Sam talks about how much he loves traveling around the country and the world presenting his work.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [e-mail] or give us a call at [phone].

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices