SUMMARY: Videotaped on April 10, 1981 by Ed Emshwiller. Presentation on Martha Graham and modernism by Deborah Jowitt, with Sophie Maslow, Bonnie Bird, May O'Donnell, Dorothy Bird, and Gertrude Shurr. CONTENTS: Cassette 26 (approx. 60 min. total): Excerpt from a lecture by Deborah Jowitt, who examines Graham's studies and early career with Denishawn, the start of her independent career, and the change of sensibility that appears in her work of the 1930s (for example, Heretic). She compares Graham's The flute of Krishna (filmed in 1926) and Lamentation, and notes various thematic and technical changes and developments in her choreography. For the first part of this lecture, see: *MGZIDF 3520 reels 1 and 2 (formerly *MGZIC 9-950 cassette 6). -- Panel discussion moderated by Jowitt, with Maslow, Bonnie Bird, O'Donnell, Dorothy Bird, and Shurr. This discussion continues on cassette 27 (approx. 22 min.). The panelists, all of whom danced with Graham in the 1930s, reminisce about their early dance training and first contacts with Graham. They go on to discuss the various influences on her choreography, the interchange between the development of her technique and her choreography, and her interactions with her dancers in class, rehearsal, and performance. Maslow and Bonnie Bird describe Graham's Primitive mysteries, American document, Celebration, and Horizons. In conclusion, Shurr relays a message from Graham. The opening of the panel is cut off, as is part of
O'Donnell's first commentary; for the missing material, see: *MGZIDF 3520 reels 1 and 2 (formerly *MGZIC 9-950 cassette 6). Brief gap in recording between cassettes 26 and 27; for this material, see: *MGZIDF 3520 reels 3 and 4 (formerly *MGZIC 9-950 cassette 7).
Call number
*MGZIDF 3534
Note
Video documentation of the festival The early years: American modern dance from 1900 through the 1930s, hosted by SUNY College at Purchase, New York, on April 9-12, 1981, under the sponsorship of State University of New York, University-Wide Programs in the Arts. Festival director: Patricia Kerr Ross. Video producer: Daniel Labeille.
For printed program of the festival, see: *MGZB The early years (1981 : Purchase, N.Y.) [Programs].
Access (note)
Patrons can access streaming video file only at the Library for the Performing Arts.
Title
The early years: Martha Graham and modernism [electronic resource]
Imprint
1981.
Restricted access
Patrons can access streaming video file only at the Library for the Performing Arts.
Local note
Former call number: *MGZIC 9-950 cassettes 26 and 27.