The subject of the datedness of Martha Graham’s TV production of Clytemnestra was brought up by an audience member during the Q&A session held by a few of the original cast members from the televised performance. In our composition class, we were asked about how we saw Graham and her pieces that were made so long ago. Were they outdated, out of style, or old news? After thinking about it for some time, I would say that Martha Graham’s revolutionary work was so far ahead of its time that we are still grasping at understanding the depth of the work even today. It has impacted so many dancers’ lives that maybe do not appreciate or understand it because they don’t connect her technique with anything they have ever learned. But the fact is that it is legendary work, still valid and still full of life.
When I finally took the time to really look at the scope of Graham technique, its meaning, and its repertoire, I too became an obsessive advocate for everything the Company stands for. It’s like when you hear a song that you think is so amazing but later on hear the original and are disappointed but intrigued. It’s refreshing and humbling to see the real creators of that music and what you take from it is pure appreciation for the artists who set the foundation of something so groundbreaking. You learn that originality and substance will always be timeless.
2 Comments
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reactions to the question of whether Clytemnestra is outdated.
I’m curious, though, what was said to the audience member? Or how do you provide insight about appreciating and enjoying Martha Graham, her work and legacy to people not familiar with her work?
Say, time and resources were not limits. Would you sit with this person during rehearsals and performances and explain approaches and techniques? Would you watch the PBS version of Clytemnestra together and do a running voice commentary?
Thanks in advance.
During the Q&A session, I remember hearing that the costuming was one of the things that really dated the piece. Additionally, the quality of the video (we’re now in HD territory) also helped date the video.
In terms of illuminating the work for the unfamiliar, YouTube has recently launched the ability to place annotations on videos - potentially, you could place text over video and offer insight into the work that way.
Have you seen the Martha Graham Dance Company recently? Janet Eilber, artistic director, has also been giving curtain speeches and putting together multimedia for the stage so the audience can connect to the work in different ways. So far, I think it’s effective, and doesn’t compromise the quality of the work.