Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Sears, David, 1948-1992

Description

1. 2 sound discs (ca. 93 min.) : digital; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

1. Disc 1 (ca. 46 min.). [Begins abruptly.] Ross discusses Martha Graham's intense performance in the lead role of Ted Shawn's Xochitl; Graham's childhood experiences and how they influenced her personality and work; the psychological elements in Graham's Circe [gap]; the challenges of reviving Circe; the development of the sets for [Theatre for a] Voyage, designed by Isamu Noguchi, that later became the set for Circe; the choreographic process in creating Voyage; Graham's literary knowledge and its influence on her choreographic approach and content in various works; the labyrinth like elements in Graham's work, including Errand into the maze and Appalachian spring [ends abruptly].
2. Disc 2 (ca. 47 min.). [Begins abruptly.] Ross briefly discusses the complexity of Graham's leading roles; more on the concept of the labyrinth in Appalachian spring and other works; this aspect as well as the costumes, scenery, cast, and story for Lady of the house of sleep; Ross' experience in the creation and performance of Witch of Endor; his feelings about Graham's psychological and emotional state during this period; his role in Graham's Visionary recital (working title, Samson) and the work in general is discussed in depth [ends abruptly].

Donor/Sponsor

1. Gift of David Sears.
2. Oral History Archive.
3. National Endowment for the Arts, 2001-2002.

Subject

1. Graham, Martha.
2. Ross, Bertram, 1920-2003.
3. Shawn, Ted, 1891-1972. Xochitl.
4. Graham, Martha. Circe.
5. Graham, Martha. Theatre for a voyage.
6. Graham, Martha. Errand into the maze.
7. Graham, Martha. Appalachian spring.
8. Graham, Martha. Lady of the house of sleep.
9. Graham, Martha. Witch of Endor.
10. Graham, Martha. Visionary recital.
11. Dance -- Stage-setting and scenery.
12. Audiotapes -- Ross, B.

Call number

1. *MGZTL 4-1586

Language

1. English

Note

1. Interview with Bertram Ross conducted by David Sears, possibly at Bertram Ross's home, on July 21, 1985.
2. An extraneous buzzing noise and low volume mar the recording.

Funding (note)

1. Preservation was made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, 2001-2002.

Local note

1. Archive original: *MGZTCO 3-1586
2. Preservation master: *MGZTP 4-1586 nos. 1-2
3. Dubbing master: *MGZTD 4-1586 nos. 1-2

Author

1. Ross, Bertram, 1920-2003. Interviewee

Local subject

1. Audiotapes -- Ross, B.

Added author

1. Sears, David, 1948-1992. Interviewer