MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY Review by      Celia Ipiotis

                                      Leslie Andrea Williams in Chronicle. Photo by Brian Pollock


At a time of great unrest, and only 3 years until the start of World War II, Martha Graham's 1936 "Chronicle" stood as a fierce manifesto rejecting the rise of fascism in Europe. Unnervingly aprt for our time as well.Despite the all-femlae cast, there's nothing delicate or pretty about these warrior women pounding their feet, and slashing, angular arms against leaps propelling them to freedom.

The youthful Graham dancers plunge into politically charged Chronicle particularly the determined and stately Leslie Andrea Williams who fans her full skirt exposing the blood red bottom under the black sheath in the "Spectre" (created in 1914--the start of World War I). Section II, "Steps in the Street:Devastation--Homelessness -- Exile"  finds  a fine and intense Marzia Memoli commanding the throng of dancers demanding everyone be attentive. To read the review CLICK HERE 


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