MARTHA HILL AWARD
Feb 1, 2025NYCB: Mystic Familiar, Variations Pour Une Port et Un Soupir, From You Within Me
Feb 3, 2025February 15 – 16
Scripps Studio Theater at Paul Taylor Dance Company
Reservations: https://dances-by-charles-weidman.eventbrite.com
One of the “Big Four” founding American modern dancers, Charles Weidman. was one of the first to create a dance unmasking the practice of lynching in America. Rarely seen, this gem is stage by Gail Corbin for the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble. This is a rare opportunity to see some modern dance masterworks.
Generally regarded as one of Weidman’s masterworks, Lynchtown premiered in 1936 at the Guild Theater, NYC. As a young boy, Weidman witnessed a lynching in Omaha, Nebraska, and was overwhelmed by the violence of the crowd. The experience inspired him to create Lynchtown, a choreographic depiction of a carnal bloodthirsty mob acting like vultures about to devour their prey.
Another Weidman classic, Christmas Oratorio was first performed in 1934 and revived in 1961. Set to music by JS Bach, the full company work expresses joy, compassion, and friendship in a dance of rejoicing.
Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman worked togehter for many years. NEW DANCE, created in 1936, is considered the masterwork of Doris Humphrey and was created during the existence of the Humphrey Weidman Dance Company, 1928 to 1945. To this great work, Weidman contributed Men’s Dance.
DANSE AMERICAINE was created by Ted Shawn expressly designed to show off Weidman’s humor and acting ability. The character is a mill town guy who is the local dude, full of bravado, bluster, and braggadocio. Music is by Dent Mowry, and the premiere took place October 15, 1923 at the Apollo Theatre in Atlantic City, N.J.
