Martha Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer who simply refused to quit, dancing and choreographing for over 70 years. Graham’s work manifested the complexities of human society, emotion, frailty, and perseverance as never before interpreted in dance. She was the first dancer invited to perform at the White House, the first choreographer to regularly employ a multiracial ensemble; she revolutionized set design, and was a champion for women.
Her influence on dance is often compared to Picasso’s influence on modern art and the impact Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture. She pursued her vision with unwavering dedication in spite of the many difficulties and challenges it brought to her life.
Ellen Melaver’s play MARTHA offers a quintessential glimpse into the passionate heart and history of the woman who revealed a “hidden language of the soul of the body,” while mining the triumphs and struggles faced by this pioneer of modern dance.
It’s West Coast premiere at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks features Christina Carlisi, an accomplished ballerina, dancer and actress, who shares a glimpse into Martha’s life, an electrifying performer who danced into her 70s and choreographed until her death at age 96. She makes it easy to see that for an artist like Graham, a life away from the arts felt impossible – so how could she know when it was time to say…”when?” Martha’s answer – Never!
Director Stewart J. Zully allows Carlisi to utilize the closeness of the audience to create an environment where Martha is inviting us in to visit as she shares some amazing stories of her life in the world of dance. As she moves from story to story, Carlisi dons costume pieces designed by Candice Cain to enhance her movements, most notably a burgundy stretch fabric “bag” in which she undulates like Martha while describing the moods she is interpreting. It’s a breathtaking piece in both its simplicity as well as its complexity.
Her movements are enhanced by Derrick McDaniel’s attention-focusing lighting design and Camille Loftin’s choreography that perfectly fills the small space.
“Martha,” produced by Windy Productions, runs Sundays at 7:30 p.m. through May 28. The Whitefire Theatre is lat 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved at www.marthasoloplay.brownpapertickets.com.
For more information, call 818-687-8559.
