Graham, Martha. (1894–1991). Signed Photograph in Night Journey. Signed photograph of the American dancer, choreographer and teacher, a pioneer of modern dance, in profile and made up for performance. Inscribed to Paul McMahon. Handstamp, "S. Hurok presents Martha Graham Dance Company," to verso. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.4 cm). Two small bites to right and lower margins; in very good condition overall.
Part of Graham’s Greek cycle and like Cave of the Heart (1946), based upon Medea, and Clytemnestra (1958), inspired by the Orestia, Graham’s interpretation in Night Journey makes the woman’s experience central. When the dance premiered in New York City, Walter Terry wrote that Graham had succeeded in “transfer[ing] the action to the area where only Jocasta’s heart and mind are real.”
Graham was the first dancer to perform at the White House and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. "Graham technique has been called the 'cornerstone' of American modern dance and has been taught worldwide. It is widely regarded as the first codified modern dance technique. The phrase 'Graham technique' was registered as a trademark before Graham's death, and was the subject of a trademark dispute in the early 2000s."
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.
Graham, Martha. (1894–1991). Signed Photograph in Night Journey. Signed photograph of the American dancer, choreographer and teacher, a pioneer of modern dance, in profile and made up for performance. Inscribed to Paul McMahon. Handstamp, "S. Hurok presents Martha Graham Dance Company," to verso. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.4 cm). Two small bites to right and lower margins; in very good condition overall.
Part of Graham’s Greek cycle and like Cave of the Heart (1946), based upon Medea, and Clytemnestra (1958), inspired by the Orestia, Graham’s interpretation in Night Journey makes the woman’s experience central. When the dance premiered in New York City, Walter Terry wrote that Graham had succeeded in “transfer[ing] the action to the area where only Jocasta’s heart and mind are real.”
Graham was the first dancer to perform at the White House and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. "Graham technique has been called the 'cornerstone' of American modern dance and has been taught worldwide. It is widely regarded as the first codified modern dance technique. The phrase 'Graham technique' was registered as a trademark before Graham's death, and was the subject of a trademark dispute in the early 2000s."
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.