Villella, Edward. (b. 1936). Signed Photograph in Balanchine's "Prodigal Son," 1960.
Dramatic signed photograph of the American dancer and choreographer in the 1960 production of George Balanchine's Prodigal Son, Villela's most celebrated NYCB role and the eventual title of his memoir (Prodigal Son: Dancing for Balanchine in a World of Pain and Magic). Villella has signed his name in black ink to the lower left corner. Light wear to margins, overall in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3x 25.4 cm.).
Balanchine's Prodigal Son was set to music by Sergei Prokofiev and commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes for the 1928-1929 season. The story drew from the parable in the Gospel of Luke.
Balanchine revived it in 1950 for New York City Ballet with Jerome Robbins in the title role and again in 1960 with Edward Villella.
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.
Villella, Edward. (b. 1936). Signed Photograph in Balanchine's "Prodigal Son," 1960.
Dramatic signed photograph of the American dancer and choreographer in the 1960 production of George Balanchine's Prodigal Son, Villela's most celebrated NYCB role and the eventual title of his memoir (Prodigal Son: Dancing for Balanchine in a World of Pain and Magic). Villella has signed his name in black ink to the lower left corner. Light wear to margins, overall in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3x 25.4 cm.).
Balanchine's Prodigal Son was set to music by Sergei Prokofiev and commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes for the 1928-1929 season. The story drew from the parable in the Gospel of Luke.
Balanchine revived it in 1950 for New York City Ballet with Jerome Robbins in the title role and again in 1960 with Edward Villella.
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.