Indeed, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Named “Dancer of the Century” by Time magazine, Martha Graham’s influence and importance to modern dance has been compared to Picasso’s and Stravinsky’s impact on modern visual arts and music respectively. Based on recently discovered audio recordings, dancer Richard Move, and actress and playwright, Lisa Kron, recreate the legendary 92nd Street Y interview between Martha Graham and dance critic and historian Terry Walter.
And undeniably, the audience was transported back in time by the outstanding performance by both Move and Walter. Move’s performance was not only successful in capturing Graham’s accent and body posture or movements but it seemed so effortless and authentic that he could be said to be channelling the spirit of Graham. As the recordings of the actual Graham and Walter interview played towards the end of the performance, it revealed how brilliant Move and Kron were in their imitation; I would not have known the difference if I was not told. Further, Move and Kron did not merely reproduce the interview but also interpreted Graham through our contemporary lenses. At one point in the performance, Move made a reference to Lady Gaga in a fashion that Graham would should she be interviewed today.
If one had just simply read about the iconic Martha Graham and watched videos of choreography or dancing, one might not have known that she was such a diva—her entrance is accompanied by music and dance, she speaks tirelessly about herself and interrupts Walter as she pleases .
Yet, it must also be said that members of the audience who have little knowledge of Graham and Walter as well as the context in which this interview was carried out might have felt somewhat lost. Perhaps audiences today no longer have the capacity to sit captive to an interview (especially one that is reenacted). About two thirds into the interview, it was clear that the audience were getting restless. Nevertheless, it was an intriguing journey back into the past to get a glimpse of the modern dance icon.
