Martha Clarke Light and Dark (1981)
Directed by Joyce Chopra
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Synopsis by Eleanor Mannikka
Martha Clarke, Light and Dark records the dancer Martha Clarke's creative production for one full year, edited down to 54 minutes of dance scenes, conversations, and bits and pieces of her home life. As the dancer conceives an idea for a new routine, she discusses it with others and then begins to translate the idea into music, setting, theme, and choreography. In other words, the documentary shows how a dance is slowly transformed from the abstract to a performed piece. Clarke's own humorous comments add an important personal touch to the subject matter and challenge the viewer to judge whether there is a connection between the dances she creates, and the personality that defines her.
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Keywords
behind-the-scenes, choreographer, creativity, dance [art], personality