Often called the Picasso, Stravinksy, or Frank Lloyd Wright of the dance world, Martha Graham revolutionized ballet stages across the globe. Using newly discovered archival sources, choreographer and award-winning dance historian Mark Franko reframes Graham's most famous creations, those from the World War II era, by showing how she wove together strands of love, passion, politics, and myth.
In the much-anticipated update to a classic in dance studies, Mark Franko analyzes the political aspects of North American modern dance in the 20th century. A revisionary account of the evolution of modern dance, this revised edition of Dancing Modernism / Performing Politics features a foreword by Juan Ignacio Vallejos on Franko's career, a new preface, a new chapter on Yvonne Rainer, a closing epilogue, and an appendix of left-wing dance theory articles from the 1930s. Questioning assumptions that dancing reflects culture, Franko employs a unique interdisciplinary approach to dance analysis that draws from cultural theory, feminist studies, and sexual, class, and modernist politics. Franko also highlights the stories of such dancers as Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and even revolutionaries like Douglas Dunn in order to upend and contradict ideas on autonomy and traditionally accepted modernist dance history. Revealing the captivating development of modern dance, this revised edition of Dancing Modernism / Performing Politics will fascinate anyone interested in the intersection of performance studies, history, and politics.
Kinetic Theatricality and Social Interaction
Focusing on the theory of kinetic theatricality, this study explores the dancing body within courtly social dance during the Renaissance. It analyzes French and Italian dance treatises, examining how oratorical action and pedagogical discourses of civility influence the understanding of social interaction as portrayed in courtesy books. The work highlights the interconnectedness of dance, social values, and cultural practices in shaping Renaissance choreography.
Exploring themes of life's mysteries, faith, and the significance of family and friends, this poetry collection reflects Mark Franko's personal observations and inspirations. Through his verses, he delves into the complexities of existence and the human experience, inviting readers to contemplate their own beliefs and relationships.
The book features a collection of essays by Mark Franko, showcasing his significant contributions to dance and choreography from 1996 onward. It includes critical assessments of his work, along with an interview that offers insights into his biography and how his experiences have shaped his artistic development. This volume serves as both a retrospective and an analysis of Franko's impact on the field, making it a valuable resource for those interested in contemporary dance discourse.