University Press of Florida is Proud to Announce Acts of Light: Martha Graham in the 21st Century by John Deane and Nan Deane Cano
Subscribe to this News Feed
University Press of Florida is Proud to Announce Acts of Light: Martha Graham in the 21st Century by John Deane and Nan Deane Cano
University Press of Florida is proud to announce Acts of Light: Martha Graham in the 21st Century by John Deane and Nan Deane Cano
— University Press of Florida release a new title this Fall, 2006 titled Acts of Light, Martha Graham in the 21st Century by John Deane and Nan Deane Cano. How can still photographs hope to depict the action and passion of the art of movement? The breathtaking images in Acts of Light are the result of John Deane’s unprecedented access as a promotional photographer for the Martha Graham Dance Company. Through Deane’s work, we are made keenly aware that the essence of dance exists only in what Martha called “the instant,” that fleeting moment of recognition when the dancer and audience become one. Martha Graham took an uncompromisingly honest look at our deepest fears and hopes. Passion, lust, anger, fear, honor and courage run through our 21st century veins and in her dances we see ourselves moving as artlessly and honestly as we would hope. There is nothing alien or incomprehensible here and there is a reason the stories last – they touch us. The photo and text combination translates her dances into the everyday moments of contemporary life.
The first book to comprehensively survey Graham’s dances in full color digital photography, it also features personal interviews with this new generation of Graham interpreters, who reflect on their own lives, the meaning each dance has for them personally, and the Graham technique in frank and touching style. Dancers reveal how they approach now-classic works and personalize their interpretations, coming to them with a new sensibility and unique life experiences. The 18 featured works range from the Greek cycle and biblically inspired ballets through abstract studies of tragedy and hope, considerations of loss incurred in wartime and literary speculations like Deaths and Entrances, a recently revived work on the Brontë sisters. Deane and Cano give special consideration to the beloved American masterwork Graham created in collaboration with composer Aaron Copland — Appalachian Spring.
Drawing on essays, poetry, and excerpts from Graham’s own notebook, Acts of Light considers the narrative, dramatic, and philosophical base for each dance, and offers reflections on its contemporary relevance for today’s audience. “Anyone holding this book in hand,” photographer John Deane explains, “will come to know how I felt having a private dance performance by one outstanding artist after another. The text was not meant to be a history of Martha Graham nor even a definitive explication of the stories of the dances, but rather a window onto the world of the living, breathing art of one of the last century’s greatest artists. These photographs invite the viewer to share with us these glimpses of fleeting moments of greatness, and encourage the viewer to experience in person these Acts of Light.”
Appealing to dance historians professional dancers, students of dance, and those with interests in the performing arts, the sophisticated reader will find in this book an insightful appreciation of the living influence that Graham, as a 20th-century icon, has on current times. Press please contact Workhouse Publicity, Anna De Souza at anna @ workhousepr.com.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
John Deane is a dance, fashion and portrait photographer whose credits include Elle, Interview, Rolling Stone Online, Vanity Fair, and DanceMagazine. Since May 2002, he has collaborated to produce promotional material for the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Nan Deane Cano has been a college and secondary educator for 27 years in literature and the humanities. She has been published in The New York Times, Company magazine and the Los Angeles Times and was editor of artist interviews in Camerata Pacifica Music Notes.
IMAGES
All rights reserved. All images and/or text are strictly for review purposes only. No part of this material may be reproduced in any manner or transmitted by any means whatsoever, electronic or mechanical (including photocopy, recording and internet posting, display or retrieval) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Once copyright approval has been granted, then mandatory credit line must be published with all usage rights or each count of infringement is punishable by law.No use of images without prior consent from the publisher.
MANDATORY CREDIT LINE
Acts of Light by John Deane and Nan Deane Cano (University Press of Florida). Available at booksellers nationwide and through 800-226-3822. For more information visit www.johndeane.com.
UBLISHER: UNIVERSITY PRESS OF FLORIDA
PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 2006
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN DEANE
TEXT: NAN DEANE CANO
ISBN: 0 8130 2992 9
U.S. LIST PRICE: $39.95
HARDCOVER 9” x 10.75”
PAGE: 104; 52 COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS