Research Catalog

Interview with Thelma Biracree

Title
Interview with Thelma Biracree [sound recording].
Author
Biracree, Thelma.
Publication
1972.

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Available - Can be used on site. Please visit New York Public Library - Performing Arts Research Collections to submit a request in person.

part 1, two discs in one caseSpoken word recordingSupervised use *MGZTL 4-2544 part 1, two discs in one casePerforming Arts Research Collections - Dance
Request Appointment

Available - Can be used on site. Please visit New York Public Library - Performing Arts Research Collections to submit a request in person.

part 2Spoken word recordingSupervised use *MGZTL 4-2544 part 2Performing Arts Research Collections - Dance

Details

Additional Authors
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Description
3 sound discs (ca. 104 min.) : digital, stereo; 4 3/4 in.
Summary
  • Part 1, disc 1 (ca. 31 min.). Thelma Biracree speaks with Don McDonagh about Martha Graham, and her classes at the Eastman School in Rochester, N.Y.; being in the ballet school at Eastman, and then modern dance classes after Graham's arrival; early Graham technique; Graham's teaching and dance inspired by Denishawn; Rouben Mamoulian, and working with him on productions at Eastman; her belief that many standards in theater production were developed by Mamoulian at Eastman; the fact that Graham's name did not appear in the early programs at the school in Eastman, but she was involved in the choreography; the fact that the Eastman School was the starting point for many influential dancers and actors; being a part of Graham's first dance trio in Rochester; being left behind in Rochester because she could not afford to go to Manhattan to study; staying in Rochester and working at the Eastman School; early Graham dances in Rochester, and photos she has of the performances.
  • Part 1, disc 2 (ca. 31 min.). Thelma Biracree continues to speak with Don McDonagh about early Martha Graham dances at the Eastman School, with photos she has kept; the experimental photo lab at Eastman, and having professional photos taken there; stage managers at Eastman; the nickname, Teddy, given to her by school friends; the fact that Graham did not always attend the performances at Eastman, due to the fact that she lived in Manhattan; being invited by George Eastman to dance at his home, and an anecdote about his shiny floors and having to score the bottom of her dance shoes in order not to fall; dancing in Salome, and the controversy surrounding the costuming.
  • Part 2 (ca. 42 min.). Thelma Biracree speaks with Don McDonagh about early Martha Graham dances in Rochester and Manhattan; Geordie Graham, and her relationship with Graham; Geordie's dancing with Ruth St. Denis, and the competition between the two sisters; Louis Horst, and his composition classes; dancing in Manhattan with Graham, and staying in a hotel on 5th Ave.; the fact that Graham was kinder at that point in her life; the fact that she wasn't as spellbound of Graham as the other students; the aspect of Graham's personality that makes students want to please her; Swedish dancer Ronny Johansson, and her classes at Rochester, and her opinion of her; the fact that the students had no idea of Graham's age; the fact that Graham would never speak about personal things, and never engaged in social relationships with the dancers; an anecdote about going to Manhattan to practice with Graham, and missing Graham and Horst at the train station, and Graham's subsequent anger; the fact that Graham was not considered traditionally beautiful; Graham's taste in clothes, and the tweed suits she wore at the time; the last time she saw Graham in public, at the Brooklyn Music Academy, in 1970, and the fact that Graham mentioned that she wished she could wear miniskirts; Graham's attraction to oriental styles; a necklace that the trio bought for Graham, which she wore during performances [abrupt end].
Subjects
Note
  • Interview with Thelma Biracree conducted by Don McDonagh on Aug. 15, 1972.
  • Each disc ends abruptly.
  • Open as of August 22, 2012.
Funding (note)
  • Recording was preserved through a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Source (note)
  • Don McDonagh;
Call Number
*MGZTL 4-2544
OCLC
262557949
Author
Biracree, Thelma. Interviewee
Title
Interview with Thelma Biracree [sound recording].
Imprint
1972.
Funding
Recording was preserved through a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Local Note
Archive orig. : *MGZTCO 3-2544, nos. 1-2
Dubbing master : *MGZTD 4-2544, nos. 1-3
Source
Gift; Don McDonagh; 2007
Added Author
McDonagh, Don. Donor
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Research Call Number
*MGZTL 4-2544 sound disc
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