TitleInterview with David Wood, 1979
NamesWood, David, 1925-2002 (Interviewee)Oswald, Genevieve (Interviewer)
CollectionDance Oral History Project
Dates / OriginDate Created: 1979-07-27
Library locationsJerome Robbins Dance DivisionShelf locator: *MGZTO 5-977
TopicsGraham, MarthaWood, David, 1925-2002Martha Graham Dance CompanyClytemnestra (Choreographic work : Graham)Primitive mysteries (Choreographic work : Graham)
GenresOral historiesInterviews
NotesAdditional physical form: For transcript of interview see: *MGZMT 5-977.Content: Interview with David Wood conducted by Genevieve Oswald on July 27, 1979 for the Oral History Project of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, in New York (N.Y.).Source characteristics: Sound quality is good overall.Bibliographic history: Title supplied by cataloger.Venue: Recorded by Genevieve Oswald for the Oral History Project July 27, 1979 New York (N.Y.)Funding: The processing and cataloging of this recording was made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The support of the National Endowment for the Arts is also gratefully acknowledged.
Physical DescriptionAudiotape reelExtent: 1 audiotape reel (approximately 1 hr., 37 min.) ; polyester half-track; 1.875 ips; 5 in.
DescriptionStreaming audio file 1 (approximately 52 minutes). [Fragmentary conversation; interview begins at approximately 1:24 minutes.] David Wood speaks with Genevieve Oswald about Martha Graham and her approach to rehearsals [of the Martha Graham Dance Company]; Wood's experience learning Graham's work Diversion of angels from other Graham dancers; Graham's constant revisions at rehearsals; Graham's frequent absence from scheduled rehearsals including possible reasons for this behavior; working with Graham in his role as director of rehearsals; Graham's core identity as a performer and her determination to continue performing even as she aged; works of which Graham was especially proud, in particular, Clytemnestra; other examples including Letter to the world, Deaths and entrances, Hérodiade, and Errand into the maze; her work Acrobats of God; working with Graham to create Wood's role in Clytemnestra including the costume [ends abruptly but continues on streaming audio file 2].
Streaming audio file 2 (approximately 45 minutes). David Wood speaks with Genevieve Oswald about creating his role in Clytemnestra; Graham technique including its evolution over the years; his relationship with Graham; Graham's approach to creating male roles; the nature of the female roles in her works; her technique as equally suitable for men and women; his views on whether her works should be preserved; an anecdote about Graham's releasing dogs to disrupt a rehearsal of Diversion of angels; Graham's antipathy toward revivals of her work; Wood's reconstructing of Primitive mysteries and El penitente including Graham's reluctance to participate in the process; more on his views regarding whether Graham's works should be revived without Graham in them.
Type of ResourceSound recording
LanguagesEnglish
IdentifiersRLIN/OCLC: 82126034NYPL catalog ID (B-number): b12118835Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): e788e580-822d-0136-94c5-0e51cc241f2c
Rights StatementThe copyright and related rights status of this item has been reviewed by The New York Public Library, but we were unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the item. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.
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