Oral Histories

Interview of John Joseph Martin

Dance critic.
Subtitle:
Reflections of John Joseph Martin
Series:
Z: Orphan Interviews pre 1999
Topic:
Dance
Journalism
Biographical Note:
Dance critic.
Interviewer:
Schippers, Donald J.
Interviewee:
Martin, John Joseph
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by Donald J. Schippers, Interviewer-Editor, Oral History Program, UCLA; B.A., UCLA; M.A., American history, Occidental College; M.L.S., library service, UCLA.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Interviewee Retained Copyright
Abstract:
Early interest and work in theater; childhood memories of theater in Louisville, Kentucky; Adeline Genée's performance in ballet The Soul Kiss, 1908; Pavlova and Mordkin tour, 1910; ballet as art; experiences in vaudeville and theater in Chicago, 1912; press agent; Isadora Duncan on tour in Louisville, 1915; director in Chatauqua circuit; first American tour of Moscow Art Theatre; formation of American Laboratory Theatre; influence of Stanislavsky method of acting; New York Times dance editor and critic, 1927; discussion of newspaper reviewing, world of modern dance, history of dance, schools of modern dance, influence of ballet on modern dance, George Balanchine's influence on ballet and modern dance, and dance as reaction to electronic revolution; Lincoln Kirstein's promotion of ballet in United States; Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Doris Hum-phrey, Paul Taylor, Mary Wigman, Isadora Duncan, Sybil Shearer, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn; teaching at New School for Social Research, Bennington College, and UCLA.