Merce Cunningham: Dancing in Space and Time

For nearly sixty years choreographer Merce Cunningham has challenged and provoked audiences by stripping theatrical dance of its traditional narrative and by refusing to unify movement with sound and decor. After initial objections to his style, however, this controversial figure—who has collaborated with avant-garde musicians John Cage, Earle Brown, and David Tudor and artists Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, and Marcel Duchamp—is now revered as one of the most visionary artists of the century. Merce Cunningham gathers together the most important writings by and about the choreographer, including three classic essays by Cunningham, as well as articles and reviews by Cage; dancers Remy Charlip, Violet Farber, and Carolyn Brown; company archivist David Vaughan; and leading critics Arlene Croce, Jack Anderson, Marcia Siegel, and Edwin Denby. Tracing the development of Cunningham's career from 1944 to 1992, this valuable anthology showcases the tremendous and ever-evolving means of expression that this revolutionary choreographer created.

Cunningham presented his first dance performance in 1942 and in subsequent years established himself as one of the most important and influential figures in modern dance. That no critical biography or monograph has been written on him and his work both is a disappointment and an unfortunate oversight. Kostelanetz, author of numerous books, including The Theatre of Mixed Means ( LJ 8/68), here compiles thoughtful newspaper reviews, journal articles, and essays. Contributors include Edwin Denby, Marcia B. Siegel, Arlene Croce, John Cage, Kenneth King, and many others. Together they provide an overview of critical response to Cunningham, as well as a bird's-eye view of the development of serious dance writing. A handy feature is a chronology of Cunningham's works. Because tracking down the original sources of these writings would be time-consuming, and because certain insights are gleaned from reading each in the context here, the book is a useful addition to public and academic libraries and to specialized arts collections.
- Joan Stahl, National Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.