Night Journey Analysis

The video, “Night Journey” by Martha Graham is is one of the best-choreographed videos I have come to appreciate for its fluid movements, dramatic music and tragic storyline. Graham’s modern dance style is beautiful and unique which contemplates her strong interpretation of the Greek myth, “Oedipus Rex.” In her 1947 rendition, “Night Journey”, she develops her own language of movement by expressing passion and dedication throughout the act. The video is in black and white, which adds to the overall character due to the era and the story. “Night Journey”, is Graham’s dance interpretation of day when King Oedipus and his Queen Jocasta discover their relationship is far more complicated than just husband and wife. The city of Thebes had come down with a plaque of sorts and elders were convinced it was brought on by the curse of the previous king, who was murdered. Oedipus, the Hero-King, summons the blind prophet Tiresias for guidance on how to relieve
Graham mentions in her biography, “There is a vitality, a life force an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique”. (Wikipedia) I find myself fascinated with Ms. Graham’s creations of new ways to interpret art with dance. She doesn’t appear to have limitations with her artwork, her choreography is fantastic, and my eyes cannot keep up with the fast body movements of the dancers. Some of Martha Graham accomplishments are that she was the first dancer to perform at the White House; she received the highest civilian award of the US; the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the key to the City of Paris, the Japan’s Imperial Order of the Precious Crown. Her unique style made her famous, she taught too so many other famous dancers who follow up her