Martha at Whitefire Theatre

Martha

Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks

A glimpse into the life of Martha Graham, the legendary pioneer of modern dance and the fierce, witty, trailblazing feminist, who refused to let age define or confine her. An electrifying performer who danced into her 70's and choreographed into her 90's, she was a major artist of the twentieth century, who possessed a gift for revealing emotion and the complexities of humanity through the dances that she created. For an artist like Graham a life away from the arts feels impossible, but when is it time to say..."when?"

Thru - May 28, 2017

Sundays: 7:30pm

Price: $25

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 818-990-2324

www.whitefiretheatre.com

Martha Reviews

Average Rating based on 7 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Broadway World - Recommended

"...The incredible Christina Carlisi totally embodies this movement innovator with her very first hand gestures. Carlisi nails the physicality (the dancer's posture and carriage) of the aging, yet eternally youthful dancer effortlessly demonstrating Ms. Graham's iconic moves. The charismatic Carlisi authentically communicates Ms. Graham's delicious and creative spirit via Melaver's clever, snappy-lined narratives."

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- Gil Kaan

LA Splash - Highly Recommended

"...Skilled director Stewart J. Zully has helmed a production which strikes just the right note between biography and real-life person. Camille Loftin's choreography is dramatic and apropos, while Derrick's McDaniel's lighting highlights Martha's moment-to-moment journey. MARTHA is a fascinating study about a woman with the persistence and talent to defy any odds. Her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself is a strength which shines throughout the show. This is a must-see for anyone interested in dance, the history of dance, and modern dance. But it is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the inner workings of a clever, very funny, interesting woman who just happens to be a dancer."

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- Elaine L. Mura

NoHoArtsDistrict - Highly Recommended

"...But if you enjoy intimate and profoundly moving theatre, then you really should see this play. Theatre has the unique position of connecting us to people and places and worlds we would never have the opportunity to see, to transport us in a way that no other art form can do...except, perhaps, dance. So here is the chance to see the best of both these worlds, and I recommend that you take it."

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- Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

Culver City News - Highly Recommended

"...Director Stewart J. Zully allows Carlisi to utilize the closeness of the audience to create an environment where Martha is inviting us in to visit as she shares some amazing stories of her life in the world of dance. As she moves from story to story, Carlisi dons costume pieces designed by Candice Cain to enhance her movements, most notably a burgundy stretch fabric "bag" in which she undulates like Martha while describing the moods she is interpreting. It's a breathtaking piece in both its simplicity as well as its complexity. - See more at: http://www.culvercitynews.org/entertainment/stage-page-martha-christina-carlisi-shares-the-dancing-diva-s-hidden-language-of-the-soul-of-the-body/#sthash.vlIt6cap.dpuf"

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- Shari Barrett

Night Tinted Glasses - Recommended

"...Playwright Ellen Melaver and director Steward J. Zully ended up giving actress Christina Carlisi a wonderful opportunity to simply explore this great artist's character and life, without going overboard on explanations of the many, many contexts of Martha Graham's life. Not a blow by blow of her days, as if someone wanted to turn her wikipedia page into a theatrical performance. Instead the whole thing came across as a slice of life, a few moments when Graham looked back in the wake of a disaster--reliving moments, remembering people, commenting on those around her in one way or another. The disaster she eventually even relives--and by that time we understand enough to know how much it made her soul bleed."

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Stage Raw - Recommended

"...As one who saw Graham and her company in her later years, when she continued to dance even when she could barely walk, I can vouch for the fact that the magic and charisma were still compelling despite her failing powers. I was skeptical of the notion that any modern performer could capture her essence. But Cristina Carlisi is startlingly successful in painting a credible, multi-layered portrait of a remarkable woman. Carlisi has done her homework well, and continually recreates iconic moments from Graham's career, or from the remarkable photographs by Barbara Morgan, Martha Swope and others."

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- Neal Weaver

Theatre Notes - Highly Recommended

"...Simply and elegantly produced, the play boasts excellence in both the direction by Stewart J. Zully and the choreography of Camille Loftin. Lighting by Derrick McDaniel is smoothly nuanced and costumes by Candice Cain are ideal."

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- Paul Myrvold