When I first saw this video from the ETV Tape Vault, I was enchanted by the transformational approach of Martha Graham's Sketches from Chronicle. The power, discipline and legacy knowledge that were required to stage this production stand alone among the ETV Classics. As the USC company presents Sketches from Chronicle, they are not only learning a new dance, but a new language as well.
Janet Eilber, Director, The Martha Graham Center, describes the documentary as follows: "Created almost 20 years ago, this eye-opening film gives viewers an in-depth look at a Graham masterwork being recreated in an educational setting and offers rare access to the innerworkings of bringing an historic, modernist classic to life. Interviews with the students invite us into the challenges they face replicating the physical power of the Graham choreography while delivering the emotional anti-war themes. It is wonderful to revisit this process and be reminded again of the timelessness of the Graham dances for any generation.".
Eilber discusses the process of the performance. Martha Graham’s dances are called vocabulary, as it is all about communicating. This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at restaging Graham’s masterpiece.
Beryl Dakers recalls that the documentary establishes that SC—Columbia in particular—had a relationship with the legendary Graham. It is significant that Janet Eilber, who has served as artistic director for so many years, came to Columbia during that famed 1970’s appearance at the Township, just as it is significant that Graham herself was active here and interacted with both young aspiring dancers and the community. Eilber’s support and recognition of the USC production both then and now is huge!
Susan E. Anderson, Director USC Dance Program talks about the historic opportunity to perform Chronicle in its entirety. It premiered in 1936, and parts were missing and had to be reconstructed. The ballet speaks to the time before, during and after the war.
Principal dancer Jennifer DePalo Peterson worked with the USC dancers in reconstructing the piece. "Restaging Sketches from Chronicle at the University of South Carolina was a deeply meaningful and enriching experience. Working with such highly trained and dedicated dancers, under the direction of Miriam Barbosa and Susan Anderson, was both inspiring and rewarding."
"On a personal level, I found it especially fulfilling to coach Miriam Barbosa in the lead role, as well as to support the students in deepening their understanding and embodiment of the Martha Graham Technique. Their commitment to the work was evident throughout every rehearsal and performance. The dancers not only rose to the challenge of presenting this masterwork with excellence, but they also exceeded my expectations. Their artistry, discipline, and passion infused the piece with renewed vitality and integrity.
After having danced the roles from 1996 until this restating gave me so much insight and clarity to undertake this with these beautiful dancers and the stage we set it on was exquisite. I’m beyond grateful for that time."
Miriam Barbosa, who starred in the production, and was a USC faculty member at the time, recalls the following: "My contribution to the arts in South Carolina through the documentary Sketches from Chronicle represents both a preservation of dance heritage and a meaningful cultural offering to the community. By staging a masterwork by the legendary modern dance pioneer Martha Graham on students at the University of South Carolina, in partnership with former Principal Dancer Jennifer DePalo Peterson, I created a rare opportunity for emerging artists to engage directly with one of the foundational voices of modern dance. Graham’s choreography is not only historically significant but also technically and emotionally demanding; guiding students through this process allowed them to embody a lineage of movement that shaped the course of American dance."
"The documentary Sketches from Chronicle captures this artistic journey—revealing the rehearsal process, the transmission of Graham’s technique and philosophy, and the transformation of young dancers as they inhabit this powerful work. By performing Graham’s lead role myself, under Jennifer Peterson and MG Artistic Director Janet Eilber's mentorship, I served both as interpreter and mentor, demonstrating the depth of physicality, emotional intensity, and discipline required by her repertory. This dual role strengthened the bridge between professional artistry and academic training."
"The project’s impact extends beyond the stage. It enriches South Carolina’s cultural landscape by bringing a cornerstone of American modern dance to local audiences and by documenting an educational and artistic process that might otherwise remain unseen. A lot of history is explored in detail highlighting South Carolina in connection with the Martha Graham Dance Company visit and performance at the Township Auditorium in SC in 1972, as stated by Janet Eilber and local community members interviews. Through this work, I aim to inspire students, audiences, and the broader community to value the preservation, reinterpretation, and continued evolution of the performing arts. In doing so, Sketches from Chronicle contributes to the vitality of dance in South Carolina while honoring the enduring legacy of Martha Graham."
The students underwent a crash course in Graham technique. Miriam Barbosa talks about the legacy and keeping the performance alive. Carolyn Bolton talks about learning the process and techniques like contraction. Lindsey Shatzer, soloist, describes her feelings for this dance. Malie Bruton Heider, Former Arts Reporter, The State recalled her amazement when Graham first came to USC in 1972 to be artist in residence for a week. We know that you will find this restaging amazing, too!
This local program documented a significant milestone for the Martha Graham Company, as it marked the first time this ballet had been set on a local company with the approval and cooperation of the Graham Company. “Restaging Martha Graham’s Sketches from Chronicle” received a Southeastern Emmy nomination when broadcast.
Regarding the Spoleto Festival connection, Dakers recalls the importance of Graham’s relationship with Menotti himself and with the Charleston Festival. (For me personally, I cannot tell you the thrill of seeing Martha Graham herself at Spoleto USA in Charleston.) To include Charleston/Spoleto as a Centennial site is quite an honor.
To learn more about Graham100: The Centennial Celebration, see the link below. To learn more about Martha Graham and Sketches From Chronicle, see Side Notes below.
