Preludes: Duncan, Sand & Chopin is an innovative and historic theatrical fantasy exploring the dynamics among three boundary-breaking artists – Isadora Duncan, Frederic Chopin, and George Sand. Follow these revolutionary artists as they aspire to find their own romantic notions of beauty and freedom, while struggling with who and where they are in time and place.
In this bold production, Chopin is at the apex of a time-traveling love triangle. Frederic Chopin composed his masterpiece, 24 Preludes, while wintering in Majorca in 1838-39 with 19th century novelist and lover George Sand — a journey that was artistically and personally complicated for both Sand and Chopin, but gave birth to these exquisite musical compositions as well as to Sand’s memoir, Winter in Majorca. Sixty years later, circa 1899, Isadora Duncan found inspiration in Chopin’s 24 Preludes and brought them to new life with her unique and powerful choreography and performed them for international audiences.
Featuring the masterworks of Isadora Duncan, George Sand, and Frederic Chopin, Preludes: Duncan, Sand & Chopin is a progressive, unique and sophisticated integration of dance, live music and theater.
Premiered at the Lansburgh Shakespeare Theater, Washington DC; November 4, 2010
Presented at Atlas Intersections Festival, Washington DC; March 5, 2011, and Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston, S.C; June 7, 8, 9, 10, 2011
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
Photo by Stephen Baranovics
The Production Team
Concept and Production: Cynthia Word
Writer and Director: Mary Hall Surface
Director of Music: Carlos Cesar Rodriquez
Choreography: Isadora Duncan re-staged by Jeanne Bresciani
The Artists
Dancers: Jeanne Bresciani, Cynthia Word, Ingrid Zimmer
Actor: Mia DeSanto
Pianist: Carlos Cesar Rodriquez
Reviews
“The music is a perfect stage for Duncan’s dances that become a silent song of sheer expression. Kudos to the creators of this original and heart-wrenching theatrical experience."
- Eliza Ingle, Charleston Today
“Themes focusing on the quest for creative expression and the seeking of the ideal - in art or love - made the evening's robust material rich and accessible for all. Magnifique! We look forward to further productions."
- Leslie Hyde, Producer of the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival
“… the piece itself takes flight, rising to a level of expression that transcends time and space."
- William Schlitt, Theatre Coordinator, Piccolo Spoleto 2011
“The most haunting piece of dance theater in many a season…we were in the presence of magic."
- George Jackson, Danceview Times
“Preludes: Duncan, Sand & Chopin is likely the Dance season’s most historically significant event."
- Sarah Kaufman, The Washington Post