Synopsis:
THE HIDDEN SOUL OF HARMONY is a dynamic, inspirational documentary about the innovative modern dance choreographer, Mark Morris. The film is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on...
THE HIDDEN SOUL OF HARMONY is a dynamic, inspirational documentary about the innovative modern dance choreographer, Mark Morris. The film is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Morris's tenure as the Director of Dance at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium from 1988 to 1991. The second part explores what has been called Morris's most ambitious work to date, a dance to Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato." The young (he was 33 at the time the film was made), flamboyant, infectiously enthusiastic Morris carries the film. With frequent interviews and general commentary from him, this handsome man with long, romantic black curls, bright blue eyes, and a spirit that just makes you smile, breathes energy into every minute. Whether he is in the studio coaching his dancers with hilarious instructions like, "No no, Yes yes yes," or just hanging out--perpetually clutching a beer and a cigarette--this master dancer talks about his work with a passion and commitment that makes anything seem possible. The film's narrators, who are British, French, and American, give viewers a good basic understanding of Morris's unique style of choreography--blending Flamenco, ballet, Yugoslavian and Bulgarian folk dance, but always maintaining a regard for classical movement--and the way that he has influenced contemporary dance at large.
This film was screened at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in conjunction with a retrospective marking the 20-year anniversary of the Mark Morris Dance Group.
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