Béjart, Maurice. (1927–2007)
Signed Photograph
Original doubleweight photograph of the French dancer and choreographer peering through a stylized lyre, boldly signed in black ink with his name alone. 10 x 8 inches (25.3 x 20.2 cm). Ca. 1968, no photographer attribution. Corners slightly bumped, hard small crease lower right corner; else in fine condition.Béjart, born in France and later active in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, was of the most influential European dancers and choreographers in the second half of the 20th century. He emancipated the role of the male dancers, traditionally subordinate to the ballerinas, and integrated other forms of art, turning ballet into some "total theater". "Béjart was unfathomably important for the redefinition of classical dance. He won a completely new audience for classical dance because he steered it into a revolutionary direction without destroying its classical roots." John Neumeier, artistic director of Hamburg Ballet, quoted from obituary in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (translated from German).
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.
(22733)Signed Photograph Dance