ARTS The Michigan Daily Tuesday, March 22, 1988 Page 5 Stunning 'Charlotte' showcases artistic genius By Juliet James Every so often, there exists an artistic genius who displays diverse facets of his or her personality in his Sor her works. This weekend, People Dancing's presen- tation of Charlotte: Life? or Theatre? gloriously de- picted several aspects of such a genius, painter Char- lotte Salomon. During the hysteric period in Europe in between the World Wars, Charlotte Salomon created nearly 1,300 gouache paintings. Educated at the State Academy of Fine Arts, Salomon used her paintings as a visual commentary on the rampant social disorder she saw in her environment as well as a personal account of her life. Salomon's important work, Life? or Theatre?, or- ganized as a "singspiel," or a play with music, is the primary source for the project's narrative. Her compositions incorporate written text, much like con- temporary multi-media theatrical productions. Whitley Setrakian, choreographer and artistic direc- tor for People Dancing, has done an excellent job of presenting the essence of the artist's life. There is more of a focus on Charlotte, the woman, than on Salomon, the painter. The art historical perspective has not been ignored, but rather the engrossing aspects of her per- sonality have been emphasized. Also, Setrakian has chosen to portray the tragic irony of her situation - she was one of many artistic geniuses in Berlin and throughout Europe whose talents were obscured in the chaotic nature of that era. The timbre of Charlotte Salomon's existence is brilliantly demonstrated through Setrakian's choreogra- phy and masterfully executed by the members of Peo- ple Dancing. The range of emotions intrinsic to Char- lotte's character are expressed; we see true depth, intel- ligence, and sensitivity. Also illustrated is the major role that familial relationships played in the develop- ment of these traits. In an especially evocative dance, a trio of Charlottes - the suicidal aunt for whom she was named and Salomon herself at two separate stages in her life - depict the poignancy that comprised an instrumental element in her works. The frantic vigor and exuberant physicality of the choreography is juxtaposed with slow-paced, plodding movement to personify the inspirational outpouring of dance, music, and culture that was contemporaneous to the socio-economic depression in Berlin between the Wars. The dancers were precise and skillfully expres- sive in presenting this parallel relationship between Salomon and her environment, and indeed the dual na- ture of the painter herself. Also worthy of mention is the profound dramatic contribution made by Performance Network's resident theatrical ensemble "La!" The narrative dialogue heightened the sense of drama in Salomon' s story. As the voice of Charlotte, Tracy Lee Komarmy gave a haunting effect to the artist's words. The eerie music, composed by Dick Siegel, serves as a lush, stirring background. There is also an attention to detail which enhances the drama of the project. The historically accurate cos- tuming lends a sense of credibility to the actors' and dancers' appearances. The colorful, hand-painted canvas that covered the stage floor was the primary decorative element of the sparse set design. At various points in the drama, we see Charlotte on a platform holding a picture frame, illustrating her life through her painting while in the background hangs a single window frame, showing the reality of Salomon's situation. The lighting, an effusive mixture of reds and blues, was effective in transforming the tone of the action onstage. This production can be viewed as an interest- ing opportunity to explore Charlotte Salomon, the painter, the social observer, and most importantly, the human being. Charlotte: Life? or Theatre? is not an angst-ridden dedication to the suffering, prejudice, and frustration experienced by so many artists and non- artists alike during the '30s. Instead, it is a luminous celebration of the genius and character of an extraordi- nary individual. Performances of CHARLOTTE: LIFE? O'6 THE- ATRE will continue at Performance Network (408 W. Washington) Friday through Sunday afternoon. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday's matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 and discount tickets for seniors and students will be available .on Thursday and Sunday. Advance purchases can be made at First Position on Williams St. and by contacting Performance Network at 663-0681. Young ordinar author v to s overcomes the style cceed with y By Lisa Magnino When Ann Hood's first novel, Somewhere Off The Coast of Maine, came out last year, it was buried amidst the collection of first novels from other authors in their late twenties to early thirties, all inspired by the success of the brat pack writ- -rs, led by Bret Easton Ellis and Jay McInerney. But those who waded through the 'nire of uninspired, repetitive stories recognized that Hood's style was anything but run of the mill. James Atlas, critic for Vanity Fair, calls Somewhere "an estimable debut ... poised between two generations, Hood is a shrewd chronicler of both." Gilda Povolo, a lecturer at the Uni- versity and a close friend and col- league of Hood, agrees that the suc- cess of Somewhere comes from Hood's ability to portray both gener- ations effectively: "She can appeal to either generation because she looks at each from its unique perspective." Somewhere deals with the lives of three roommates, from their col- lege days in the '60s to their lives in the '80s. Hood cleverly uses music and other cultural props from these times as a backdrop to her story which adds credibility to her mutual perspective. Somewhere was also the debut release from Bantam New Fiction, a line that has given acclaim to the publisher for its introduction of new, talented authors. Hood has published short stories in McCall's and is now working on her second novel, Waiting to Vanish, scheduled out in June, that promises to be just as successful as her first. Today is a chance to see a talented young author who hasn't succumbed to the pressures of the brat pack. ANN HOOD will read from her upcoming novel, Waiting to Vanish, today at 4 p.m. in the Rackham East Conference Room as part of the En- glish Department's Visiting Writers Series. ZETA TAU ALPHA presents MR. GREEK WEEK 1988 COME CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITES! 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