The spirit of Marta Becket's creativity permeates the walls of the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley, California. Marta Becket is a still performing 85 year old dance mime who moved to Death Valley from New York City in 1967. Here in the heart of the desert springs her personal oasis of creativity.
On Saturday nights when a profusion of color pervades desert landscape and the world lights on fire, Becket illuminates the stage with a rich blend of mythos, magic and magnetism. Becket's muse led her from an urban lifestyle in New York to the stark absolutism of desert terrain, compelling her to experience deep inner reality, demons and creativity. There are few distractions here she said and like the century plant, Marta Beckett is a rare flower in bloom. The inspiration of her life is as much a gift as her performances and you can read more in her biography, "To Dance on Sands."
Princess Haiku, I thought- Marta Becket's stage of dreams, enchanted mime theater surreal and vast possibilities are just what you need. The walls of the opera house are covered with murals painted by Becket herself of a dream life audience and she is is as zen fulfilled performing for one, none or a full house. The Amargosa Opera House is a place in Death Valley that is a tarot card symbolising rebirth, new beginnings and transcendence.
28 comments:
I've never heard of Marta Becket before but enjoyed this trailer so much I now want to see the movie! Thanks for making me aware of her and her creative spirit.
This woman was featured in a NY times story a few years back. Fascinating. Where have you been, Princess? Are you traveling to NY state this summer?
How beautifully descriptive! Marta Becket sounds like a fantastic person - I'm energized!
I remember seeing a documentary on her a long time ago and thought how amazing to see a person who has literally had their dreams come true. When my fiance went through the town it was closed :( I want to see her place one day.
:)
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment.
:)
TLLT
She.. the Marta Becket documentary is just inspiring. I rented it from my video store but going to purchase a copy online. It's the kind of film you need to see several times to absorb it's poetic message.
Hi Ched,
I didn't really have any plans to be in NY although there is going to be a fabulous Chrysanthemum Festival in the Fall. What about you...Coming to Northern Cal? I will be stopping by to catch up all your posts. I have a lot of reading to do this week. My peripatectic blog friends have wandered through an ocean of musings and thoughts in the few weeks I was away.
How interesting. A friend of mine is a mime scholar - I will have to share this with her.
What is a mime scholar, Anna?
dear princess,
what are you doing up at three in the morning? :P.
I have been busy lately.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying your holidays. It seems there is still inspiration to be found!
What a culture shock that must have been for her :NYC to the desert!
If that doesn't put one into a zen mood nothing will.
Thanks for the reference.
Idk anything about opera houses for I have never been to one nor do I know anything about the people who play in them either but I'm sure they're fasinating, people that can sing and dance like that are incredible. But with posts like these I can get a figured thought of what they're like.
Nice preview btw. :)
Later Haiku
The trailer is sublime.....I am going to check this out and her book as well.
thanks for the introduction of Becket...& I am going to read a bit more of your older post now..
Hello,
Just stopping by to see what you've seen lately. Have a great weekend.
hi princess,
i confess - i haven't watched the trailer yet, but i will come back to it.
what intrigued me about your post was your metaphor that the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley is a tarot card symbolising rebirth, new beginnings and transcendence ....
it has taken me years to not break out in a cold sweat whenever i see death appear in a spread .... why do we fear it so ?? because, as you state: it should be embraced as rebirth and new beginnings. Maybe it is the birth pains I fear .... we have to enter into the transition and know without knowing that something new is on the other side for us. Transcendence. i like that.
Hello,
nice photo and movie and thanks for the comment in my blog.
By the way, I am writing on tea ceremony though at a snail's pace. So I parhaps might answer your question about the spiritual side of the tea ceremony in Japan.
I cant believe how much I have missed since last time i was here! All your wonderful photos and the trip to the fair (though clowns do creep me out a bit!)
Hey again, I started another blog. I made this blog for very deep thoughtful thoughts and that's all it's about.
www (dot) acquaintancewiththought (dot) blogspot (dot) com
It's hard to think of a URL address that hasn't been used up yet.
oh wow.. it's beautiful and breathtaking. promises to be a wonderful and inspiring movie. thank you!
Thanks a lot, Princess!
I've just finished my exams!!!:o)
I wish you a good summer, too!!!
Thanks!
Love from Zazie.
New beginnings and transcendence...this documentary is a film I will be picking up soon. The trailer is enormously inspirational and hopeful, all by itself.
Thanks for posting this, Princess!
Dear Princess
Thanks for your messages - I have been busy with my studies...
I have never heard of Martha Becket - but I wish to get to know more, she reminds me in some ways of Georga O'Keeffe, I will have to see the movie...
Take care and keep writing...
Livia
Hmm.. I can understand wanting to be without distractions, but cannot imagine living in the conditions of Death Valley. Martha must be a strong personality to live there and be inspired and creative.
I thought I had commented then realized that my screen froze yesterday when I was in the middle of doing so.
Thanks for the info on Martha. I hadn't heard of her before.
I always picture Death Valley like in the cowboy movies, a flat desert LOL Time I had a look to see what it looks like today.
You have been tagged with The Link of Love meme at http://thevegandiet.blogspot.com
Great post. I haven't heard of Martha before. She sounds like a wonderful creative spirit.
P.S. You've been awarded the Rockin Girl Blogger Award
http://diaryfromengland.blogspot.com/2007/07/rockin-girl-blogger-award.html
The painting reminds me so much of Marc Chagal. I hope the movie makes it to Hamburg, maybe at the Metropolis or Abaton.
Hey Haiku, how've you been?
hi it is August already-- I miss you.
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