Sunday, July 08, 2007

Ghosts of the Amargosa Opera House via





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.

33 comments:

xxxxx said...

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.

Bobby D. said...

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?

harriett said...

How beautifully descriptive! Marta Becket sounds like a fantastic person - I'm energized!

C Merry said...

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

Diane Dehler said...

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.

VW said...

How interesting. A friend of mine is a mime scholar - I will have to share this with her.

Diane Dehler said...

What is a mime scholar, Anna?

mystic rose said...

dear princess,
what are you doing up at three in the morning? :P.

I have been busy lately.

S. Camille said...

I hope you are doing well and enjoying your holidays. It seems there is still inspiration to be found!

goatman said...

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.

Acquaintance said...

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

drips of paint said...

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..

Dorlana said...

Hello,
Just stopping by to see what you've seen lately. Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

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.

Unknown said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!)

Acquaintance said...

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.

mystic rose said...

oh wow.. it's beautiful and breathtaking. promises to be a wonderful and inspiring movie. thank you!

Zazie said...

Thanks a lot, Princess!

I've just finished my exams!!!:o)

I wish you a good summer, too!!!
Thanks!

Love from Zazie.

Marion said...

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!

Livia Gnos said...

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

Silvia Hoefnagels . Salix Tree said...

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.

Jackie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jackie said...

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

Naomi said...

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

Indeterminacy said...

The painting reminds me so much of Marc Chagal. I hope the movie makes it to Hamburg, maybe at the Metropolis or Abaton.

Acquaintance said...

Hey Haiku, how've you been?

Bobby D. said...

hi it is August already-- I miss you.

Anonymous said...

movie traped in a parking garage [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_disturbed/]disturbed[/url] incest movie samples http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_lions_for_lambs/ cars offical movie site
kajol latest movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_this_boy_s_life/]this boy s life[/url] friday 13 of jason the movie http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbyyear/year_1940_high-quality-movies/ sixteen candles movie quotes
this christmas movie 60611 [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_children_of_huang_shi/]the children of huang shi[/url] brittany murphy movie about meth
homemade sex movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_perfect_hideout/]perfect hideout[/url] navyn os movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_hamlet/ length of movie troy
actors in the movie independence day [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_dead_calm_70/]dead calm 70[/url] secretary movie reviews http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbycountry/country_usa/?page=6 bikini bistro movie trailer

Anonymous said...

Predilection casinos? sift this progeny [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]free casino[/url] games. head and production online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our lately [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] steer at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and win authentic hard currency !
another voguish [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino[/url] spiele locality is www.ttittancasino.com , in lieu of of german gamblers, descend upon by manumitted online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

a teens movie page [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_tupac_resurrection/]tupac resurrection[/url] hamlet movie lesson plan http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_poltergeist_ii_the_other_side/ movie questions
movie bread and roses [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_40_days_and_40_nights/]40 days and 40 nights[/url] xxx movie previews http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbyyear/year_1947_high-quality-movies/ interview with the vampire movie photos
professional movie reviews [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_jake_s_closet/]jake s closet[/url] willow the movie
black angel movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_terror_at_baxter_u/]terror at baxter u[/url] the movie the hit http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbygenres/download-genre_mystery-movies/?page=7 the movie shooter
free cum in mouth movie galleries [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_count_of_monte_cristo_70/]the count of monte cristo 70[/url] tailor of panama movie review http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_grand_canyon/ endangered species club komoto movie

Anonymous said...

Hi, How is going.
I like www.blogger.com because I learned a lot here. Now it's time for me to pay back.
Why I post this guide on this of www.blogger.com is to help people solve the same problem.
Please let me know if it is unacceptable here.
Here is the guide, wish it would do people a favor.

Guide: How to transfer photo to DVD with the photo to DVD software
You may ever be annoyed by these questions: How to transfer photo to DVD? How to create slide show on DVD? And how to copy video to DVD? Now, with Photo DVD Maker Professional , all these are done easily and quickly. Please follow me step by step to make this magic trip.
I. Introduction of this photo to DVD software:
The best photo to DVD software to transfer photo to DVD helps create a slide show on DVD, create photo slide show and copy video to DVD with high quality.
As a professional photo to DVD software, Photo DVD Maker Professional helps you transfer photo to DVD, create a slide show on DVD, create photo slide show and copy video to DVD with excellent and unbelievable image quality. It allows you to make use of your DVD or CD burner to create photo slide shows complete with music, motion menus and transition effects you can watch on your home big screen TV with a DVD player. Get the free download trial of this professional photo to DVD software to transfer photo to DVD and create a slide show on DVD. You will experience a brand new multimedia life with it.
Key features: Easy as 1,2,3: With this Photo to DVD software, you can use digital photos, pictures, music, captions and interactive menus to create high quality slide show in 3 easy steps; High Resolution: This Photo to DVD software optimizes your digital photos and uses the High Resolution Picture format which is supported by DVD and SVCD. The resolution of the image shown on TV can be as high as 704x576. This technique makes photo look great on TV; Burn and Enjoy: Burn slide show to CD and watch them on TV using your home VCD or DVD player. Photo DVD Maker offers an easy, complete way for you to create professional-looking photo DVD CD from your photos, pictures and music. With an easy-to-use design, quickly arrange your own menu layouts, assemble fully customized photo slide shows, and burn your final project as a DVD or VCD disc. Share your memories on the big screen like never before. Three steps - that's all it takes to make your own photo video DVD: Add your photos to slide show, design your own DVD menu, and burn your disc. It's that simple.
II. How to transfer photo to DVD:
Step: 1. Organize Photos: Press the add button to load photos:
You can add text to any single picture just press the test button on the top of the photoes:
Step: 2. Choose Menus:
you can also set the background music, background images as well
Step 3. : Set the options for your DVD:
Final Step: Burn:
What a best and powerful photo to DVD software to transfer photo to DVD, create a slide show on DVD, create photo slide show and copy video to DVD! Just free download this fantastic photo to DVD software and try it right now. You will enjoy a worry-free experience to transfer photo to DVD and create a slide show on DVD quickly and in high quality with it.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys I'm not quite for certain if this is the correct space to mail this, but I am having some corporeal trouble learning how to tell a girl I saw how to tell a girl [url=http://www.sici.org/forums/member/23001
how to tell a girl [/url] that blog, but it as a matter of fact didn't appear to give to me alot of sanity to me. Can someone pretty please improve me? It's so intricate to meet the sexy women of my dreams.

This ezine wasn't easy to read

Ideas on How to satisfy Girls for the Shopping mall

If you , yourself are a single guy and aren't the best at obtaining a great deal of less meeting ladies and are wondering wherever you might go to get and meet up with a girlfriend, then these ten reasonable guidelines on how to fulfill a chick in the mall, might appear in mighty handy.

1 - Go into the meals court. Think it or not, the meals court is a absolute better place inside the local mall to satisfy a young girl. Here's what you do. Choose a food put and get in line for your meal. Whilst you’re in line, take a look around the region wherever every person is sitting and eating. Take a look to get a woman seated alone, and even two girls seated together. When you might have your meal in hand, walk over to in which she or they're sitting and talk to if you could join them. If you are truthful and straightforward with them, your probabilities are rather wonderful.

2- Do some thinking. Earlier than you even give thought to going with the shopping mall to fulfill a female, sit oneself down and do some major thinking. Look into how you might speak to a girlfriend and what you would possibly say to her if you could be thriving. Contemplate which components from the mall you'll check out. Also, you're about to must acquire something despite the fact that there, what do you will need? Last but not least, check out what meeting a young lady inside a public area entails. Certainly you will really need to look for the wedding ring ahead of speaking to a young girl, and you'll really need to regard if it is wiser to speak to a young lady alone or a person who's with others. At long last, you can expect to have for being practical about your personal age and the ages of the lady you need to fulfill. As in, you're likely to will need to inform oneself for being practical and don't try to meet women which can be a lot younger or older than you can be, or that appear out of your respective league.



three - Request assistance. The moment you will be as a final point along at the local mall, one for the techniques to satisfy women is by asking them for allow. Women understand that men have no strategy what they're performing when they are buying, so asking for help will not appear this kind of a ridiculous plan. Request guidance in picking out a jacket for by yourself as an example. Performing so let's the woman know that you are single. If she agrees to aid you, find out her other questions as you grab completely different jackets to you could try on.

Hey guys I'm not for certain if this is the greatestl area to mail this, but I am having some real grieve learning how to tell a girl I saw how to tell a girl [url=http://stana9.insanejournal.com/540.html
how to tell a girl [/url] that blog, but it actually didn't look as if to give to me alot of sentiment to me. Can someone please assist me? It's so impregnable to convene the girls of my dreams.