Somatic Film Screenings
in collaboration with Northampton Open Media
Steve Paxton and Nancy Stark Smith, photo by Stephen Petegorsky
FILMS
1-1:45PM "LOOKING FOR ME" introduced by Janet Adler
Introduction: Janet Adler // Film: Looking for Me // Duration 29 min. // Black and White. 1970.
This classic and universally acclaimed documentary demonstrates the importance and the delights of experiencing one’s body. It provides a unique record of dance therapist Janet Adler working to develop movement awareness with normal and emotionally disturbed children and with a group of teachers. “Looking for Me” is of interest to anyone concerned with autism, mental health, nonverbal communication, movement therapy, and psychology. It was directed by Virginia Bartlett and Norris Brock for the Shady Lane School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was written and narrated by and features Janet Adler.
Janet Adler introducing “Looking for Me”, photographs by Robert Tobey
Nancy Stark Smith and Steve Paxton in “Fall After Newton”
2-2:45PM "FALL AFTER NEWTON" introduced by Nancy Stark Smith
Introduction: Nancy Stark Smith // Film: FALL AFTER NEWTON // Duration 22:45 min. // Color and Black and White, 1987.
A sweeping look at 11 years of the practice of Contact Improvisation by Nancy Stark Smith and initiator, Steve Paxton. The progression – from its beginnings in 1972 through successive years of performances up to 1983 – shows one strand of the development of this multifaceted duet dance form. Featured performers: Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith, Script/Narration: Steve Paxton, Editing: Steve Christiansen, Lisa Nelson, Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith.
Nancy Stark Smith introducing “Fall After Newton”
3-3:45PM FOUR SPECIAL CHILDREN (excerpt) introduced by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
Introduction: Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen // Film: Four Special Children // Duration 2 hours.
A DVD of Bonnie working with four children with developmental difficulties. “I have chosen these four as they demonstrate in different ways how our perception and expression are functions of our mind and how easy it is to become aware and to change our mind and claim its power. They also manifest the reality of intelligence and its dependency upon desire, motivation and relationship.” These sessions were filmed between 1983 – 1987.
Order information: Four Special Children
4-4:30PM "VISION OF THORNES" introduced by Andrea Olsen
Introduction: Andrea Olsen // Film: Vision of Thornes // Duration: 13:07 // Color and Black & White
An archival glimpse into the life and philosophy of Gordon Thorne (1941-2018), and his vision for the integration of business and the arts in Northampton, MA as a building owner, artist, and community creator. Curated by Andrea Olsen, edited by Scotty Hardwig, in collaboration with A.P.E., Historic Northampton, and Northampton Open Media.
Andrea Olsen introducing “Vision of Thornes”
Full version available here: