Errand into the maze

Definition

Errand into the Maze is a seminal dance piece created by Martha Graham in 1947, embodying themes of struggle, confrontation, and personal transformation. The work features a protagonist who navigates a labyrinth, symbolizing the journey of self-discovery and the challenges faced in life. This choreography highlights Graham's unique style, which blends emotion with physicality, making it a cornerstone of modern dance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Errand into the Maze is often seen as a personal reflection of Graham's struggles with her own identity and the complexities of human relationships.
2. The dance features an innovative use of costuming and set design, where the maze itself is represented through flowing fabrics and strong lines, enhancing the narrative of the piece.
3. The character of the protagonist engages in a powerful physical struggle against both external forces and internal conflicts, highlighting Graham's focus on psychological depth.
4. This piece is notable for its use of a single dancer who embodies both the hero and the adversary, showcasing Graham's interest in duality and the conflict within oneself.
5. Errand into the Maze is considered one of Graham's masterpieces and has influenced generations of dancers and choreographers through its emotional intensity and groundbreaking choreography.

Review Questions

• How does Errand into the Maze reflect Martha Graham's unique approach to expressing human emotions through dance?
  • Errand into the Maze exemplifies Martha Graham's unique approach by intertwining physical movement with deep emotional exploration. The choreography uses intense contractions and releases to convey feelings of struggle and transformation, which are central to the protagonist's journey through the maze. This integration of movement and emotion showcases Graham's belief that dance is a powerful medium for expressing complex psychological states.
• In what ways does the theme of mythology play a role in Errand into the Maze, and how does it enhance the narrative?
  • The theme of mythology plays a crucial role in Errand into the Maze by providing a framework for understanding the protagonist's journey as a metaphorical representation of personal trials. By drawing from mythological elements, such as the labyrinth representing life's challenges, Graham enhances the narrative depth and allows audiences to connect with universal themes of struggle and self-discovery. This use of mythology adds layers to the character’s experience and invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys.
• Evaluate how Errand into the Maze has influenced modern dance practices and its significance within the context of Martha Graham's overall body of work.
  • Errand into the Maze has had a profound influence on modern dance practices by setting a precedent for emotional storytelling through movement. Its significance lies not only in its innovative choreography but also in how it expanded the possibilities of narrative within dance. As part of Martha Graham's broader body of work, this piece illustrates her commitment to exploring complex human experiences, thereby inspiring contemporary choreographers to incorporate psychological themes and personal narratives in their creations. The lasting impact of this work is evident in how modern dancers continue to draw from Graham's techniques and philosophies.

Related terms

Graham Technique: A revolutionary dance technique developed by Martha Graham that emphasizes contraction and release, using breath as a central component to express emotional content.

Expressionism: An artistic movement that seeks to convey emotional experience rather than physical reality, heavily influencing Graham's choreography and thematic choices.

Mythology in Dance: The use of mythological themes and characters as inspiration for choreography, a common practice in Graham's works, including Errand into the Maze.