Another Language Performing Arts Company

Elizabeth A. Miklavcic - Choreographic Works

Photographic Memory - May 25, 1991

Photographic Memory (1991)

Choreographers: Elizabeth A. Miklavcic & Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Music: (Video Credits)
Costuming: Elizabeth A. Miklavcic
Set Design: Elizabeth & Jimmy Miklavcic
Set Construction: Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Lighting: Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Dancers: Elizabeth A. Miklavcic & Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Location: O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, Springdale, Utah
Length: 11:18 minutes

Description
Inspired by the title of a poem by William Butler Yeats, To A Wealthy Man Who Promised A Second Subscription To The Dublin Municipal Gallery If It Were Proved The People Wanted Pictures, from the book Responsibilities: Poems and a Play. Elizabeth pictured as she read this title, dancers in frames instead of paintings. She thought of old photos on bureaus of great, great grandmothers and grandfathers posing in their Sunday best for a family portrait.

Danced by Elizabeth and Jimmy Miklavcic, Photographic Memory is based on the concept of a troubled relationship. Set in the Victorian era, the dance depicts a couple's life, showing moments of joy, dependency, connection and conflict. As the couple looks back on the memory of their relationship, represented by the picture frames, they dance the moments of their lives together. In this case, the couple begin together then split apart, and come together again, ending when Jimmy finally disappears, leaving for good. The dance movements combine moments of stillness as if frozen in a picture frame; constrained, resistant, slow motion movement, as well as fast release movement symbolizing moments of freedom for the individuals, especially for the female dancer. Her sadness by the eventual leaving of the man could be interpreted in such a way, that her life ends when the relationship ends.

O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, Springdale, Utah
As part of the Utah Arts Council, Performing Arts Tour Another Language Performing Arts Company was booked by the Zion Canyon Arts and Humanities Council (Z-Arts), Dixie College (now called Utah Tech University), and The Tanner Amphitheater Summer Arts Series, to perform at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, on May 25, 1991. The town of Springdale is located next to the boundaries of Zion National Park southwest entrance, and this theater is surrounded by majestic red rock mountains that create a natural amphitheater. The sun had just set, and a gentle desert breeze blew through the open air theater. Once in a while performers are given an experiential gift, and this was one of those occasions. Elizabeth and Jimmy Miklavcic having the opportunity to perform this special dance, in this incredible environment, was unforgettable, and an experience for which they will always be grateful.