During the time of Bob Fosse the country was at war for a large portion of his life. Fosse also fought for our country during World War 2. He was alive to see Pearl Harbor and experienced first hand all the emotions that the country went through during this time. Other highly thought of historical events that happened during his time contain Rosa Parks refusing to move to the back of the bus, Alaska and Hawaii become states, President Kennedy assassinated, and fighting for gay rights movements. There were highly important laws and rights that were being fought for which could all be expressed through art.
Instead of Fosse’s choreography and work being based on different aspects of events going on in the world, his choreography is based on the theme of his shows. For example, he choreographed for The Pajama Game, which was about labor troubles in a pajama factory. The workers demanded a raise. Strikes in factories and demands for raises from labor workers were very common. Fosse was able to take music and put his slinky movements into what the theme of the musical or song was. Another example of Fosse adapting to what the theme of the story was is Chicago. This story is about a women and her cellmates that have killed men and are waiting for a trial to either be set free or get the death penalty. Some would even simply say this movie is based around the idea of the death penalty, which has major controversy. Instead of making a dance routine reflecting how he feels, Fosse used the musical to portray a story and added his movements for entertainment.
I think it is so great how Mr. Bob Fosse can turn a drab story into something so fab! Fosse is sexy, but classy, original but relate-able and trendy but timeless. Love Fosse!
ReplyDeleteShannon, your passion for Fosse shines through! I think you mean 'devotee' instead of 'guru'? The guru is Fosse and you are his 'devotee.'
ReplyDeleteGreat work here!