Abstract

Martha Graham’s modern ballets Chronicle (1936), Immediate Tragedy (1937), and Deep Song (1937) are artistic depictions of the destruction of war and the impacts of fascism in Nazi Germany and Civil War Spain. Through these works, Graham expressed her opposition to fascist politics, and her disapproval of the perpetuation of fascism’s values. Graham was one of the most prolific and influential—and therefore most studied—choreographers of the 20th century, and she is often considered one of the American pioneers of modern dance globally. However, most of the existing scholarship on Graham is biographical or centered on her common themes of gender, sexuality, spirituality, and American identity rather than her political views and actions. This research uses contemporary recordings of these pieces along with critical reviews, letters, notes, and existing scholarship to analyze the movement as historical works within their political, cultural, and artistic contexts. An analysis of Graham’s choreographic style throughout each of these pieces reveals her involvement in a developing conversation at the time about artists as political influencers and American identity on an international scale. Additionally, this research addresses enduring issues of how we discuss genocide, fascism, and war.

Advisor

Hettinger, Madonna

Second Advisor

Vaughn, Kerstin

Third Advisor

Baird, Emily

Department

History; Theatre and Dance

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2025 Eleanor Gale Boomhower