The narrative is realized through dance, song and spoken word. Choreographed by Suki John, the cast includes:
Dancers: Suki John, Bianca Borges, Juan Crovetto
Actors: Sharon Spencer, Phil Raia
Singer: Gloria Aguilar
Narrator: Dolores Brandon
Background:
Shortly after arriving in New York in 1967, I was introduced to the Diaries of Anais Nin. Thoroughly captivated by Volume 1, I would read all 7 volumes (as soon as they were released) along with her novels, essays and literary theory.
In the early 1970’s I had the good fortune to meet Nin when I was invited to read from the Diaries at a reception held for her in the photo library of her publisher, Harcourt, Brace and World. That reading and meeting lead to a “friendship” which in turn resulted in my paying creative tribute to her through various media:
- Anais Nin: Diarist, Novelist, 20th Century Goddess: an 80 minute radio tribute produced and broadcast at WBAI FM New York in 1978. Composed with Caedmon Spoken Art recordings of Nin reading from her Diaries and selections from audio recorded at memorial ceremonies held in Los Angeles and New York following Nin’s death in 1977. the spoken word presentations are underscored with selections of piano music composed by Anais’ brother, Joaquin Nin-Culmell.
- Personal memorials are included are those spoken by Christopher Isherwood, Renata Druks, Stephen Spender, Kate Millett, Nan Hunt and Vivica Lindfors (who performs a very moving excerpt from The Ragpickers a short story by Anais Nin.
- An audio copy of this memorial tribute may be available upon request.
- Anais Nin, Sister to the Creators of Modern Dance an essay included in a collection titled, Anais, Art and Artists edited by Sharon Spencer, published in 1986 by Penkevile Press
In 2003 my husband (Jim Thompson) and I traveled to France, spending a week in Paris. While there we visited a few of Nin’s favorite haunts and took the short train ride out to Louveciennes. Arriving at the door to the house that had been her home in France when she was married to Hugh Guiler and deeply involved with Henry Miller, seeing the little plaque that bears her name – a wave of timidity overtook me. Out of courtesy and respect for the current resident I almost walked away without knocking. Fortunately, Jim urged me on and within seconds the door was open and standing before us was a gentle young man quietly welcoming the inquiry. After hearing the story of my relationship to Nin, the young man graciously invited us in. Fully aware of the history the house held, he very kindly toured us around both inside and out.
Photo taken in the backyard of the house at Louveciennes