So, there’s another revival of the classic American musical drama ‘Oklahoma’ on Broadway. Here, from 1943 is Martha Graham’s precious advice the Agnes de Mille, which I take very seriously. It is probably applicable to all artists, and perhaps to the majority of us in everyday life. Deep thanks to Benton Hess for this.
“The greatest thing she ever said to me was in 1943 after the opening of ‘Oklahoma,’ when I suddenly had unexpected, flamboyant success for a work I thought was only fairly good, after years of neglect for work I thought was fine. I was bewildered and worried that my entire scale of values was untrustworthy. I talked to Martha. I remember the conversation very well. It was at Schrafft’s restaurant over a soda. I confessed that I had a burning desire to be excellent but no faith that I could be. Martha said to me, very quietly, “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is or how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. As for you, Agnes, you have a peculiar and unusual gift, and you have so far used about one-third of your talent.”
“But,” I said, “when I see my work I take for granted what other people value in it. I see only its ineptitude, inorganic flaws, and crudities. I am not pleased or satisfied.”
“No artist is pleased.”
“But then there is no satisfaction?”
“No satisfaction whatever at any time,” she cried out passionately. “There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” ”
Photo: Mark Platt and Katharine Sergava in a scene from Oklahoma, 1943. (Credit: Courtesy of Gjon Mili/Getty Images)