MARIAN ANDERSON: THE WHOLE WORLD IN HER HANDS

Name: MARIAN ANDERSON: THE WHOLE WORLD IN HER HANDS
Start: 2024-05-10T19:30:00-04:00
Location: Martha's Vineyard Film Center

Schedule

Fri May 10 2024 at 07:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Martha's Vineyard Film Center | Vineyard Haven, MA

Followed by a discussion with Sandra Grymes, the niece of Marian Anderson
American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the life, career, art and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer in her own words using archival interview recordings. Marian Anderson’s singing and speaking voice are heard throughout the documentary, providing new understanding of the woman behind the music.
Spotlighting Anderson’s voice and point of view, the documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s, when she was preparing to write her memoir, “My Lord, What a Morning,” and other archival interviews. Anchored by key performances in her career, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands shows how her quiet genius and breathtaking voice set the stage for Black performers in classical music, and a louder voice for civil rights. Additionally, with unprecedented access to the Marian Anderson Estate, the documentary draws on rare audio recordings, photographs and personal correspondence to and from family and friends, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes.
“Previous documentaries centered around her life without her own voice. That’s what sets our documentary apart,” said director Rita Coburn. “Marian Anderson directly discusses her personal experiences, allowing the viewer to explore history from her point of view.”
“As this warm, intelligent portrait makes so clear, Anderson's Civil Rights achievements rarely came by way of word or deed, but by example." –Verne Gay, Newsday
"A refreshing look at one of Black history’s greatest singers, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the life, career, art, and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer." –Jared Alexander, The Grio