Date of Defense

1999

Department

Dance

Abstract

Dmitri Shostakovich, a Russian composer during Stalin's reign, always had a suitcase packed because he knew if something he wrote was in conflict with Stalin's mood that particular day, he could disappear as so many others before him had. Shostakovich had every reason to be afraid because colleagues who had written beautiful music, performed in brilliant operas and choreographed amazing dances had mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the night. How could a political regime instill this kind of fear in grown men? How could a political leader like Stalin think he had the expertise to decide what music and dance was acceptable to promote communism? How did communism and its leaders affect those who strove for artistic excellence? These are the questions I considered as I began this project to create my graduating presentation. I intended for the dance itself to show the differences between the kinds of performance opportunities available to those living in a communist governments as opposed to democratic governments.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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