Library of Congress

For work reasons, I will be travelling to Washington D.C. in mid-May to attend the national booksellers convention. While in the Capitol, I hope to visit the Library of Congress, and do some research on Louise Brooks. (I've never been to the Library of Congress - though I have borrowed a number of inter-library loans from this institution. They have an amazing collection.)

And so, yesterday, I spent most of the day planning my visit. The LOC is the largest library in the world. It has closed stacks. And there are a number of rules which apply to individuals and independent researchers like myself. For example, individuals can only make 9 requests per hour in the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room. And scanners, larger than the hand-held variety, are not allowed, etc . . . . Thus, I spent my day figuring out which buildings, collections, and rooms are open when, and what material can be found where. I also obtained call numbers for the various items I hope to look at. I will likely have little more than one day at the LOC - and so, I prioritized which material I want to examine first. I hope to make the most of my time. And there is sure to be some competition for the microfilm reader/printers. I have to work efficiantly.

For a handful of key newspapers, The Library of Congress is the only library in the country which has certain titles readily available on microfilm. For example, in order to complete my survey of particular papers (in search of either Denishawn material or film reviews), I plan to request theRochester Times Union, Newark Star-Eagle, Minneapolis Morning Tribune, Boston Post and a couple of Buffalo papers. I also hope to explore theIndianapolis News, Oklahoma City times, and Rocky Mountain News. The LOC has each of these papers on microfilm. One elusive paper which the LOC does not have on microfilm - but instead has in bound volumes - is the Atlantic City Evening Union. I have long been anxious to look at this paper and uncover what articles it may have run about the near week-long Denishawn engagement there in 1923, the Miss America contest and the filming of American Venus in 1925, and the later screening of the film in 1926. I would guess it is ripe with interesting material!

It is also my understanding that the LOC has 6 of 7 reels of  The Street of Forgotten Men, the first film in which Louise Brooks appeared. I have a query in to the LOC to find out if  this 1925 Herbert Brennon directed film is, in fact, available for individual screening. How thrilling it would be to view the film! If it is, and if I am able to see it, I will take many notes. To be continued . . . . 

Teatro della Lulu

Mars Toyko is a visual artist working in miniature 3-D diorama who has created "Teatro della Lulu (Homage to Louise Brooks)." The artist sent an email to alert me to her work. She wrote, "I have been a fan of Louise Brooks for years and have created an Homage to her."



This photo was taken with a macro lens attachment. The original diorama is only 3" wide, 4.5" deep, and 4" high. For me, this piece evokes the work of the American surrealist Joseph Cornell - one of my favorite artists and an inspiration to Mars Toyko. (Cornell was famously obsessed with certain ballerinas and actresses - most notably Hedy Lamarr - and he created elaborate shadow boxes in their honor.) Toyko's collage and constructions also bring the work of Betye Saar to mind. Those wishing to see more of the artist's efforts should visit http://teenytheaters.com/

Diary of a Lost Circus

The Montreal Mirror reports on a vaudeville entertainment taking place this weekend in Montreal, Canada called "Diary of a Lost Circus." The event/performance is burlesque, and has nothing to do with silent film, though it was in some small way inspired by the Louise Brooks' film, Diary of a Lost Girl. The Mirror reports

"I was talking with Damiana on the phone," he recalls, "she was asking me what to call the night, and we came up with names like the Sexy Pants Party, the I Wanna Dance Half-Naked by Myself Show and the like. Damiana, the goddess she is, mentions we should use the word 'circus.' As I gracefully glanced at the 1929 German poster for the Louise Brooks film Diary of a Lost Girl, I thought to myself, 'We are all kind of lost, all trying to find our spot, looking for other spot-finders and with our dances and guitars, we end up finding each other by accident.'"

Castelli's philosophical revelation prompted the title 'Diary of a Lost Circus,' and Dolce dug it too. 'A lost circus,' muses Castelli, 'a  whole lot of us wandering around in the city with a stick, a dress and a good song in our head.

Interestingly, Frank Wedekind's original Lulu plays - the basis for Pandora's Box - are framed by a circus. Anyways, here is a link to the news story. If anyone should attend and spot a Brooks sighting, please post something here.

Louise Brooks event this Saturday

Louise Brooks fans will want to know about an event taking place on Saturday. Echoeing language from the LBS website, this small piece appeared inArtvoice, a Buffalo alternative weekly. "Louise Brooks appeared in 24 films between 1925 and 1948, during what is considered the Golden Age of Hollywood. Perhaps most famous for her portrayal of Lulu in G. W. Pabst’s German classic Pandora’s Box (1929), Brooks has since gained iconic status among film buffs. Though she may be remembered as much for her trademark bobbed haircut as for her acting ability, her impact on film history is undeniable. This year marks what would have been the actress’ 100th birthday, and a photo exhibit and reception will be held in her honor at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. An exhibit of Brooks images is noteworthy enough but the fact that entertainment is provided by Lowest of Low frontman Ron Hawkins’ Acoustic Revue makes the evening extra special." For more info and pix, visit this website.

Silent Black and White Play in Chicago

From the press release of the new Louise Brooks-inspired play in Chicago. For more information (including images), check out the website at www.silenttheatre.com 

Silent Theatre in association with The Journeymen Theater Company present
Lulu
Conceived and Directed by tonika todorova
Adapted from the LULU plays by Frank Wedekind

Playing at Theatre Building Chicago, located at 1225 West Belmont Avenue, in Chicago. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00pm & 11:00pm and Sundays @ 7:00pm through February 26th, 2006. Running time 80 minutes with no intermission. All tickets are $20 and are available through the box office @ 773-327-5252 and at all TICKETMASTER outlets. Here's a special offer for Louise Brooks fans. When purchasing tickets, say "luluesque" at the Box office, and get half off!

LULU is adapted from German playwright Frank Wedekind's 1894 Lulu cycle "Earth Spirit" and "Pandora's Box" and follows the escapades of the unbearably sexy Lulu who causes many to destroy themselves while pursuing the maddening passion she inspires.

LULU is beautiful, narcissistic and young. She is a woman who possesses a thrilling combination of powerful and candid innocence that has made her the object of ardent admiration since childhood. As Lulu passes through Berlin’s high society, she exercises a cruel power over the many men and women who love her to the point of obsession, exploiting them before she herself can be used. But her beauty is cursed, and her power short-lived; it is she who will ultimately be destroyed by her lovers.

LULU presents its story in complete silence. It takes the silent film genre, combined with German expressionism and portrays it on stage to accent with gesticulation and body language, what words sometimes fail to express.

LULU includes Brendan Balfe, Nicholas DuFloth, Lauren Ashley Fisher, Gillian Hastings, Curtis M. Jackson, Matthew Massaro, Scott Moulton, Alzan Pelesic, Brian Quijada, Marvin Eduardo Quijada, Joe Vonderhaar and Kyla Louise Webb. Lighting design by Jennifer Larkin, set design by Rick Gleeson, directed by tonika todorova with original music by Isaiah Robinson.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT “LULU”

“…dreamlike…luscious…highly effective…a bona-fide knockout.”  - CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“…the embodiment of feminine . Lulu is a must see… a totally unique Chicago stage experience…” - CHICAGO CRITIC

“…giddy excitement…energetic strangeness…” - NEW CITY

“…marvelous…flawless…gorgeous. Hats off to director Tonika Todorova and the riveting, ridiculously skilled cast.” - CHICAGO READER

“…We’re dealing with smart people…Don’t miss!” - TIMEOUT CHICAGO

Production History: Premiered @ The Journeymen Theater Company (September/October 2002). Remounted with Silent Theatre in association with The Journeymen @ City Lit Theatre (November-December 2005).

Valet & metered parking available and restaurant discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby restaurants TBC restaurant partners: http://www.theatrebuildingchicago.org/images/restuarants.gif

Welcome to the LBS

The other day, the Louise Brooks Society welcomed its first member from Senegal. "mrcina" hails from Dakar, and is one of a few members from Africa. At last count, more than 1400 individuals from 49 (now 50!) countries have joined the LBS! From Australia to Zimbabwe, from Canada to Argentina, from the Canary Islands to the Czech Republic, LBS members comprise a truly world wide web of Louise Brooks fans and silent film enthusiasts.

Other new members include Sergio from Porto, Portugal, Daniel from Goteborg, Sweden, and Rodrigo from Uruguay. Terry from Los Lunas, New Mexico wrote to say, "I just saw the film, The Showoff.  I was surprised by the stunning beauty of an actress called Louise Brooks.  I had never heard of her before and went on the Internet and found your web-site." Louise from Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK wrote " I have been a Louise Brooks fan since I was 14 years old, I am now 37. Is that odd?" No, not at all. Welcome.

Marc Quinn

A British artist named Marc Quinn referenced Louise Brooks in today's Guardian newspaper. "Kate Moss is iconic now because she's come to signify what beauty is in our eyes. When you look back at the 1920s you think of Louise Brooks . . . . " Click here for the complete article.

And yesterday, Vanwall came across this article referencing Brooks - another Brooks / Kate Moss connection!

Louise Brooks centenary

This year marks the Louise Brooks centenary. The dancer and actress was born on November 14, 1906 in Cherryvale, Kansas. The anniversary of Brooks' birth will be celebrated by the release of a new DVD and a new book, a museum exhibit, screenings, and other events held across the United States and Europe.

February 7, 2006: Kino will release Prix de Beauté (1930) on DVD. This marks the French film's first commercial release on disc in the United States. (more info)
February 11, 2006: "Silent Star: Louise Brooks in Photographs" will be shown at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Buffalo, New York.

Spring 2006: The Rochester Historical Society will screen a Brooks' film in Rochester, New York. Local film critic Jack Garner will give introductory remarks. Details to come.

May, 2006: A celebration of Brooks' 100th birthday, sponsored by the Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce, will take place in Cherryvale, Kansas. Details to come.

Spring 2006: Screening of a newly restored version of Pandora's Box in New York City. Details to come.

August 2006: "New Histories of Photography 11: Louise Brooks and the New Woman in Weimar Cinema" opens at the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. Details to come.

August 2006: The Louise Brooks Society celebrates 11 years online. Special biographical content will be added to the site to mark the occassion.

October 3 - 8, 2006: SEDICICORTO International Film Festival Forlì in Italy takes place. A special category this year includes films relating to Louise Brooks. (more info)

October 10, 2006: Rizzoli will publish Peter Cowie's new pictorial on the actress, Louise Brooks: Lulu Forever. (more info)

November 2006: An event to celebrate the publication of Peter Cowie's new book will take place in San Francisco. Details to come.

November 14, 2006: Louise Brooks was born 100 years ago on this day in Cherryvale, Kansas. Happy Birthday!

December 8, 2006: "New Histories of Photography 11: Louise Brooks and the New Woman in Weimar Cinema" opens at the International Center of Photography in New York City. The exhibit runs through February 25, 2007. Details to come.

Rumours have it that even more happenings, not listed here, are in the works! The LBS would be interested in hearing from anyone who might know of other events. Please email the LBS.