Arnold Butcher and Loretta Butcher interviewed by Alex and Annette Hood in the Margaret Barr dancers oral history project [sound recording]
- Bib ID:
- 3697486
- Format:
- Audio
- Author:
- Butcher, Arnold, 1925-2013, interviewee
- Access Conditions:
- Access open for research and personal copies, written permission is required for public use during the lifetime of the interviewees.
- Description:
-
- 2006 Apr. 4
- 2 digital audio tapes (ca. 130 min.)
- Series:
- Margaret Barr dancers oral history project.
- Summary:
-
Folkloric recording. Arnold Butcher talks about his family background; his schooling; his first music lessons; his enlistment in RAAF; his post-war scholarship to the Conservatorium; his teachers and contacts in music, graduating in 1951; finding work as a Waterside Worker and part time work in cafes and clubs at Kings Cross. Loretta Butcher talks about her family background; her early stage debut; meeting Arnold at the Eureka Youth League; both being from political families; her musical work; 40 Market St. the dances held upstairs; the New Theatre and their work there; supporting striking miners at Newcastle, billets and picket lines, the use of the Army; their move to England (1961-67) and their work there. They describe the talent at New Theatre in Sydney. Loretta talks of her work with Margaret Barr, 1953-54, she describes dance dramas; the formation of her company; her work with New Theatre as an actress, her early dance training and her work in pantomimes; entertaining wounded soldiers; finding work in England as an actress and a 'demonstrator'. Arnold speaks about finding other work, copying music, writing arrangements and playing piano; doing film work; Shepparton Studios.
Loretta speaks of her work with Margaret Barr, her appreciation of her and her dedication; her direction of Paul Robeson at Dartington Hall; dancing with her for 5 years and the works in which she was involved; Margaret teaching as the director of movement at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) from its inception in 1958. Arnold describes his work composing music for Margaret's works and how her work is current today. They list Arnold's compositions for dance dramas, his method of working and how he is orchestrating his compositions. They speak of Margaret's humour, her role as a leader and teacher; her connection with Martha Grahame; her leadership in Dance in Australia. Arnold compares other dance companies and tells of his reasons for writing; his work and life in England; meetings with other musicians and artists including Warren Mitchell; his work on returning to Australia, writing for television, orchestrations, club work. He describes many famous actors; his 'sacking' by Donald O'Connor, their disappointment at celebrities behaviour. Loretta compares the English artists with the Americans; her work when she returned to Australia; graduating as a speech and drama teacher; Arnold working for the ABC for seventeen years and writing orchestrations for The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and other arrangements.
- Notes:
-
- Recorded on April 4, 2006 at Bondi, N.S.W.
- Digital master available National Library of Australia
- Index/Finding Aid Note:
- Timed summary (4 p.)
- Subject:
- Occupation:
- Other authors/contributors:
- Related Records:
-
This belongs to the Margaret Barr dancers oral history project.
This collection contains 11 records. - Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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- Reason for copyright status:
- Until 2076 [Created/Published Date + 70 Years]
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Sound Recording
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 2006
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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