Graphic: Wall hanging by Margaret Gregg, Mill 'N Creek Studio Gallery, Limestone TN

Duncan’s life was hardly conventional. She eschewed the social expectations of women as well as traditional dance form. When she found little welcome for her work in America, she made her way to Europe, traveling on cattle boat with her Mother, as finances were desperately sparse.

It was there that audiences received her work enthusiastically and supported her schools for young children. Authenticity was paramount to Duncan; authenticity was what Bansavage brought to the role. It was a journey across a lifetime, traversing continents as well as landscapes of emotion. Whether recounting a moment of ecstatic dance, ribald revelry, horrific grief, a child’s despair or political rebellion, certainly we experienced a worthy trip. When the story of Isadora’s children’s sudden death was told from center stage under a single spotlight on Bansavage’s face, hardly a breath was drawn by anyone or an eye left dry. The show ended with the single statement, “I am the best dancer in the world.”

Immediately following the performance, Bansavage did a quick change and joined the audience for a “talk-back,” this being a popular format allowing for direct interaction between actor and audience. The Jonesborough production was Bansavage’s second performance of the show; she was eager for and interested in feedback. Many questions, clarifications, comments and suggestions were exchanged, enhancing the connections between life and theater, performer and patron. With a catered reception featuring Mediterranean specialties from Fifi’s Restaurant, many were enticed to continue the conversation! Bansavage was gracious, available and generous; her audience no less so.

Community theater adds dimension to any locality. It offers opportunity to expand and explore, illuminate and question, experience and translate life in an environment designed to encourage interaction. “Isadora, An American Legend” was produced by Sound Learning, an arts-in-education organization, as a HERstory event celebrating National Women’s History Month. Technical support was provided by Brian Ponder and Jon Ruetz of Jonesborough Repertory Theater, and Ron Wickman of public radio WETSfm. More information about Sound Learning programming can be found at: www.laughing1.com.

Her text originated with Abigail Adams' admonition to her husband as he left for the Constitutional Convention. A few years later, Abigail drafted with the help of other women and sympathetic men, the Declaration of Sentiments, 12 points that echoed grievances of the Declaration of Independence as they might apply to both genders and including a demand for women's suffrage and political representation.

Eighty-one years ago the symbol in Tennessee for female voting rights became the yellow rose. Those who opposed chose the red rose as their symbol. In a tie breaking vote, the young and newly-elected representative Harry Burns chose at the last minute a yellow rose, and the state enfranchised its women citizens. Enraged opponents drove him into the dome of the capitol building, and his political career was derailed permanently.

At that time women comprised only 1.4 percent of the legal profession. Today they have increased that presence to 30 percent and over 50 percent of law students this year are female. The glass ceiling, so named for an invisible barrier that women have bounced from in efforts to advance their careers, has receded to higher climes. Women now earn 71 cents to the dollar compared with men's wages, although their social and economic conditions generally have deteriorated since the Year of the Woman (1992).

Fears today of young women for professional achievement center on being unfairly held back because of their gender and that their personal lives will suffer from pursuing dreams beyond home and house. Their strengths in exploring career goals and maintaining healthy intimate lives lie in association and organization. One example is an Equity Club where women encourage each other by writing "Dear Sisters-in-law" letters regularly for information and support.

-- Jeannette Harris