Hercules and Quinn’s new documentary, A Good Man, examines acclaimed choreographer Bill T. Jones’ creative journey in developing his most challenging projects to date. Fondly Do We Hope … Fervently Do We Pray is an original dance-theater production in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial commissioned by Ravinia Festival.
This 86-minute film follows Jones through two harrowing years of joy and frustration as the wiry and sinewy dancer attempts to communicate his artistic vision to his troup and collaborators. As the country’s 16th president, Lincoln is often referred to as “The Great Emancipator.” Jones and his company come face-to-face with America’s unresolved contradictions about race and equality. Jones reveals as a young man that Lincoln was “the only white man I was allowed to love unconditionally.”
Throughout the story Jones shares his childhood memories, his artistic journey with longtime champion and dance partner Arnie Zane, and his personal feelings regarding Lincoln. The viewer is able to get some insight into his creative and artistic process. Fondly Do We Hope … Fervently Do We Pray premiered at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Ill., in September 2009. The film features performances from the Ravinia premiere and rehearsals at the New 42nd Street Studios in New York, along with production, writing and research sessions, including an emotional viewing of Lincoln’s personal effects at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. –tony binns
“A Good Man” runs Sept. 23 to 29, 2011 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Hercules and Quinn, and cinematographer Keith Walker and editor David E. Simpson will appear for audience discussion at the Friday, September 23, 8:15 pm screening. The Bill T. Jones dancers will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Welz Kauffman, President and CEO of Ravinia Festival, at the Tuesday, September 27, 7:45 pm screening. On Friday, September 23, the audience is invited to a 7:00 pm reception sponsored by Kartemquin Films and Media Process Group following the 6:15 pm screening and prior to the 8:15 pm screening. Valid ticket stub required for admission to the reception.https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/agoodman
