Geoffrey Holder (Finding Aid)

Geoffrey Holder

1930 -

Favorite Color: Blue, red, orange

Favorite Food: Various types

Favorite Vacation Spot: Paris; Haiti; Mexico

Interview Length: 109 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 16, 2003

Interview Location(s): New York, New York

Abstract

Geoffrey Holder opens this segment with tales of his precocious childhood. Holder describes his life in Trinidad in the 1930s and 1940s as a budding painter and dancer whose artistic endeavors were fully encouraged by his parents. Geoffrey Holder details his transition from childhood to young adulthood and the great life changes after he took over his brother's dance troupe. A successful performance in the Puerto Rican Dance Festival led to Holder's introduction to famed choreographer, Agnes de Mille. That meeting eventually led to Holder making his debut on the stage at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. He also met his future wife, Carmen DeLavallade. Geoffrey Holder recalls several highlights from his professional career. He made his debut as a director for the stage version of 'The Wiz' in 1975. He ended up winning two Tony Awards, best director and best costume design for the Broadway play. Holder also shares his personal philosophy on the significance of art and cultural expression. Geoffrey Holder wraps up the interview with his thoughts on child rearing and the wonderful black performers who worked with and mentored him, such as Josephine Baker, Pearl Bailey and Eartha Kitt. Holder doesn't focus on how he will be remembered, saying "I don't care. I don't care as long as they spell my name correctly!"

28 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)