A groundbreaking choreographer, lighting designer, composer, and costumer, Alwin Nikolais (1910-1993) is recognized as one of the twentieth century's most innovative artists. Incorporating novel technological and performance tactics, he invented a total language of non-literal dance theater that attracted audiences worldwide for over forty years. The Returns of Alwin Nikolais is the first book devoted to a critical analysis of Nikolais's work, and it provides a broad and important overview of his artistic and philosophical trajectory. The volume brings together essays by scholars of dance history, theater studies, music, and art history, and includes primary materials such as reviews, diary excerpts, and photographs. It is a valuable resource for teachers and students of art and culture.

Contributors: PHILIP AUSLANDER, HERBERT BLAU, JANA FEINMAN, MARK FRANKO, BOB GILMORE, CLAUDIA GITELMAN, YVONNE HARDT, REBEKAH KOWAL, RANDY MARTIN, NAIMA PREVOTS, AND MARCIA SIEGEL.