Before there was Isadora Duncan, there was Loïe Fuller (American, 1862-1928), the American creator of modern dance. A ground-breaking inventor, she created a completely new spectacle that combined dance, light, fabric and movement, premiering it at the Folies Bergère in Paris in 1892. Fuller also pioneered the use of electricity and performed in her own theater at the 1900 Exposition Universelle. She revolutionized the visual culture of the early 20 th century and became one of the most famous entertainers in the world. The light shows of recent concerts are indebted to Fuller’s visionary theatrics.

Obsessed with Light is the first documentary feature about Loïe Fuller. The film pulls back the curtain on this forgotten modernist, exploring her impact on our current cultural landscape. It is a film about transformation – about a Midwestern vaudeville performer, born during the Civil War, who became the world-famous star of Belle Époque Paris with elaborate productions that created ephemeral, shape-shifting abstractions. It is a story about an ugly duckling who turned herself into the “Fairy of Light” onstage. Ultimately, Obsessed with Light reveals the stunning metamorphosis of Fuller’s work, as seen on fashion runways, rock concerts, art installations and dance performances.

There will be a presentation and clips from the forthcoming documentary led by the filmmakers, followed by a moderated conversation.

The Margot Gayle Fund enables the Metropolitan Chapter to make monetary grants for projects for preservation or conservation of Victorian material culture in the New York Metropolitan area.

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