Marilyn’s Mysterious Death In Dance (Press, 10 February 1975)

The world premiere of the ballet "Marilyn," choreographed by Adam Darius, took place at London's Arts Theatre Club and has reignited speculation surrounding the death of actress Marilyn Monroe. The ballet features dancers impersonating Presidents John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, portraying a flirtatious dance with Monroe before depicting a scene where Robert appears to administer a fatal injection to her. The performance, which lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes without an interval, opens with Monroe in a dramatic position near a telephone, evidently in the throes of death. The narrative unfolds through her reflections on pivotal moments from her life, including her troubled childhood marked by her mother's institutionalisation, her relationships with her three husbands, and the pressures of her fame as a sex symbol. These themes are expressed through a blend of choreography and recorded music, complemented occasionally by Monroe's voice. Tessa Bill-Yeald, a 22-year-old London dancer, received acclaim for her portrayal of Monroe, donning a simple white dress reminiscent of the actress's iconic film appearances while demonstrating remarkable charm and skill. Comic relief is provided by a drag queen impersonating Monroe, alongside various musical acts. However, the ballet also ventures into contentious territory with a scene featuring four hooded male dancers amidst a Gregorian chant, which may be perceived as provocative. The climax of the performance reveals Monroe amidst figures clad in black and white robes, culminating in a powerful display accompanying the hymn "Glory, Glory, Alleluia." Although Darius's choreography leans towards competence rather than innovation, both he and Bill-Yeald received a warm reception on opening night, attended by celebrated figures including Dame Alicia Markova. The programme includes a letter from film producer Robert Slatzer, who presents twenty reasons supporting the theory that Monroe was murdered, a theory that Darius also hints at in his introduction, drawing parallels with the cover-ups surrounding the Chappaquiddick incident and Watergate. Notably, "Marilyn" signifies Darius's return to choreography after previously establishing himself as a dancer and authoring an autobiography titled "Dance Naked in the Sun" in the previous year.

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