A Good Man

Invited

Incomparable American choreographer Bill T. Jones describes himself as a man without many heroes who has allowed alienation and cynicism to creep into his soul. After Welz Kauffman, CEO of the Ravinia Festival, approaches Jones to create a contemporary dance concert honoring Abraham Lincoln, Jones begins the struggle of reconciling his current psyche with that of his childhood self, when heroes (including Lincoln) danced large with hope and grace across his mind’s eye. Directors Gordon Quinn and Bob Hercules offer an absorbing portrait of the complicated, enigmatic, yet highly charismatic artist that is Jones. The film follows the choreographer all the way from concept to the inaugural performance of his concert “Fondly do we hope . . . Fervently do we pray.” From the Civil War to civil rights, Jones, his artistic director Janet Wong, and his dedicated designers, musicians, and dancers work ardently and tirelessly to give artistic expression to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.  WM

Directors

Bob Hercules, Gordon Quinn

Producer

Joanna Rudnick

Associate Producer

Rachel Pilkney

Editor

David E. Simpson

Cinematographer

Keith Walker

Release Year

2011

Festival Year

2011

Country

United States

Run Time

86 minutes

Premiere

World Premiere