| Description | Records relate to Mrs Stan Harding's research in India towards her attempts to make a sound film illustrating the surviving tradition of ancient Indian ritual and dramatic and tribal dancing, and also ancient Indian systems of physical training, including Yoga. Includes extremely descriptive letters from Stan Harding to Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst from England and India covering the technical film making elements of the project, projected programme of her research work in India, and substantial detail of Indian culture and traditions as experienced through her travels through India. One letter 7 Jul 1933 describes the death of a young female dancer from smallpox at Kumbakonam. There is reference to Sadir Nautch (women's ritual dancing), Shadow Play and Shadow Puppets with numerous photographs, and mention of a pictorial dictionary of West Coast Gesture (3 Dec 1934). Reference is also made to Asia magazine and Richard Walsh (editor). Final letters indicate Stan Harding's financial difficulties and confirming that the film project has come to an end without being produced, and her return to England. |