History turns 100.

Contemporary dance evolves through a mixed bill presented by the Martha Graham Dance Company. Originated by its legendary namesake, the company presents a repertoire that transformed the genre throughout the 20th century, brought into present day with Artistic Director Janet Eilber at the helm.

The company celebrates its centenary with a mixed bill of works, choreographed by Graham, as well as acclaimed artists Baye & Asa, Xin Ying, and Jamar Roberts.

Night Journey by Martha Graham
This adaptation of Oedipus puts not the title character, but Queen Jocasta in the spotlight. Upon her death, she relives her fate with double insight – from meeting her estranged son, to their marriage and intimacy – foretold by the blind seer Tiresias. A chorus of women tries in vain to prevent the prophecy’s cruel conclusion.

Cortege by Baye & Asa
Inspired by Martha Graham’s Cortege of Eagles, the fall of Troy remains an iconic image of destruction. But where Graham made Charon, the ferryman of Hades, the instigator of its fall, the burden of fate is transferred to the ensemble, revealing the reality of war as a series of events repeating themselves.

Letter to Nobody by Xin Ying and Mimi Yin
Premiered last year at the Joyce Theater in New York City, Xin Ying devises a love letter to Martha Graham and the artists who carry her legacy. Based on Graham’s 1940 work Letter to the World, the piece takes inspiration from the Emily Dickinson poem “I’m Nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too? Then there’s a pair of us!”. Through archival footage, Graham is present as Ying’s partner, transforming the piece into a duet that transcends time.

Diversion of Angels by Martha Graham
Three aspects of love: the couple in white represents mature love in perfect balance; red, erotic love; and yellow, adolescent love. The dance follows no story, taking place in the imaginary garden love creates for itself.

Header image © Luis Luque

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