Legendary dance company in Greece
The world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company will visit Greece for the first time since its last performance here in 1993. The legendary dance company will give three performances at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on September 22, 23 and 24 and another two at Athens’s Herod Atticus Theater on September 26 and 27. The shows are taking place on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the group’s foundation, which is celebrated with a production inspired by Greek mythology. Most modern dance fans will be familiar with Graham classics such as «Cave of the Heart» (1946), «Errand into the Maze» (1947), «Clytemnestra» (1958) and «Phaedra» (1962). For the company’s 80th birthday, artistic director Janet Eilber has chosen four landmark works from the great choreographer’s career, which will be presented in one show for the first time, titled «The Myths of Ancient Greece.» The program will kick off with «Errand Into the Maze: Ariadne and the Minotaur» to the music of Gian Carlo Menotti. It will be followed by «The House of Atreus: Scenes from ‘Clytemnestra.’» The powerful myth of Clytemnestra had great influence on Graham and although other myths inspired her to compose great works, this particular trilogy led to the creation of a unique, three-part ballet. The work that will be shown in Athens will be linked with the Greek texts and will feature narrators Grigoris Valtinos and Filareti Komninou. The second part of the production will feature «Medea: Cave of the Heart» and the program will end with «Sketches from Chronicle: An Ode to Democracy.» Founded in 1962, the Martha Graham Dance Company has been called as one of the art world’s seven wonders. Graham herself is considered one of the greatest 20th century dancers worldwide and the mother of modern dance. As a dancer, she became legendary for her ability to express her feelings freely and powerfully.
