Martha Graham Dance Company December 10, 2008

Clytemnestra U.S. Premiere of Reconstructed Work with the Kennedy Center Opera House rchestra and vocalists Nathan Herfindahl and Jennifer Lynn Waters Founded in 1926 by the legendary dancer and choreographer called the "Mother of Modern Dance," the Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest and one of the most celebrated contemporary dance companies in America. The Washington Post has labeled the company "one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe." December 9 & 10, the company returns for the first time since its successful February 2005 engagement to perform Kennedy Center Honoree Martha Graham's full-length Clytemnestra (1958), a landmark work not seen in its entirety in decades. Recently reconstructed for the company's 50th anniversary, it's believed by many to be Graham's finest dance-drama built on Greek mythology and the great Greek tragedies. Based on events in the lives of the star-crossed royal family of Atreus, the New York Times called the work "nothing short of epic drama," while Time Magazine said its "movements of whiplike vitality and agonized angularities brought to life the rage in Clytemnestra's mind." Part of Modern Masters, the Center's celebration of American modern dance. Janet Eilber, Artistic Director Performance Plus: Post-performance discussion on Tuesday, December 9, Free with your performance ticket. Location: Eisenhower Theater