Martha Graham Dance Company 

Choreography: Martha Graham
Music: Zoltán Kodály
Sets: Martha Graham
Costume: Martha Graham 

Choreography: Martha Graham
Music: Carlos Chavez
Set: Isamu Noghuchi
Costumes: Martha Graham 

The Dark Meadow Suite is made up of highlights from a much longer work by Martha Graham, Dark Meadow, which premiered in 1946. The Suite, created in 2016, is designed to feature the exceptional choreography that Graham created for the ensemble of dancers in Dark Meadow.  

Both the unison dancing and the partnering have been recognized as some of Graham’s most architectural, ritualistic and profound creations.  They are clearly inspired by Graham’s love of the rituals of the natives of the American Southwest and Mexico, which she observed as a young woman.

The Mexican composer Carlos Chavez wrote the spacious musical score for Graham. The dancers often work in counterpoint to the score using the sound of their feet and other body percussion effects. In her original program note, Graham wrote, “Dark Meadow is a re-enactment of the mysteries which attend the eternal adventure of seeking.”

It is an abstract work about life’s journey and the search for connection with one’s self and one’s community. This dance is a prime example of Graham as a leader in mid-20th Century modernism.

Rodeo
or, The Courting at Burnt Ranch

Choreography by Agnes de Mille
Music by Aaron Copland†
Bluegrass Arrangement by Gabriel Witcher
Scenery by Beowulf Boritt
Costume Design by Oana Botez
Lighting Design by Yi-Chung Chen
Staged by Diana Gonzalez
Tap Solo Choreography by Dirk Lumbard

Rodeo was first performed by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo on October 16, 1942 at the old Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

†Rodeo by Aaron Copland © 1942 The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Copyright renewed. This arrangement © 2023 The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. By permission of Boosey & Hawkes, Sole Licensee.

Choreography by Jamar Roberts
Music by Rhiannon Giddens
Arranged by Gabe Witcher
Costume Design by Karen Young
Lighting Design by Yi-Chung Chen

We the People was made possible with a significant commissioning grant from The O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.
This production was also made possible by the 92nd Street Y, as part of 92NY’s 150th anniversary celebration, in honor and continued support of Martha Graham’s rich 92NY legacy.
Production support was provided by University of Michigan