November 20: A Night with the Martha Graham Dance Company — Celebrating 100 Years of Modern Dance Revolution
November 20: A Night with the Martha Graham Dance Company — Celebrating 100 Years of Modern Dance Revolution
On Thursday, November 20, Athens welcomes a milestone in the history of modern dance: The First and The Future, a spellbinding production by the Martha Graham Dance Company, marking its centennial anniversary. The performance, held at the Christos Lambrakis Hall, bridges the past and the present — uniting Graham’s groundbreaking masterpieces with daring new creations that chart the course for the next century of modern dance.
Immediately following the premiere, Artistic Director Janet Eilber and two distinguished dancers from the Company will engage in an open conversation with the audience. This rare post-performance discussion offers a glimpse behind the curtain — exploring the Company’s century-long legacy, its vision for the future, and the spirit that continues to redefine the art of movement.
The Martha Graham Dance Company stands as a cornerstone of American cultural history — the oldest continuously operating modern dance company in the United States, since 1926.
Graham herself, celebrated as the “Dancer of the Century” and a “National Treasure,” was not merely a performer — she was a visionary who redefined what dance could express.
As the Company celebrates one hundred years of pioneering movement, The First and The Future serves as both homage and evolution — a living dialogue between the timeless and the contemporary. Under Janet Eilber’s inspired direction, the program captures Graham’s radical energy while embracing bold new voices that carry her spirit forward.
For Athens audiences, this centennial performance is not only a celebration of dance — it is an encounter with history, artistry, and the enduring power of human expression.
The concert will take place at MEGARON THE ATHENS CONCERT HALL.