The renowned Martha Graham Dance Company, a torchbearer of American modern dance, graced the stage at Jacob’s Pillow in a memorable performance of “The EVE Project.” This program, celebrating female empowerment and the centennial of the 19th Amendment, showcased the company’s commitment to both honoring Martha Graham’s groundbreaking legacy and fostering contemporary dance innovation.
“The EVE Project” offered a compelling dialogue between Graham’s iconic masterpieces and fresh perspectives from today’s leading female choreographers. Audiences were captivated by signature Graham works such as the quintessential Appalachian Spring and the powerful all-female ensemble piece, Chronicle. The program also featured a poignant suite of Lamentation Variations, demonstrating the enduring emotional depth of Graham’s vision. Adding to this rich tapestry were new commissions, including a piece by Maxine Doyle, known for her immersive theater work Sleep No More, and Bobbi Jene Smith, a former dancer with Batsheva Dance Company, injecting contemporary dynamism into the program.
Artistic Director Janet Eilber, along with dancers like Lloyd Knight and Anne O’Donnell, ensured the performances resonated with both historical significance and present-day relevance. Critics lauded the company’s vitality and deep engagement with Graham’s repertoire, as highlighted in The Boston Globe‘s review, praising their ability to keep the works “vibrant and yes, relevant.” For those eager to delve deeper, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive offers a treasure trove of Martha Graham Dance Company videos and essays, providing further exploration of their profound impact on dance history.
This Jacob’s Pillow appearance reaffirmed Martha Graham Dance Company’s position as a vital force in the dance world, bridging the past and future of modern dance with grace and power.
