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Merce Cunningham was born on April 16, 1919, in Centralia, Washington. In 2009, on his 90th birthday, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company premiered Nearly Ninety at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Ten years later, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, Night of 100 Solos: A Centennial Event was performed in London, New York, and Los Angeles.
We are pleased to report that this April, Merce's work continues to be danced and celebrated with multiple events. Last week included the premiere of Wiener Staatsballet's production of Summerspace, staged by Ashley Chen (MCDC 2000-2003) and Cheryl Therrien (1993-2003); the opening of Museum Brandhorst's Five Friendsexhibition with performances by the Gäertnerplatztheater Ballett of How to Pass, Kick, Fall, and Run and Brandhorst Event, staged by Daniel Squire (1998-2009); and Dancers, Buildings and People in the Streets Reunion, a special program at Danspace that included discussion and performance of Merce's work. Later this month, Vassar College will perform TV Rerun, staged by Mandy Kirschner-Salva (2000-2003); Cornell University will perform 50 Looks etcetera, staged by Patrica Lent (1984-1993); Seattle-based choreographer Peggy Piacenza will receive Foundation for Contemporary Art's 2025 Merce Cunningham Award; and Brandon Collwes (MCDC 2006-2011), an original cast member of Nearly Ninety, will conduct a one-day workshop focused on that dance. In short, activity is lively, and interest remains high. See below for details about these and other events.
A variety of classes, workshops, and performances are scheduled for May, June, and July. We will share details about those activities in our next newsletter, but here are some upcoming events of note.
Kind regards,
Patricia Lent, Co-Director
Rashaun Mitchell, Co-Director
Jennifer Goggans, Program Director
Andrea Weber, Associate Director of Licensing