Clytemnestra (Kypria 2008)

Martha Graham's only full-evening work is recognized as a masterpiece of 20th century American modernism. This ground breaking psychodrama has three acts with two intermissions. Its cast of 21 dancers brings to life the classic characters, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon, Electra, Orestes, Cassandra, Iphigenia, Helen of Troy, and the timeless plot of betrayal, adultery, murder, revenge and redemption.

Theatrical innovations: This among the earliest choreographic use of cinematic techniques such as flashback, simultaneous narration and stream of consciousness - all hallmarks of the abstract - expressionist movement. Clytemnestra takes place largely within the mind of its Queen and is a prime example of Graham's pioneering approach to time and space on stage.

50th Anniversary Production: This production will restore the brilliance of the original while taking advantage of the newest stagecraft and technical innovation. The 50th Anniversary performances will provide context and access to today's audiences using methods which have reinvigorated opera in recent years - super-titles. Though the sung passages of the score are in English, the language of this opera is dance, and the work is operatic in scope. Each scene will be introduced by a short super-title similar to the scene titles used in Graham's original printed program notes.

CHOREOGRAPHY - MARTHA GRAHAM (BASED ON AESCHYLUS'S ANCIENT GREEK TRAGEDY "ORESTEIA")
SETS - ISAMU NOGUCHI
COSTUMES - MARTHA GRAHAM
MUSIC - HALIM EL-DAHB
LIGHTING - JEAN ROSENTHAL

Note: On Tuesday there will be an additional afternoon performance.

The event is part of Kypria 2008 Festival