Merce Cunningham Dance Company

"...there is no way to upstage Merce Cunningham, pope of the dance avant-garde, or his work." -- New York Times

For 50 years, legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham has astonished audiences with intellectually intriguing and groundbreaking works. Pioneering the use of elements of chance and incorporating experimental music and technologies, his profound influence will be the subject of a sweeping, two-quarter undertaking at Stanford University. Numerous departments will engage in a wide range of activities and classes that explore his concepts, ideas, and works.

Two nights of performance culminate the project and feature the North American premiere of a new piece by Cunningham, co-commissioned by Lively Arts, the Paris Opera, and Dance Umbrella (U.K.). Also on the program is the West Coast premiere of the critically acclaimed Split Sides, staged to the music of Radiohead and Sigur Ros. In pure Merce fashion, the combination of choreography, music, scenic design, and costumes is determined by a roll of the dice right before the curtain goes up. Come both nights to see what a second roll brings!

POST-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION MARCH 11

Please join the artists for a free discussion following the March 11 performance.

This is event is part of Encounter:Merce, Stanford's campus-wide interdisciplinary exploration through the arts, focusing on the life and art of Merce Cunningham, legendary choreographer, dance innovator, and artistic thinker.