The Martha Graham Dance Company’s Fall 2026 Studio Series features four exciting events at the Company’s new home at 1501 Broadway in the heart of Times Square. This popular series gives audiences an intimate look at the Company’s work and legacy, from up-close performances of Graham classics and insights into the artistic and historical context of their creation to behind-the-scenes glimpses of newly commissioned works and other special events.

New this season, the Company is introducing pre-show movement activities that relate to the evening’s performance. Ticket holders are invited to arrive at 6pm to explore some of the movements and ideas that are part of the program. No experience is necessary. These mini-movement experiences are designed to offer extra insight into the themes of the evening before the show begins. Ticket holders are also invited to stay following the show to enjoy a glass of wine and meet the artists.

Monday and Wednesday, November 2 and 4, at 6:30pm, with Pre-Show Games at 6pm
GrahamDeconstructed: Lamentation Variations with Lar Lubovitch

An evening in conversation with renowned choreographer Lar Lubovitch regarding the creative process, and, in particular, his approach to creating a Lamentation Variation.

In 2007, the Company invited three young choreographers to create short dances for the Company inspired by a film of Martha Graham dancing her iconic solo, Lamentation. Intended for a one-night-only performance, the choreographers were given a specific set of rules to follow as they created their variation. The end results were so moving and significant that Lamentation Variations became an ongoing project. Within the next decade, 15 variations came into being from a widely diverse group of artists.

As the 20th anniversary of Lamentation Variations approaches, the Company has commissioned four new variations from choreographers Pam Tanowitz, Shawn Ahern, visual artist Rashid Johnson with Claudia Schreier, and Lar Lubovitch.

Artistic Director Janet Eilber and Lubovitch will discuss his choreographic process and the challenges of taking inspiration from the past. The Company will perform his work in process as well as one or two of the earliest variations created.

Audience members are invited to arrive at 6pm to join the Pre-Show Games, learn some of the original gestures from Lamentation and perhaps invent a few of their own.

Photo credit: NYC Dance Project