The Uneven Martha Graham

Robert Gottlieb writes that one of the most interesting things about the rejuvenated Martha Graham Company is that it shows the unevenness of her work. “Since this reconstituted company emerged two years ago, after the resolution of the legal struggles that had bedeviled Graham loyalists for so long, emphasis has been placed on disinterring Graham relics from the 30’s. This has proved a mixed blessing. Although these pieces all have historical interest, without her animating presence they tend to remain curiosities—foreshadowings of the greatness to come rather than great in themselves.”