The Pillow Celebrates Merce Cunningham's 90th Birthday11:17AM / Tuesday, July 07, 2009
 BECKET, Mass. - Merce Cunningham Dance Company, founded over half a century ago by modern dance pioneer Merce Cunningham and hailed as one of the world’s pre-eminent companies, returns to Jacob’s Pillow July 22-26 for a weeklong engagement celebrating the choreographer’s 90th birthday. The Pillow presents a six-performance retrospective of masterworks, two Cunningham-related PillowTalks, and a season-long exhibition titled The Art of Merce Cunningham that highlights his groundbreaking collaborations with visual artists.
Cunningham, who has a longstanding history with the Pillow, recently announced plans for the future of his company, making this season’s presentations all the more meaningful. Once Cunningham is no longer able to serve as Artistic Director, his company will embark on a two-year international tour, concluding with a final performance in New York City before disbanding. As a result, this could well be the last time Merce Cunningham Dance Company will perform at Jacob’s Pillow.
Merce Cunningham was honored with the 2009 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award at the Pillow’s Season Opening Gala. The Award, which honors and supports visionary choreographers, is made possible by a generous anonymous donor. Given each year to an outstanding choreographer, the award carries a cash prize of $25,000 to be used by the artist in any way they choose.
“Merce Cunningham is a brilliant thinker, dancemaker, and extraordinary person altogether,” comments Jacob’s Pillow Executive Director Ella Baff. “He has changed the way we see and understand dance and music. We are proud to honor his contributions to our field and his long-standing relationship with the Pillow, which dates back to 1955. It is with great respect and admiration that we present him with the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award during his 90th birthday year.” |
