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Martha Graham -
Martha Graham is regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance and is widely considered as among the greatest artists of the 20th Century. She began teaching modern dance at the Neighborhood Playhouse in 1921. Today, her tradition is carried on with modern dance classes for both first and second year students.

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open...No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others"

from Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham



Dylan McDermott

1985: The Long Goodbye

Asleep on the Wind

Performed by Brandon Malone & Catharina Cavalli

Flowers For Kim

Written & Performed by Robin Mervin & Jonathan Wilde

Ron Stetson

Teaching acting

At the Playhouse...

Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, Tony Randall & Marian Seldes

Acting For The Camera

Taught by John Gallagher

Back Bog Beast Bait by Sam Shepard

Performed by the 1986 class

Richard Pinter

Teaching Acting

Robert Duvall (far left student)

Listening to Sanford Meisner teaching

2002 Industry Night

2nd year students performing for agents and managers

Martha Graham

1932: Teaching Modern Dance at the Playhouse

Helen Hansen

Teaching Modern Dance

Sydney Pollack (center)

1954: The Long Goodbye

Jane Kosminsky

Teaching the Alexander Technique


Copyright © The Neighborhood Playhouse 2008