"Lamentation" and "Ekstasis" by Martha Graham

On the occasion of Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector, the exhibition celebrating the beginning of Peggy Guggenheim’s career as a collector between 1938–39, the museum is pleased to present two legendary solos choreographed by Martha Graham, one of the most iconic dancers of the twentieth century.

The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded by Graham 1938 and evolving from the Dance Group she founded in 1926, will perform two chorographic masterpieces: Lamentation (1930), with a score by Zoltán Kodály, and Ekstasis (1933), set to original music by Lehman Engel.

Lamentation is included in the show presented by the Martha Graham Dance Company at Teatro La Fenice in Venice from May 6–10, 2026.

Presented in partnership with Works & Process.

INFO

• The duration of Lamentation is 4 minutes.
• The duration of Ekstasis is 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
• The performances will take place in the museum’s sculpture garden starting at 2:30 pm.
• Participation is included with museum admission.
• No repeat performances are scheduled.
• For information: didattica@guggenheim-venice.it

Martha Graham in Lamentation. Photo by Barbara Morgan