Choreography / 1980

Duets

"Duets" is comprised of six sections. Originally choreographed to be included in the Events, Cunningham decided they could be a work of their own. He added a brief entrance and exit by one of the other couples in each of the duets, and ended with all of the couples sharing the stage. As if a still photograph were being taken, the ending consists of three short phrases, each followed by a brief stop, closing with a blackout. Using recordings of traditional Irish drumming, Cage composed the music, entitled "Improvisation III." Mark Lancaster designed the costumes: each dancer wore a color that was featured in the costume of one of the other couples.

Details

Premiere Date

Feb 26, 1980

Premiere Venue

City Center Theater

Premiere Location

New York, NY

Music

John Cage, Improvisation III

Costumes

Mark Lancaster

Lighting

Mark Lancaster

Duration

16 minutes

Original Cast

Karole Armitage

Louise Burns

Merce Cunningham

Meg Eginton

Susan Emery

Lise Friedman

Alan Good

Catherine Kerr

Chris Komar

Robert Kovich

Joseph Lennon

Rob Remley