Choreographer Prepares For Two Deaths

Merce Cunningham, a 90 year old choreographer, is planning for his death and the death of his dance company.  The artist is confronting “the vexing problem of how choreography created by a lone master and interpreted by a dedicated company should be treated once the master has died.”  Daniel J. Wakin, Merce Cunningham Sets Plan For His Dance Company, NY Times, June 9, 2009.

Cunningham has decided that when the time comes, his dance company will provide a two-year, international tour before shutting down.  Tickets to New York shows will cost $10.  The Merce Cunningham Trust will then take control of detailed records of the dances for licensing purposes and provide the company dancers with a one-year severance pay, as well an art collection of sets designed for Cunningham throughout his career.

Cunningham’s careful planning efforts are an attempt to preserve his legacy and prevent an ugly battle over his dance licenses after his death.

Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this interesting article to my attention.

SeeDaniel J. Wakin, Merce Cunningham Sets Plan For His Dance Company, NY Times, June 9, 2009.