T2C Says Good-Bye To Legendary Photographer Martha Swope

George Balanchine with Suzanne Farrell, Patricia McBride, Mimi Paul, Violetta Verdy

Martha Swope captured the world of Broadway and gave insight into the rehearsals, New York’s dance and theater performers in the 1950s.

Edward Villella in rehearsal of the Watermill with Jerome Robbins

Taken under the wings of Jerome Robbins and José Quintero she become the official photographer for the New York City Ballet and Martha Graham. She was originally a dancer.

The original company of Cats

Having chronicled over 800 productions, she earned a special Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre in 2004 and was granted a lifetime achievement award from the League of Professional Theatre Women in 2007.

Stephen Sondheim

Ms. Swope stayed out of the spotlight since retiring in 1994, but before she did she took over 1.5 million images.

Kevin Kline, Treat Williams in Pirates of Penzance

She chronicled over 800 productions, earning a special Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre in 2004.

Christopher Walken, Raul Julia in “Othello”

She was granted a lifetime achievement award from the League of Professional Theatre Women in 2007.

Meryl Streep and Christopher Lloyd in Happy End

Theater photographer Carol Rosegg, was her assistant and has since taken over where Martha left off.

John Cullum and Madeline Kahn

Ms Swope died of Parkinson’s disease at age 88.

Ken Jennings and Angela Lansbury

Ms. Swope allowed theatre babies all over the world to become a part of a world they longed to be a part of and she made Broadway and dance accessible.

Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Bennett

Jane Krakowski in Grand Hotel

Mikhail Baryshnikov, pictured here in a 1979 production of “The Four Seasons”

Bob Fosse in rehearsals with Pippin