Home / Arts and Entertainment / Philly Drag Icon Martha Graham Cracker Dies at 53
Philly Drag Icon Martha Graham Cracker Dies at 53
2 Jun
Summary
- Dito van Reigersberg, known as Martha Graham Cracker, died June 1.
- He was a cofounder of the Pig Iron Theatre Company.
- Martha Graham Cracker was celebrated for her genre-defying cabaret shows.
Philadelphia is mourning the loss of Dito van Reigersberg, the celebrated actor and theater-maker who captivated audiences as the drag persona Martha Graham Cracker. Van Reigersberg died on June 1, at the age of 53, following a leukemia diagnosis in 2022.
A graduate of Swarthmore College, van Reigersberg was instrumental in founding the Pig Iron Theatre Company in 1995. As Martha Graham Cracker, he became one of Philadelphia's most distinctive performers, known for her towering presence and live-singing cabaret act.
Martha Graham Cracker's monthly shows at L'Etage became a local institution, drawing devoted fans for her music, wit, and spontaneity. Van Reigersberg's impact expanded drag's possibilities, creating a persona that was theatrical, literary, absurd, musical, and deeply emotional.
After his 2022 leukemia diagnosis, van Reigersberg underwent treatment and later returned to the stage. He spoke about how the experience changed his perspective on time, performance, and survival, emphasizing the preciousness of life.
