In this podcast we take a look at the life of one of the most visionary and influential choreographers in the world, Merce Cunnigham.

The legendary dancer and choreographer's journey from struggling artist to rejected and misunderstood creator and finally to becoming a celebrated icon, is told in a beautiful new 3D film simply titled ‘Cunningham’.

Dance filmmaker Alla Kovgan shares her experience of bringing the artist and his work to the screen through archive footage of the man himself talking about his ideas, his creative process and his perseverance that saw him defy all detractors as he developed a new technique and a body of work that challenged the way people thought about dance.

The 3D element adds to the film, making it an immersive experience as you become absorbed into the Cunningham's world and go inside his dance company and hear from dancers who worked with him over the years. The film shows excerpts from a wide range of Cunningham's works from 1944–1972, that are re-imagined and presented in unique locations such as rooftops, forests, gardens, modern buildings and more.

Listen to Alla talk about the inspiration for the film, her insights into dance filmmaking and discovering the man behind the movement and exploring the collaborations with visual artist Robert Rauschenberg and composer John Cage.

You can watch Cunningham in cinemas across UK, Europe and US, for locations and dates from December 2019 check out: cunninghamfilm.com

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Merce Cunningham in Antic Meet. Photo by Richard Rutledge

Merce Cunningham's Second Hand. Photo by Martin Miseré

Merce Cunningham's Suite For Two. Photo by Martin Miseré

Merce Cunningham's SUMMERSPACE. Photo by Mko Malkshasyan