Merce Cunningham: Dance on Film

November 9, 2008 - November 13, 2008

Beach Birds for Camera, November 9. Photo: Lawrence Ivy

Presented in Association with Cal Performances

Known for pushing the boundaries of modern dance, Merce Cunningham and his company return to UC Berkeley from November 3 to 15 for four repertory programs with Cal Performances and a series of collaborations with campus departments. PFA’s tribute to Cunningham features two illuminating behind-the-scenes documentaries and three “filmdances,” works choreographed by Cunningham specifically for the screen.

Sunday, November 9, 2008
5:30 p.m. Cage/Cunningham
Introduced by David Vaughan. Elliot Caplan weaves a graceful tribute to John Cage and Merce Cunningham’s 50-year partnership in the vanguard of 20th-century art. With short Beach Birds for Camera.

Thursday, November 13, 2008
7:30 p.m. CRWDSPCR
Introduced by David Vaughan. Elliot Caplan’s vivid documentary traces Cunningham’s process as he uses software to choreograph the dance piece CRWDSPCR. With Charles Atlas short Locale.

Series curated by Lucy Laird and Kathy Geritz. Program notes by Lucy Laird.

PFA wishes to thank Ana Isabel Keilson, Kevin Taylor, and David Vaughan of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Laura Abrams of Cal Performances for making this series possible.