Highlights From the Cunningham Preview + Q&A at the Barbican

This Wednesday saw a very special preview of Cunningham, followed by an extremely insightful Q&A with director Alla Kovgan, Radiohead’s Philip Selway and choreographer Siobhan Davies, hosted by dance critic Alastair Macaulay. The sold-out screening found a perfect setting in the Barbican, one of the performing arts venues that celebrated the Merce Cunningham’s centennial last year. Audiences were able to step into Cunningham’s radical dance pieces by watching the film in breathtaking 3D.

Following the steps of Wim Wenders’ Pina, Cunningham is an immersive cinematic experience about the legendary American choreographer, Merce Cunningham, orchestrated through his iconic works and performed by the last generation of his dancers. This poetic film traces Merce’s artistic evolution over three decades of risk and discovery (1944–1972), from his early years as a struggling dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of the most visionary and influential choreographers worldwide. 3D technology weaves together Merce's philosophies and stories, creating a visceral journey through the choreographer's world.

Cunningham has garnered very positive reviews and reactions, cementing its status as this year’s must-see dance doc. Take a look at some of the audience reactions, press quotes and Q&A snippets below, and don’t miss your chance to experience this stunning documentary in cinemas 13 March.

“Superb” - The Guardian

“Delightful” ★★★★ - Financial Times

“Dazzling” ★★★★ - Culture Whisper

“Sensational… demands to be seen” - Variety

“Cunningham is an amazing dance film in 3D that, in its form and language, continues what we started with PINA. Masterfully, Alla Kovgan takes this to the next level, combining archival material with her own footage of newly performed Cunningham dances to create a breathtaking experience.” - Wim Wenders

Alastair Macaulay praised Alla Kovgan for how her archival research for the film allowed her to find rare Cunningham clips that were thought to be forever lost.

Alastair Macaulay praised Alla Kovgan for how her archival research for the film allowed her to find rare Cunningham clips that were thought to be forever lost.

Alla Kovgan explained how 3D allows you to get closer to the dancers, giving the pieces perspective. She chose the mesmerising locations for the film based on the idea that “cinema does not think in stages, it thinks in spaces and places.”

Alla Kovgan explained how 3D allows you to get closer to the dancers, giving the pieces perspective. She chose the mesmerising locations for the film based on the idea that “cinema does not think in stages, it thinks in spaces and places.”

Siobhan Davies was moved by the archival material in the film, which she called “the scratchy tapes.” She explained how when working with Cunningham dancers, the consistently told her not to worry about perfection: “if you’re not quite happy about t…

Siobhan Davies was moved by the archival material in the film, which she called “the scratchy tapes.” She explained how when working with Cunningham dancers, the consistently told her not to worry about perfection: “if you’re not quite happy about the movement, do the next one.”

Philip Selway was grateful for being able to collaborate with Cunningham, an experience that allowed him to let himself go creatively while being mindful of the incredible legacy to draw upon and respond to.

Philip Selway was grateful for being able to collaborate with Cunningham, an experience that allowed him to let himself go creatively while being mindful of the incredible legacy to draw upon and respond to.