The final opportunity to see Merce Cunningham Dance Company performing in London.

Programme 1: Wed 5 October, 7.45pm
Programme 2: Thu 6 & Fri 7 October, 7.45pm
Programme 3: Sat 8 October, 7.45pm

The Final London Season presents a wealth of inspiring choreography by Merce Cunningham which has influenced generations of choreographers and dancers. This will be the last opportunity the UK public has to engage with Cunningham’s work danced by the company he trained. The season includes Programme 1: Pond Way / Second Hand / Antic Meet, Programme 2: Roaratorio, and Programme 3: RainForest / BIPED.

Playful exuberance abounds in Antic Meet (1958), a piece, like Second Hand (1970), new to UK audiences. From sensuous Pond Way (1998) to the large-scale wonder of Roaratorio (1983), and from the floating world of RainForest (1968) to the digital majesty of BIPED (1999), each is beautifully danced by Cunningham’s gifted ensemble. This season celebrates an extraordinary man and artist as well as his rich collaborations.

UK PREMIERE (Antic Meet, Second Hand)

Post-show talk: Thu 6 October
Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s Executive Director Trevor Carlson in conversation with members of the Company.
Ocean PG: Sat 8 October 4pm | Barbican Cinema
A screening of the final collaboration between Merce Cunningham and filmmaker Charles Atlas, capturing rehearsals and a performance of Ocean in 2008. Staged 150 feet below ground on the floor of the Rainbow Granite Quarry in Minnesota, this extraordinary live work featured dancers, 150 musicians and an orchestral/electronic score. Witnessed by 4,500 audience members, it was, according to Cunningham, one of the highlights of his 60-year career. Introduced by Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s Executive Director Trevor Carlson.