Claire Cunningham (GBR) Give me a reason to live 13-14 April 2016

Programme

Inspired by the late-Gothic Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch, the film examines Claire Cunningham different perspectives on religion, especially Christian art and how it views and judges the human body. Cunningham conducts a series of experiments, testing the body and faith. She says it is also a study in empathy.

Give me a resaon to live is dedicated to the victims of Aktion T4 initiated by Adolf Hitler in 1939. Aktion T4 was Nazi Germany's so-called euthanasia programme in which men, women and children - with mental or physical disabilities - were 'mercy killed'.

With his performance, Mr Cunningham acts as a living memory for the victims of Aktion T4 but also for the individuals living with disabilities and facing discrimination in the UK today. It is a powerful performance that has been praised by the press and audiences alike.
It is joyful, intelligent, beautiful and devastating.

About Claire Cunningham
Claire Cunningham is a dancer and creator of multidisciplinary performances based in Glasgow. A classically trained singer, she began dancing in 2005 after working with American choreographer Jess Curits. Curtis sparked Cunningham's curiosity to explore her own potential for movement, which in turn led to the creation of her own performances.

Today she is one of the UK's most celebrated and internationally recognised self-identified artists. Cunningham's work is often rooted in the study and use or abuse of her crutches, exploring the potential of her specific physicality with a conscious rejection of traditional dance techniques (developed for non-disabled bodies) and attempts to move in the guise of a body or aesthetic that is not her own.

Cunningham's recent works include the autobiographical solo performance ME (Mobile/Evolution), 2009; '12', created for Candoco Dance Company; Give me a reason to live, 2014; and Guide Gods.

Debriefing 13 April
Conversation between Görel Cavalli Björkman and Claire Cunningham focusing on the artist Hieronymus Bosch. Ms Björkman is a professor of art history and has been curator and director of painting and sculpture at the National Museum. She is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Stockholm Beauty Council.

Debriefing 14 April
With Claire Cunningham