and newly added Craneway Event at Ford Point
Discover what our patrons had to say about the first weekend of Merce Cunningham Dance Company!
Attend an evening of interactive and technologically alive theater with the Panorama: Multi Media Happening
Considered by many to be today's greatest living choreographer, Merce Cunningham approaches his 10th decade with the same youthful spirit that has guided his remarkable company for more than 50 years. A living legend, his "poetically compelling" (New York Times) works and groundbreaking collaborations with John Cage, contemporary experiments with technology, and enduring collaborations with such visual artists as Robert Rauschenberg have redefined the "rules" of modern dance. His superb ensemble returns to Cal Performances with four repertory programs that demonstrate the span of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company's rich 55-year history and celebrate nearly a half-century of performances at the University of California, Berkeley.
Made possible, in part, by American Express Foundation, with additional support from The Shenson Foundation.
Program (Nov 7): Cunningham/Suite for Five (1953-1958, revived in 2002), music by John Cage; eyeSpace (20-minute version, 2006), music by Mikel Rouse; BIPED (1999), music by Gavin Bryars
Please note: The 20-minute score for the Nov 7 performance of eyeSpace incorporates the use of iPod Shuffles, which will be available on hand that evening to loan out to audience members. However, you are also encouraged to download Mikel Rouse's music in advance onto your own iPod, which can then be brought with you to Zellerbach Hall that evening to use instead if you prefer. For more information and to download the score now, please visit
http://www.merce.org/p/eyespaceberkeley/.
Program (Nov 8): Cunningham/Second Hand (1970, revived 2008), music by John Cage; Split Sides (2003), music by Radiohead and Sigur Ros
Program (Nov 9): Cunningham/Craneway Event (New site-specific work at Ford Point in Richmond)
Program (Nov 14): Cunningham/eyeSpace (40-minute version, 2007), music by David Behrman and Annea Lockwood; BIPED
Program (Nov 15): Cunningham/Views on Stage (2004), music by John Cage; Crises (1968, revived 2006), music by Conlon Nancarrow; XOVER (2007), music by John Cage
Learn more about this event in the Annual San Francisco Chronicle Fall Arts Preview.
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In addition to the four separate repertory programs outlined below, a new, site-specific work titled Craneway Event will be performed at the landmark former Ford assembly plant in Richmond—rechristened Ford Point—on Sunday, November 9, at 1 and 3 pm. Made up of new material and movement from past and current repertory, and assembled using Merce Cunningham's traditional choreographic tools, including chance, Events can be performed almost anywhere, from train stations and beaches to ancient amphitheatres and modern museums. Craneway Event, set to live music and performed by the entire 14- member company, will take place on multiple stages in a hangar-like space in Ford Point, the historic former Ford assembly plant that boasts breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay. Designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn, Ford Point is now on the National Historic Registry of Places. As the audience is encouraged to move about the space and view the performance from multiple angles, there will be no seating. (Limited seating will be provided for those who need assistance.)
The creative process for this particular Event will also be filmed by celebrated British artist Tacita Dean, to be screened later throughout the world in celebration of Cunningham's 90th birthday.
Ford Point is located at:
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, Ca 94608
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Video: Merce Cunningham visits Ford Point
( QuickTime Player)
Merce Cunningham visits Ford Point
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Press
Read the San Francisco Chronicle article about Merce Cunningham Dance Company's Craneway Event.
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Program Notes
Program notes are available online. [PDF]
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Education/Community Events
Residency
For two weeks in November (Nov 3-14), the Merce Cunningham Dance Company (MCDC) will engage in a wide-ranging residency that will include collaborations with some of the most creative minds at UC Berkeley and in the Bay Area community.
[More information and a listing of all events]
 [pdf]
Course with Osher Life Long Learning Institute
Nov 6, 3:30-5 pm, Room 150, University Hall
David Vaughn, MCDC Archivist and Robert Cole
Cal Performances continues its partnership with the Osher Life Long Learning Institute with two courses, Talking about Classical Music and Talking about Dance, centered around performances on Cal Performances' 2008-09 season. Together with acclaimed scholars and artists, Robert Cole, director of Cal Performances, will host the following classes offered in conjunction with six concerts of music and six dance performances. Visit www.olli.berkeley.edu or call 510.642.9934 for more information and registration.
 [pdf]
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Parking Alerts: Parking may be a problem on campus for the Fri & Sat, Nov 14 & 15, performances due to Cal Women's and Men's Basketball games, respectively. Please see our Parking Alert section for more information.
Artists links: Merce Cunningham Dance Company site
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Purchase Tickets
| Repertory Programs (details) |
| Fri, Nov 7, 8 pm | | 
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| Sat, Nov 8, 8 pm | |
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| Fri, Nov 14, 8 pm |  |
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| Sat, Nov 15, 8 pm | |
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Craneway Event
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| Sun, Nov 9, 1 pm | |
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| Sun, Nov 9, 3 pm | |
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New! Subscribe now online and save up to 15%! For more information, see our Order a Subscription page.
Venue: Repertory Programs:
Zellerbach Hall A
Craneway Event:
Ford Point (1414 Harbour Way
South, Richmond, Ca 94608)
Price: Performances: $26/$34/$48
Craneway Event: $40 (General
Admission. Details)
Subscription Series:
Choose-Your-Own
Dance B $105 - $190
 
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