Cluck is a poignant and striking solo exploring the power of denial. At its heart, the piece is a tenderly absurd love duet between the soloist and a highly improbable partner—a raw chicken. Through this unconventional pairing, Cluck delves into themes of longing, delusion, and the human capacity to cling to hope, no matter how improbable. Romantic, unsettling, and unexpectedly moving, Cluck balances elegance and discomfort, capturing the audience in its raw emotional core. A short yet impactful piece, Cluck is both graceful and grotesque, inviting viewers to reflect on the unexpected beauty within the absurd.

Sarah McCullough in the 2025 revival of Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance’s 2015 work Cluck. Photos by Nick Lents.

Shannon Hummel is honored to revive this unique work with Minneapolis dance artist Sarah McCullough in 2025. Cluck was originally performed by Nadia Tykulsker and premiered at the BAM/Brooklyn Academy of Music's Fisher Theater in 2015. Longtime Cora guest collaborator Cynthia Thompson later commissioned Cluck, presenting the re-imagined version at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University in 2016, performing it widely for 6 years. Inspired by Thompson, McCullough now graciously makes this bird fly into its second decade of performance. Performances of Cluck, master classes and open rehearsal schedule coming soon!