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 her unique solo work, Cluck, with Minneapolis dance artist Sarah McCullough in 2025 as part of the CANDYBOX Dance Festival at The Southern Theatre in Minneapolis, MN. Cluck was originally performed by Nadia Tykulsker at the BAM/Brooklyn Academy of Music's Fisher Theater in NYC in 2015. Cynthia Thompson later commissioned Cluck, presenting it widely for 6 years. McCullough now graciously makes this bird fly into its second decade of performance. Performances, master classes, and full CANDYBOX  schedule can be found by clicking here. Specific details on Cluck events below:

Master Class with Shannon Hummel, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 4-5:15 pm. $10 for single class, $25 for 5 class pack (entire week of classes with a variety of artists).

Tickets for Tuesday Happy Hour Artist - Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance with Sarah McCullough, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 5:30 PM (Chicago - Central). $12 for single showing, or $25 for entire week of HH performances.