Really thrilled with this astute review in legendary NYC arts mag

https://brooklynrail.org/2025/12/art_books/claude-cahun-cancelled-confessions-or-disavowals/

I had forgotten about meeting the charming Mr Morris; I was reminded today when I visited the Ithell Colquhoun exhibition at Tate Britain – fascinating and brilliant work, if a little genitalia-obsessed. Well ahead of her time.

In the bookshop afterwards, I found a book by Desmond Morris called ‘The Lives of the Surrealists’. Published in 2021, the blurb describes Morris as ‘the last living British surrealist’. Of course, he is best known for ‘The Naked Ape’.

Here is a link to my interview with the great man:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/don-t-mix-sleep-with-pairbonding-in-bed-with-desmond-morris-1416507.html

D.R. Hill (writer) and David Furlong (Director) present ‘Who is Claude Cahun?’ at the Southwark Playhouse from 23 June for a one-month run.

I am honoured to join Hill and Furlong on the panel for a Q&A following the opening night’s performance (23 June 2025).

Here is more info:

DRH Arts, in association with Exchange Theatre, presents

Who is Claude Cahun?

by D.R. Hill
Directed by David Furlong

18 Jun – 12 Jul 2025

Ticket Prices (no booking fee to pay!):
Standard from £24 | Concession from £19 |
Previews £16 | Pioneers’ Preview (18 June) £10

Book Now

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Born Lucy Schwob, a queer artist and writer, part of the surrealist movement in Paris in the 1930s, Claude Cahun struggled in their search for gender identity in the male dominated art world.

From a Jewish family, they relocated to the island of Jersey, with their long-term partner, Marcel Moore (born Suzanne Malherbe).

When the island was occupied by the Nazis in 1940, the pair used guerrilla art to actively resist the occupying forces. Pursued by the Gestapo, their true story is a forgotten tale of courage, and determination to be true to personal identity.

Who is Claude Cahun? shines a light on real-life resistance heroes, left invisible for too long.

With a cast of five, inclusive actors, moving image and projection, and surreal masks and movement, DRHArts and Exchange Theatre bring their unique touch to realise the extraordinary story of Cahun and Moore.

Thanks to Victoria Kingham (former director of Hastings Contemporary) for this insightful article about Claude Cahun’s masterpiece:

https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/articles/reviews-opinion/hip-review-the-eyes-have-it/

This is the frontispiece to the book, ‘Cancelled Confessions’, published by Thin Man Press, translated by Susan de Muth. All artwork by Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore.

On 10 October 2024 this beautiful book was published by Thin Man Press. The cover design is by Joe Hales. There is a new introduction by art historian Amelia Groom. Hannah Freed-Thall of New York University and Amelia Groom were a fantastic editorial support during the preparation of the manuscript. Together we made several important discoveries about Cahun & Marcel Moore, their lifelong partner and collaborator – including the fact that the pair were founding editors of and contributors (under a series of pseudonyms) to the first French gay magazine, Inversions, which was founded in October 1924 – exactly 100 years ago by a wonderful synchronicity.

Excellent reproductions of the original ten photomontages prepared for the book by Cahun & Moore preface the book and each of the nine sections of text.

The book is distributed by Antenne/Gazelle and retails at £27

Please click link below to view the advance information sheet

Cancelled Confessions AI