In this episode of “Works in Progress,” ArtLab director Bree Edwards sits down with Pontus Lidberg, an award-winning Swedish choreographer, filmmaker, and dancer. A recipient of the Guggenheim fellowship in 2019, Pontus’ works grapple with the power of touch as it relates to interpersonal connections and communication. He has choreographed for a wealth of dance companies including but not limited to the Paris Opera Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, New York City Ballet, and Beijing Dance Theatre.

Pontus Lidberg is artist-in-residence with Harvard Medical School’s Media, Medicine, and Health program, and based at ArtLab for the 2025-2026 academic year. His time here at Harvard involves mentoring students, teaching a course on movement and healing, and examining how the arts can inspire bold and creative responses to disparities in healthcare.

Listen in to hear about our discussion around Pontus’ work, the practice of “nonverbal storytelling”, and the transformative power of dance in our contemporary world.

Thanks for joining us for Works in Progress. We hope these conversations give you a glimpse into the creativity, collaboration, and experimentation happening at ArtLab. To learn more, visit artlab.harvard.edu.

The podcast is recorded in the Mead Production Lab at the ArtLab in Boston, Massachusetts.

Hosted by Bree Edwards
Audio by Luke Damroch
Production by Kat Nakaji
Research by Sadie Trichler & Ria Cuéllar-Koh

Design by James Blue & Sonia Ralston