This Cultural Life Folgen

Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta talks to John Wilson about some of the key moments of his cultural life. He discusses the influence of his father, his early love of breakdancing in the streets of Havana and the devastating effects of on life in Cuba after the collapse of Communism around the world. He also recalls his breakthrough moment winning the prestigious Prix de Lausanne ballet competition at the age of 16 and becoming the first black principal dancer of the Royal Ballet.Producer: Edwina Pitman

Film-maker Mike Leigh talks to John Wilson about his cultural influences and some of the moments that have had an impact on his creative life. He reveals how a life-drawing class at art college proved to be a formative influence on his later film-making career. He also discusses the influence of 1960s world cinema, particularly the French new wave, and explores in detail his unique process of film-making in which actors develop their roles through improvisation.Producer: Edwina Pitman

Artist Tracey Emin talks openly and honestly to John Wilson about her controversial career and her life, including her experiences of cancer and abortion. She reveals some of the deeply personal aspects of her life that have shaped her work and chooses the moments that have had a profound effect on her art including the extraordinary effect that a painting by Mark Rothko had on her as a young woman, and her friendship with David Bowie.Producer: Edwina Pitman