Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button
Jul 04, 2026 · 11h
Director
Ai WeiweiOverview
Fifteen years ago, Ai Weiwei was secretly detained without any formal charges by Public Security in China. For 81 days, he lived in a single cell, eating his meals, washing and exercising between interrogations. Now Ai Weiwei presents Sewing a Button – a day-long live performance work re-enacting this brutal, life-changing experience. Sewing a Button condenses the artist's detention into 24 hours, inviting audiences to bear witness to his experience live at Manchester's Aviva Studios. In a re-creation of his cell, he will sleep, eat, write and wash – sometimes, he will be interrogated. Unsettling and provocative, Sewing a Button exposes the fragility of personal freedoms in today’s uncertain world.
Cast of Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button
Crew of Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button
About Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button
What is Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button about?
Fifteen years ago, Ai Weiwei was secretly detained without any formal charges by Public Security in China. For 81 days, he lived in a single cell, eating his meals, washing and exercising between interrogations. Now Ai Weiwei presents Sewing a Button – a day-long live performance work re-enacting this brutal, life-changing experience. Sewing a Button condenses the artist's detention into 24…
When was Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button released?
Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button was released on July 4, 2026.
How long is Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button?
Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button runs 11 hours (660 minutes).
Who directed Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button?
Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button was directed by Ai Weiwei.
Who is in the cast of Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button?
The cast of Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button includes Ai Weiwei (Self).