Tulse Luper
Tulse Luper
The Tulse Luper film collection chronicles the life of writer Tulse Luper, who is repeatedly imprisoned throughout the 20th century. Using evidence from 92 suitcases found worldwide, the films reconstruct his life and explore themes of confinement and artistic expression. Combining history, mystery, and drama, the films examine political and social realities of the 20th century and their impact on Luper. With meticulous research and creative storytelling, the series raises questions about freedom and the power of art. Stunning visuals and powerful performances transport viewers to different eras, offering a captivating and thoughtful exploration of global issues and the human experience.

The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 1: The Moab Story (2003)

24 May, 2003
The first of three parts, we follow Tulse Luper in three distinct episodes: as a child during the first World War, as an explorer in Mormon Utah, and as a writer in Belgium during the rise of fascism. Packed with stylistic flourishes, it's a dense, comic study of 20th century history, revolving around the contents of one man's suitcases. The Tulse Luper Suitcases reconstructs the life of Tulse Luper, a professional writer and project-maker, caught up in a life of prisons. He was born in 1911 in Newport, South Wales and presumably last heard of in 1989. His life is reconstructed from the evidence of 92 suitcases found around the world—92 being the atomic number of the element Uranium. The project by Peter Greenaway includes three feature films, a TV series, 92 DVDs, CD-ROMs, and books.

The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 2: Vaux to the Sea (2004)

09 February, 2004
The second of three parts, we follow Tulse Luper as he works in a cinema, which gives him ample opportunity to cross paths with virtually every artistic device and dramatic character known to man. The Tulse Luper Suitcases reconstructs the life of Tulse Luper, a professional writer and project-maker, caught up in a life of prisons. He was born in 1911 in Newport, South Wales and presumably last heard of in 1989. His life is reconstructed from the evidence of 92 suitcases found around the world—92 being the atomic number of the element Uranium. The project by Peter Greenaway includes three feature films, a TV series, 92 DVDs, CD-ROMs, and books.

The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 3: From Sark to the Finish (2004)

06 September, 2004
The third of three parts, we follow Tulse Luper as he continues his adventures as a professional prisoner during the later years of the Second World War and its aftermath, the Cold War. The Tulse Luper Suitcases reconstructs the life of Tulse Luper, a professional writer and project-maker, caught up in a life of prisons. He was born in 1911 in Newport, South Wales and presumably last heard of in 1989. His life is reconstructed from the evidence of 92 suitcases found around the world—92 being the atomic number of the element Uranium. The project by Peter Greenaway includes three feature films, a TV series, 92 DVDs, CD-ROMs, and books.

A Life in Suitcases (2005)

20 October, 2005
Follows Tulse Luper as he is swept into the ill-fortuned tides of the 20th century and forced to spend his life in a succession of imprisonments.

The Tulse Luper Suitcases: Antwerp (2003)

31 August, 2003
The Tulse Luper Suitcases: Antwerp continues telling the picaresque adventures through the world of multi-disciplinary artist and professional prisoner Tulse Luper. This movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival as a separate title located between the first and the second part of Peter Greenanway's Tulse Luper Trilogy.