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NYU Skirball is set to commence its Winter/Spring 2025 season on January 9, with the world premiere of Show/Boat: A River. This innovative reinterpretation of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s celebrated 1927 musical, Show Boat, is crafted by the award-winning Target Margin Theater and aligns with the 2025 Under the Radar Festival. The season will feature a North American debut directed by the eminent Robert Wilson, showcasing French actress Isabelle Huppert, culminating with a unique May Day choral composition by Ethan Philbrick that includes a diverse range of singers and artists.
This spring’s offerings underscore NYU Skirball’s commitment to presenting bold, multidisciplinary works that stimulate, challenge, and entertain. Embracing avant-garde creators, the venue showcases productions that blend and redefine artistic boundaries. Noteworthy artists scheduled to present this spring include Austrian performance artist Florentina Holzinger, Polish installation artist Łukasz Twarkowski, Ireland’s Brokentalkers Theatre, feminist comedian Adrienne Truscott, and Canadian choreographer Daniel Léveillé, all reflecting James Baldwin’s belief that artists are meant to “disturb the peace.”
Target Margin Theater: SHOW/BOAT: RIVER
World Premiere
Thursday, January 9 – Sunday, January 26
U.S. • Theatre
Target Margin Theater will deliver a world premiere production of Show/Boat: A River — a bold reimagining of the original musical. This contemporary version of the 1927 classic confronts significant themes of our history, encouraging audiences to reflect on the past while envisioning an inclusive future.
Directed by Founding Artistic Director David Herskovits, this production is part of a partnership with the Under The Radar Festival. Show Boat explores historical narratives of racism and the pursuit of justice in America, chronicling transformations from the 1880s through the Jazz Age.
FLORENTINA HOLZINGER: TANZ
North American Premiere
Thursday, February 13 – Saturday, February 15
Austria/Germany • Dance
Returning to NYU Skirball, Florentina Holzinger presents the North American premiere of TANZ (2019), the final piece in her trilogy. This work centers on a ballet class led by Beatrice Cordua, who famously performed Le sacre de printemps in the nude, exploring themes of female empowerment and mastery of the body.
Robert Wilson: MARY SAID WHAT SHE SAID
North American Premiere
Thursday, February 27 – Sunday, March 2
U.S./France • Theatre
Isabelle Huppert stars in this compelling piece directed by the visionary Robert Wilson. Mary Said What She Said delves into the plight of Mary Stuart, whose intense passions had monumental consequences. This work intertwines personal and political themes with a score by Ludovico Einaudi, further enhancing its dramatic impact.
INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE: Composing While Black
U.S. • Music
Saturday, March 22
The International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) will collaborate with members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) for a groundbreaking performance that blends composition and improvisation, highlighting the perspectives and voices of influential African American musicians.
BROKENTALKERS & Adrienne Truscott: MASTERCLASS
U.S. Premiere
Friday, March 28 & Saturday, March 29
Ireland/USA • Theatre
This collaboration scrutinizes themes of privilege and power through a comedic lens. MASTERCLASS utilizes a mock interview format to explore inequalities within the arts, earning acclaim for its clever social commentary while revealing fundamental truths.
Reggie Wilson: THE RECLAMATION
World Premiere
Friday, April 4 & Saturday, April 5
USA • Dance
Choreographer Reggie Wilson’s new work reexamines his earlier creations, offering insights into personal growth and resilience during tumultuous times. This exploration probes the importance of reclamation in the dance community as a means of navigating contemporary challenges.
DANIEL LÉVEILLÉ DANCE: AMOUR, ACIDE ET NOIX
Canada • Dance
Friday, April 11 & Saturday, April 12
Through the remounting of this evocative piece, Daniel Léveillé’s work reflects on human connections, intimacy, and the raw essence of the body, confronting notions of vulnerability in art.
SEÁN CURRAN COMPANY: PATH and EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME
World Premiere
Friday, April 18 & Saturday, April 19
U.S. • Dance
Making its NYU Skirball debut, this double feature includes an exploration of the Camino de Santiago, interwoven with themes of spirituality and nature, reflecting the journey of self-discovery through dance.
ETHAN PHILBRICK: THE CONQUEST OF BREAD
World Premiere
Wednesday, May 1
USA • Music
This special choral performance takes inspiration from Peter Kropotkin’s critique of capitalism, featuring a diverse ensemble in a musical exploration of social justice and equity, resonating profoundly within today’s societal context.
Tickets for NYU Skirball members will be available starting at noon on October 16, and general ticket sales will commence at noon on November 1. For detailed scheduling, dates, and times, visit www.nyuskirball.org. Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office, or by phone. Located at 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square in New York, NYU Skirball continues to be a destination for innovative performances.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com