Penn Live Arts: 22/23 Season

Dance Theatre of Harlem photo, 22/23 Season: Celebrating our 50th Anniversary

A Legacy of Innovation

In 1971, the Annenberg Center opened as a gift to Penn and Philadelphia, aiming to promote innovation in the performing arts. Now, over 50 years later, we joyously reflect on our legacy, the thousands of artists that enlivened our stages and the millions of people brought together by the transformational power of live performance. It’s a history we are incredibly proud of, one that championed icons and rising stars, amplified diverse voices and illuminated adventuresome perspectives on our world. As we celebrate, we look back and forward in the same moment, seeing our past reflected in the vision for our future, our next 50 years and beyond.

A Year of Celebration

World and Philadelphia premieres, local debuts, commissioned works and amazing artists from around the globe – it’s a 22/23 season befitting this major milestone.

For five decades, our renowned dance series has brought the very best to our city, and this year is no exception, with some of the world’s greatest companies and most extraordinary choreographers. Rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin serves as our Artistic Advisor for Alice & John: A Coltrane Festival, exploring the immense impact this iconic duo had on American music. We further our commitment to elevating Black storytelling in two significant residencies: the legendary Negro Ensemble Company, featuring a one-act play festival and a world premiere theatrical work, and Philadelphia’s brilliant hip hop choreographer, Rennie Harris. Our new ListenHear series profiles important contemporary musical voices, and the inaugural year of our Accelerator Program formalizes our investment in our artists and their future, offering the resources to finish new works and bring them to our stage for Philadelphia audiences to enjoy first.

Further cementing our role as a catalyst for innovation, diverse artistry and meaningful experiences, it’s a 50th anniversary for the record books. Delayed by a year due to the pandemic, our 22/23 celebratory season is well worth the wait.

Come celebrate with us

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Terence Blanchard photo, Subscriptions now to save up to 35%

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