Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—what do these foundational ideals mean in a 21st century context? In a range of new works and contemporary reinterpretations, the artists featured in our America Unfinished season will illuminate our ongoing struggle to fulfill the promises made by our nation's founders 250 years ago. How do these principles resonate in the America of today, and what do they reveal about our evolving democracy? Join us as an exciting collective of American artists reflect on this pivotal moment in our country’s legacy.
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Mark Morris Dance Group
Dances to American Music: Soul of America Sep 26-27 A vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of American music and dance with works set to icons including Samuel Barber and George Gershwin. |
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Plays in Progress
New York Stage and Film Oct 2-5 This “quietly influential incubator of new plays and musicals” (The New York Times) offers early readings of works by Colm Summers and C.A. Johnson. |
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Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O'Farrill
Shadow Cities Nov 14-15 A world premiere, Shadow Cities honors our nation's rich history of immigration, exploring the profound and nuanced experience of feeling in-between multiple cultures and identities. |
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Dance Theatre of Harlem
Jan 16-18 Founded during the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem is a groundbreaking company that champions Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone. |
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Ruckus with Davóne Tines
What is Your Hand in This? Jan 29 Highlighting perseverance and human connection, this concert journey revisits and amplifies the underground voices that were the first to reckon with America's contradictions. |
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Johnny Gandelsman
This is America Feb 14-15 "A new vision for American classical music… This Is America stirs feelings about our country that are almost hard to recognize: pride, hope, and the simple relief of consensus reality." (Pitchfork) |
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Alarm Will Sound with Bora Yoon
American Stories Mar 13 A program of diverse works by contemporary composers, American Stories delves into the shifting perspectives and identities that continually shape our nation. |
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Rennie Harris Puremovement
Losing My Religion Mar 20-21 A powerful world premiere, Losing My Religion fuses street dance, visual art and the poignant reflections of Rennie Harris to abstractly examine our nation’s cycle of injustice. |
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Delbert Anderson Quartet
Apr 26 A world premiere, Delbert Anderson’s Beyond Belief is a three-part reflection on the broken relationship between the Navajo Nation and America. |
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Martha Graham Dance Company
May 29-30 The oldest modern dance company in America, Martha Graham’s visionary approach and innovative physical vocabulary have revolutionized the art form worldwide. |
Rennie Harris in Residence has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tommie-Waheed Evans’ in case of fire, speak, performed by Martha Graham Dance Company, is a co-commission of Penn Live Arts and ArtPhilly as part of the What Now: 2026 Festival.
New York Stage and Film, Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O'Farrill, Rennie Harris Puremovement and Martha Graham Dance Company performances are made possible in part with support provided by the Penn Live Arts Accelerator Program.
